| Which insurance aggregators lead the market? The top five insurance aggregators in 2025 are FirstChoice (a MarshBerry Company), SIAA, Indium, Keystone Insurers Group, and ISU Steadfast Insurance Agency Network. For agents looking beyond aggregator models, Darkhorse offers a smarter alternative: a hybrid platform giving agents full carrier access and growth support while they keep their own brand. |
Most independent agents hit the same wall: limited carrier access, thin margins, and no real support system. The best insurance aggregators and agency networks can open more doors and give you a competitive edge. Whether you are learning how to start an independent insurance agency or reconsidering your current setup, your choice of partnership shapes everything. This guide cuts through the noise so you can find the option that actually works for you.
| Aggregators | Clusters | Franchise models | |
| What it is | A platform linking agents to multiple carriers through one system | A group of independent agencies pooling resources and market access | Operating under a recognized brand with systems and support already in place |
| Carrier access | Broad access via aggregator’s pre-negotiated relationships | Expanded access through combined group premium volume | Limited to franchisor-approved carriers and products |
| Agency ownership | Agent retains their book of business | Full ownership and control retained by each member | Retained, but operations governed by franchisor guidelines |
| Key benefit | Efficient market access without individual contracting | Collective buying power with individual autonomy | Brand recognition, training, and a tested business model |
| Main tradeoff | Commission split with aggregator | Membership fees vary; shared reputational standing | Ongoing royalties and limited operational flexibility |
| Best fit for | Newer agents needing fast market entry | Mid-sized agencies ready to grow beyond starter networks | Agents wanting structure and brand support from day one |
| Autonomy level | Moderate – carrier options shaped by the aggregator | High – members maintain an independent identity | Low – must follow brand and operational standards |
According to the Insurance Journal, the top agency partnerships span many models annually, including aggregators, clusters, and full franchise operations. These partnerships give you greater insurance carrier access and the kind of support that makes running your agency easier.
The list below is based on Insurance Journal’s reporting on top insurance agency partnerships.
| 2025 Rank | Last Year | Agency Partnership | 2024 Total P/C Revenue |
| 1 | 1 | FirstChoice, a MarshBerry Company | $2,667,207,836 |
| 2 | 2 | SIAA | $2,191,304,989 |
| 3 | 6 | Indium | $1,551,848,253 |
| 4 | 4 | Keystone Insurers Group LLC | $967,097,000 |
| 5 | 3 | ISU Steadfast Insurance Agency Network | $864,560,000 |
| 6 | 5 | Renaissance | $731,752,467 |
| 7 | 7 | The Agency Collective LLC | $591,534,165 |
| 8 | 8 | SecureRisk LLC | $542,000,000 |
| 9 | 8 | Ironpeak | $499,002,505 |
| 10 | NEW | Fortified | $468,750,000 |
| 11 | 10 | Combined Agents of America | $379,945,093 |
| 12 | 11 | Smart Choice | $279,434,000 |
| 13 | 12 | Pacific Interstate Insurance Brokers | $188,076,288 |
| 14 | 14 | GreatFlorida Insurance | $107,036,612 |
| 15 | 15 | Fiesta Insurance Franchise Corp. dba Fiesta Auto Insurance Center | $105,573,578 |
| 16 | 16 | Insurors Group LLC | $95,430,000 |
| 17 | NEW | Agents Alliance Services LLC | $48,310,088 |
| 18 | 18 | United Agencies | $46,609,085 |
| 19 | NEW | We Insure | $43,852,973 |
| 20 | 20 | SBMP Insurance Group | $41,663,169 |
If you’re ready to stop piecing things together and build your agency on a platform that actually supports your growth, Darkhorse is worth a closer look.
See How Darkhorse WorksThere’s an emerging type of agency partnership that blends the best features of traditional models. The hybrid model captures the strengths of aggregators and franchise systems alike. Darkhorse, for example, connects agents to a wide range of carriers and contracts, much like a typical independent insurance agent aggregator would.
Still, it goes further by adding franchise-level support such as training and marketing resources. As an insurance agency growth platform, it empowers agents to stay fully independent while equipping them with the direction and framework that drive real results. What they get is an adaptable approach that pairs autonomy with hands-on backing at every stage of building their book.
Unlike conventional insurance business models, the Darkhorse hybrid approach sets itself apart by delivering a complete, ready-to-use infrastructure that covers insurance agency technology, phone systems, IT support, and beyond. With everything housed in a single platform, agents can manage their day-to-day admin and paperwork without friction, freeing them up to concentrate on building and expanding their business.
Beyond that, teaming up with Darkhorse delivers several important advantages for agents.
With aggregator perks and franchise-level backing, agents can stay competitive and succeed using the tools and support they need.
Between 2023 and 2028, the global insurance market is projected to expand by roughly one trillion U.S. dollars, pushing its total value to nearly 10 trillion. Amid this strong growth, the United States has established itself as the leading country for direct premium writing, recording the highest written premium value anywhere in the world as of 2023.
For independent agents, teaming up with a dependable partner who brings solid support and resources to the table makes all the difference. The right partnership lets you take on more clients, sharpen what you offer, and hold your ground as the market keeps shifting.
The way agents run their businesses is shifting. Here are the major changes to consider when choosing an insurance network partnership.
| How do you choose the right insurance aggregator or partnership? To find the right fit, you must evaluate the fee structures, market presence, and growth opportunities that align with your agency’s goals. You should also prioritize partners offering robust support services and turnkey infrastructure to help you scale your business efficiently. |
When picking an insurance aggregator or partnership, keep these in mind:
See how other independent agents are growing faster with the right partnership behind them.
Explore the Darkhorse ModelAggregators link independent agents to multiple markets through a single system, simplifying access for insurance carriers without the hassle of individual contracts. They use collective buying power to secure higher commissions and provide shared technology or administrative resources.
Aggregators focus on pooling premiums for better carrier terms through a transactional, often national, platform. Clusters are typically regional alliances in which agencies share marketing and training while maintaining their unique brand identities.
Ownership depends on your contract, as some networks may limit your control over client files or renewals. Choose a partner that explicitly guarantees you retain full rights to your insurance book of business if you leave.
Aggregators secure higher commission rates and profit-sharing bonuses by combining the premium volume of all members. They also offer turnkey infrastructure, as IT support, so agents can focus entirely on selling.
Modern platforms provide all-in-one technology suites, including phone systems and seamless paperwork processing. These tools help agents handle administrative tasks efficiently and stay competitive in a fast-growing global market.
Requirements vary, but many top networks look for agents ready to use world-class mentorship and established carrier relationships. This support helps agents launch a commercial book of business in under weeks.
Choosing the best insurance aggregators or other agency partnerships can greatly impact your business’s success. Different options offer various benefits like lower fees, better support, and growth opportunities. It’s important to compare these factors to find what fits best with your goals. If you want the advantages of contracts and premium aggregation along with the support of a franchise model, consider becoming a Darkhorse partner. This option provides a complete platform and excellent support to help your business grow and succeed.
Dan Garzella is the Founder of Darkhorse Insurance Brokers and a former top-five Farmers Insurance agent nationwide, ranking in the top 0.5% of more than 15,000 agents. He built the Garzella Group into a $40 million brokerage from scratch before launching Darkhorse in 2022. Today, he helps independent agents across all 50 states launch, scale, and compete using the same system that got him there.