Reputation Matters: Why Independent Agencies Should Check A Network’s Industry Credentials

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

When choosing an insurance network, reputation matters as much as fees and carrier access. Recognition from trusted sources confirms a network’s credibility and value, as well as reflect excellence in areas such as carrier access, commissions, training, and support. Read below to learn more about how industry recognition can guide your decision and why it sets leading networks apart.

Reputation Matters: Why Independent Agencies Should Check A Network’s Industry Credentials

By Carol Drake, Senior Vice President, Personal Lines

Why You Should Pick A Network that Earns Respect

There’s a lot to consider when comparing insurance networks. Of course, you’ll carefully weigh fees, commissions, and the network’s carrier portfolio, but there’s one more factor that deserves careful attention: the network’s industry reputation and clout.

If you’re not sure about which insurance network to join, positive recognition from a trusted source may be exactly what you need to make a decision you won’t regret.

Some trusted organizations and industry journals recognize businesses that have earned a reputation of excellence. These lists are often updated each year to reflect current practices.

For example, Insurance Business America publishes an annual list of top-performing insurance networks and alliances in the U.S. Another example is Inc.’s Power Partners, a yearly ranking of high-caliber B2B companies that help entrepreneurs thrive.

Award lists can guide insurance agents toward networks that truly deserve their consideration.

• If a network is on a list – or even better, multiple lists – you have confirmation that other people in the industry believe the network offers value.
• If a network is not on any lists, ask yourself why. Is the network too small or new to have earned recognition? Or have issues with its reputation surfaced?

Proven Authority You Can Count On

Industry recognition tends to be based on strict criteria that make it easy to compare organizations in a fair and meaningful way.

No matter how methodical you are in your own research, it’s always good to check others’ experiences to ensure you choose a partner with strong industry standing and credibility.

Inc.’s Power Partners Awards

To earn recognition as a Power Partner, an organization must submit an application, along with a list of at least three clients who have used its products or services in the last year. Inc. sends each client a 10-question survey.

In addition to the client surveys, Inc. draws on ratings based on online sentiment and open-source data to determine whether the company deserves recognition as a Power Partner.

In 2024, 359 B2B companies earned the Power Partner award across a wide range of industries. One category focuses on B2B companies in the insurance industry.

The Insurance Business America All-Star List

To compile its All-Star lists, Insurance Business America asks agents to rate networks on a scale of 1 to 10 across 10 categories:

1. Availability of insurance companies and products
2. Commission structures and profit sharing
3. Access to specialized and non-traditional markets
4. Marketing and branding support
5. Training and professional development
6. Administrative assistance
7. Technology access
8. Business consulting services
9. Succession and perpetuation planning
10. Discounts from vendors

To achieve All-Star recognition, the network has to receive an average score of 8 or higher in all 10 categories.

What Matters Most to Agents?

In addition to identifying top-rated networks, the Insurance Business America’s 5-Star Networks and Alliances Special Report sheds light on what matters most to agents.

Over the last three years, agents have cited access to more insurance companies and products as a top benefit. There’s no surprise there. Many agents join networks primarily for carrier access, so it makes sense that this would be a top focus.

What’s surprising is that the importance of training and education increased significantly in 2025. In 2023, only 24% of agents cited training and education as a top benefit, slipping slightly to 15% in 2024. But by 2025, the figure had jumped to 70% of responding agencies.

According to the report, “Leading networks invest in development programs, empowering agents to leverage new tools and stay competitive.”

The report highlights the importance of strong carrier relationships and broad market access to help agents stay resilient during turbulent markets. It also underscores the role of consulting, administrative support and hands-on guidance to help agencies adapt, scale and solve problems.

How to Use Industry Validation When Selecting a Network

Insurance agents have no shortage of networks to choose from, but comparing them all can be time-consuming. Award lists offer a useful shortcut, helping you focus on networks with strong industry reputations and ensures you’re evaluating quality options. Once you have a list of recognized networks, you can apply additional criteria to make your final network selection.

Alternatively, if you already have a network in mind, you can use award lists to vet the network. If it has received positive industry recognition, that’s a good sign. If it hasn’t, you should think carefully about why it lacks proven authority.

The Respected, Recognized and Recommended Choice

Smart Choice is honored to be recognized as both a prestigious Inc. Power Partner and an Insurance Business America All-Star winner.

We’re proud of this validation by our peers and partners and view these awards as objective proof that we’re fulfilling our commitment to delivering top-notch agency support, carrier access, agent-friendly contracts, and industry-leading training and mentorship.

Since our founding in 1994, the Smart Choice network has grown to include more than 120 carriers and 10,000 independent agencies. There are many good reasons why we are a respected, recognized and recommended choice.

Download this Network Buying Guide to learn more.

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People Also Ask

Why does industry recognition matter when choosing an insurance network?

Industry recognition offers objective proof that a network has earned trust and credibility. It signals that other professionals have vetted its value, making it easier for agents to select reliable partners.

What types of awards should agencies look for when comparing networks?

Agencies should look for awards from respected organizations which rely on strict evaluation criteria and peer validation.

How do these awards benefit independent agencies?

Awards highlight networks that excel in carrier access, commissions, training, technology, and support services. This helps agencies identify partners who will provide the strongest foundation for growth and resilience.

What do agents value most in a network today?

While carrier access remains the top factor, training and education have surged in importance, with 70% of agencies in 2025 citing it as a key benefit. Networks that prioritize professional development are increasingly seen as leaders.

Why is Smart Choice considered a leading network?

Smart Choice has earned recognition as both an Inc. Power Partner and an Insurance Business America All-Star, reflecting its long-standing commitment to agent success.

With over 120 carriers and 10,000 agencies, it offers unmatched access, support, and industry-leading mentorship.