The 3 Forces Shaping the Future of Insurance Agencies and Brokerages
By CB Insights & ACORD
September 2026
The insurance distribution model is evolving with AI.
However, the industry is not eyeing a fundamental business model change. Talent is, and will continue to be, the key strategic differentiator for insurance agencies and brokerages going forward. And for individual insurance agencies and brokerages, future success will increasingly depend on their ability to effectively combine scale with trusted advice and specialized expertise alongside intelligent automation.
In this report, CB Insights analyzes 125 companies tied to major insurance brokerages through M&A, investments, partnerships, and alumni relationships. To complement the framework analysis, the report includes directional findings from a survey conducted in collaboration with ACORD, reflecting direct perspective from insurance organizations. The results indicate how brokerage strategy is evolving in terms of acquisition, market specialization, AI partnerships, and more.