As the clock ticks down to the wire, insurance professionals across the U.S. are being urged to make their voices heard in a pivotal industry survey that’s shaping the future of wholesale partnerships. With entries closing next week for Insurance Business America’s 5-Star Wholesale Brokers and MGAs 2026, this is the last call to rate your Managing General Agents (MGAs) and help crown the standouts driving excellence in a competitive market.
Launched earlier this fall, the eighth annual survey invites producers to evaluate their MGA and wholesale partners based on real-world performance over the past 12 months. From razor-sharp underwriting expertise that turns complex risks into seamless placements to lightning-fast claims support that keeps clients calm in crises, your feedback highlights the unsung heroes of the back-end. Innovation in digital tools, competitive compensation structures, and responsive service—it’s all on the table. “This isn’t just about stars; it’s about spotlighting the MGAs raising the bar for everyone,” says Insurance Business America editor-in-chief, underscoring how past winners like Amwins and RT Specialty have used the recognition to refine their offerings.
The stakes feel personal in 2025’s volatile landscape. With natural disasters spiking claims volumes by 25% year-over-year and cyber threats evolving faster than regulations, producers are leaning harder on MGAs for agility and reliability. Last year’s survey, which drew over 1,200 responses, revealed trends like a surge in ESG-focused underwriting and AI-driven risk assessment—insights that MGAs say directly informed their 2025 strategies. Yet, challenges persist: Respondents flagged delays in binding authority renewals and gaps in specialty lines like D&O for nonprofits as pain points. By rating now, you’re not just nominating; you’re guiding improvements that could streamline your own workflows.
Public reactions from industry forums and LinkedIn pulse with urgency. “Finally, a chance to shout out the partners who make tough markets bearable,” posted one Midwest broker, while a California excess specialist lamented, “Missed last year—won’t let my top MGA go unrecognized again.” Experts like those from the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers emphasize the survey’s ripple effect: 5-Star honorees often see a 15-20% uptick in broker inquiries, boosting capacity in underserved niches like habitational risks.
For U.S. readers in the trenches—whether you’re a retail agent in Florida battling hurricane exposures or a wholesaler in New York navigating liability mazes—this hits at the heart of daily grind. Economically, stronger MGA-broker ties could shave premiums by 10% through better risk selection, per IIABA data, easing the $50 billion annual hit from underinsured losses. Politically, as state regulators tighten E&S oversight, transparent ratings foster accountability amid pushes for federal flood reforms. Tech-wise, the survey spotlights MGAs pioneering blockchain for fraud detection, potentially cutting processing times by half and freeing up bandwidth for client growth.
Don’t let the deadline sneak up—head to the Insurance Business America site today to submit your ratings. It’s quick, anonymous, and impactful: Just 10-15 minutes could elevate the entire ecosystem. As one veteran underwriter quipped on X, “Rate them now, or regret it when the next storm hits and your go-to MGA is swamped.” The 2026 winners will be unveiled in early spring, but the real win? A more resilient industry, one honest review at a time.
*By Mark Smith*
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