Agents Are Choosing Carriers That Automate Submissions Say Findings in 2026 Insurance Agency-Carrier Connectivity Trends Survey Report

Agents Are Choosing Carriers That Automate Submissions Say Findings in 2026 Insurance Agency-Carrier Connectivity Trends Survey Report

August 26, 2026

2026 Connectivity Report reveals submission automation, not commission, is now driving where agents place business

Chicago, IL. - August 26, 2026 - Applied Systems® today announced the findings of its 2026 Insurance Agency-Carrier Connectivity Trends survey report, revealing that friction in the submissions process has become the primary factor determining where independent agents place business, outweighing product and price for the first time.

Key findings include:

• 90% of agents have reduced business with a carrier due to friction around submissions, and re-keying risk data into multiple carrier portals is the top pain point, cited by 74% of respondents.
• Commercial submission automation is the #1 capability agents want from carriers at 79%, followed by real-time AMS data upload (61%) and automated claims loss-run delivery (44%).
• 76% of agents said digital submissions and policy servicing experiences matters more than commission, with easy quoting and submission (86%) and speed to bind and issue (75%) ranked as the top digital experience outcomes.
• Commercial lines-heavy agencies face a more acute version of the problem, re-keying data at a rate of 70% versus 62% across personal lines-focused agencies, and relying far more on email (49%) than dedicated submission capture software (7%).

"This year's survey findings confirm that our technology investments are focused exactly where agents say the value lives: experiences that make working with carriers easier," said Michael Streit, president, Applied Systems Carrier. "We continue to invest heavily in removing friction for agencies and carriers alike, and more carriers are getting on board every day."

The 2026 Connectivity Survey was completed by 702 independent agents between April and May 2026. Respondents voluntarily participated in an online survey covering digital connectivity preferences, workflow pain points, and technology use. The report incorporates nine-year trend data, Ivans Exchange platform data, and executive advisory council interviews.

View the full Annual Agency-Carrier Connectivity Report.

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About Applied Systems

Applied Systems is the current that connects the insurance value chain. As the world's largest provider of insurance software, Applied connects agencies, brokers, and carriers across the global flow of risk, orchestrating data, intelligence, and action at every connection. As those connections multiply, value compounds - powering a smarter, faster, and more connected insurance industry that serves as a foundation for vibrant economies where more businesses, communities and dreams can move forward.