A provider weighs in: the benefits of choosing an independent agent

In an industry as fast-paced and evolving as insurance, carriers always seek the best ways to serve their customers. That is why Berkley One is proud to work with independent agents, who are uniquely positioned to advise clients with sophisticated needs. It’s about helping to find solutions that work for each customer’s life and finding ways to reduce risk. The best way for us has been through building relationships with those who already have boots on the ground and compassion in their hearts. In short, we love our agents. Here, Sarah Mashek, SVP, Distribution, and Frances Brodeur, SVP, Field Underwriting, share why independent agents are crucial allies for carriers aiming to thrive in a competitive market.

According to Sarah Mashek, today’s high‑net‑worth clients expect solutions that are personal, nuanced, and fast. Independent agents make that possible by acting as the bridge between the client and the carrier. “Staying closely connected to the independent agent allows us to collaborate more effectively to provide the solutions our mutual clients expect,” she says.

“We’ve intentionally built a high‑quality network rather than the largest network. Deep partnership beats broad access when risks are complex.”

Independent agents help carriers understand the full picture: a client’s plans, their comfort with risk, and the long‑term context behind coverage decisions. That context is what keeps solutions aligned and clients confident.

Independent agents also occupy a uniquely dynamic role, something Frances Brodeur sees firsthand. “Agents operate almost like translators,” she explains. “They keep client needs and carrier capabilities aligned, and they know when to pivot if something isn’t the right fit.” Because many agents are deeply rooted in their communities, they naturally stay ahead of client needs. A conversation at a school event or neighborhood gathering might reveal a renovation, a new home purchase, or a major life change that requires updated coverage. “This business is personal at its core,” Frances says. “Community connection allows agents to anticipate needs rather than simply react to them.”

Access to multiple carriers is a core strength of the independent agent model. In Frances’s words: “No single carrier is the perfect fit for every situation. High‑net‑worth clients have complex, evolving needs, and strong market access allows agents to match the right client with the right solution — even when the risk is nuanced or unconventional.” This flexibility ensures clients get tailored answers, not one‑size‑fits‑all products. It also allows carriers to deliver their best work, especially in situations that demand specialized expertise.

Both Sarah and Frances emphasize that successful collaboration is built on communication and shared context.

“The best outcomes come when the carrier and agent commit to a common plan,” Sarah says. “That clarity lets expertise show up at the right moment with the right solutions.”

Frances adds that effective collaboration starts with genuine listening. “When either side stops listening, cracks form quickly. But when both invest in the relationship — openly communicating, supporting each other when things get tough — the client benefits from a united front and a much stronger outcome.”

Independent agents don’t just advocate for individual clients, they also help drive product and platform innovation.

“We treat agent feedback as a design input, not an afterthought,” Sarah explains. “Our Agent Portal, our flood product, our system user experiences — all were built with direct contributions from agents. We design to remove friction and bring something of real value to the market.”

This insight ensures tools evolve with the realities agents see daily, making service faster, easier, and more aligned with how clients actually live.

As the industry continues to evolve, both leaders agree that the provider–agent partnering remains essential. “In an ever-changing industry, longevity and stability matter,” Sarah notes. “We’re deliberate about where we grow, how we deploy our capacity, and how we show up in the market. Agents keep us close to what’s changing in clients’ lives and where the market is moving.”

Frances echoes the sentiment. “Independent agents are entrepreneurs at heart. They understand relationships, they stay curious, and they’re always adapting. When carriers and agents work together with that mindset, clients get the kind of durable, thoughtful solutions they deserve.”

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Berkley One is a Berkley Company and a provider of customizable insurance solutions for modern families. We can help you protect the things you love. Learn more about our insurance offerings—including solutions for homes, condos, rentals, autos including collector vehicles, liability, fine art, jewelry, collectibles, recreational marine and more here.