Understand Your Agents

Each year, Channel Harvest pulses independent agents to find out: 1) what they think of the carriers with which they do business, and 2) their views on important marketplace issues. Agents across the United States are invited to complete the survey via email solicitations from Channel Harvest and from participating carriers. The survey is conducted online and distributed to agents via an email invitation. The survey instrument generally contains about 50 questions. We poll agency owners, producers and CSRs.

We conduct syndicated research of both personal lines and commercial lines agents. Participating carriers contribute to shaping the questionnaire. They invite some or all of their own agents to participate, and receive data from their cohort of agencies. Our unique research helps carriers build better partnerships with agents; and, they provide a chance to hear from agents with whom they don’t yet have a relationship. We drill down in specific areas so carriers can transact with, train and compensate their distribution partners more effectively. 

 We understand carriers — including some customers in our syndicate — conduct proprietary qualitative and/or quantitative research of their appointed agents. Channel Harvest provides a unique, third-party, objective lens to insight not available elsewhere. Carriers use our reports as a low-cost/high-value tool to confirm what they already may suspect about their appointed agents, or to gather insight into compelling subject areas not available elsewhere. 

 The cost is affordable and is tiered from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on a carrier’s number of appointed agencies. All participating companies can provide input on the survey questionnaire. Respondents receive a summary of the findings at no charge.  

 After the results are gathered, carriers receive the full data set so they can compare responses of their agency plant with the entire sample. They also receive a written report, summary slide deck and a customized report card that shows satisfaction scores of agents who selected them as their top carrier. 

 We’ve worked with dozens of regional, super-regional and national carriers — some writing multiple lines of business and others writing specific lines. Examples include Amerisure, CNA, EMC, Foremost, Grange, Hartford, Kemper, Liberty Mutual, Penn National, Safeco, Selective, State Auto and Travelers. 

"Independent agents are undergoing tremendous change. Channel Harvest is a tool that complements our research activities and helps us understand our agencies’ distribution needs.”
—  Lori Schoenenberger, Market Analyst, Amerisure

“Channel Harvest’s study of independent agents strikes the right balance between baseline information and actionable insights so that we can anticipate and capitalize on industry trends.”

 — JoAnna Carey, Market Research Director, Foremost Insurance

"The Channel Harvest survey results have been a gift that keeps on giving. We’ve had great conversations with the PL leadership team, the Agent Experience Committee, and focused conversations with Marketing, State Management, Technology, Underwriting and Sales. This is driving conversations in several areas.”

 — Laura Glaser, Strategic Initiatives Consultant, Personal Lines, The Hanover Insurance Group