1-800-INSURANCE announced a partnership initiative designed to connect MGAs and specialty program distributors with qualified shoppers seeking coverage that standard agencies often lack appetite to write.
Personalization meets specialty distribution
As 88% of insurance customers demand more personalization from providers yet 21% say providers don't tailor experiences at all, according to Accenture research, specialty programs face unique challenges: they require custom scripting, specific underwriting criteria, and appointed agency networks capable of binding niche coverage.
"Shoppers call 1-800-INSURANCE for all types of coverage—from standard P&C to hard-to-place specialty lines," said Greg Patnod, co-founder of 1-800-INSURANCE. "We work with MGAs to script intake questions that qualify shoppers for program eligibility before routing to appointed agencies with the right authority."
Routing infrastructure for hard-to-place coverage
The platform supports specialty programs across multiple categories:
- Flood and earthquake coverage
- Commercial specialty (cyber, E&O, D&O)
- Surplus lines and non-admitted markets
- Program business (HOAs, contractors, specialized industries)
- Niche personal lines (high-value homes, classic autos, jewelry)
- Specialty commercial (cannabis, transportation, hospitality)
MGA partners configure routing logic by program guidelines, appetite, and geographic availability. When a shopper calls seeking coverage that matches an appointed agency's program authority, the system introduces the program by name and explains the referral before connecting the call.
Solving producer awareness and geographic gaps
Limited producer awareness and inconsistent messaging pose ongoing challenges for specialty program distribution. The partnership model addresses both: shoppers calling a nationally recognized number receive consistent messaging about program benefits and limitations, while appointed agencies gain access to qualified inquiries they wouldn't capture through traditional marketing.
"We route based on coverage type and appointed agency authority," Patnod explained. "If we receive inquiries outside a program's scope, we refer shoppers to other network partners or general agencies. MGAs only receive calls for the lines they specify."
Co-marketing amplifies program reach
Beyond call routing, MGA partnerships include directory profiles for appointed agencies, co-marketing opportunities to amplify program awareness, and a coming-soon partner dashboard showing call volume, routing outcomes, and conversion metrics by appointed agency.
"This helps MGAs identify top performers, adjust territory strategy, and optimize program distribution over time," Patnod noted.
MGAs and specialty program distributors interested in partnership opportunities can contact the team at partnerships@1800insurance.com or learn more at join1800insurance.com/solutions/specialty.