Big “I” Agents Council for Technology | Partner Insight Report
The technology story inside the 2026 Agency Universe Study.
A focused look at a much larger study.
Every two years, the Big “I” Agency Universe Study asks independent agencies about their operations, staffing, growth, carrier relationships, and more. In 2026, 1,376 agencies took part. This report does not cover the full study. It isolates the findings on AI adoption, technology challenges, marketing investment, and what agencies want from their partners, using only the study’s published data.
Looking for the complete study?
Key technology signals.
AI adoption has tripled
Governance hasn’t kept pace.
Connectivity is still the top challenge.
Agencies want carriers to fix integration.
Marketing budgets are up, but support is uneven.
Inside the report
Adoption rates, use cases, barriers, and the technology challenges agencies rank highest.
Marketing investment, carrier technology priorities, how agencies win new business, and how they approach service.
The report closes with five actions the data points to for carriers and technology providers.
About the Agency Universe Study
The Agency Universe Study is conducted by Future One, a collaboration between the Big “I” and leading insurance carriers. Zeldis Research fielded the 2026 study in spring 2026. Every figure in this report comes directly from the study.
About ACT
The Agents Council for Technology brings independent agents, carriers, and technology providers together to improve how technology works across the independent agency system. ACT is a program of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.
The Most Comprehensive Study of Independent Agencies.
2026 Agency Universe Study.
For over 32 years, the Agency Universe Study has served as a benchmark for analyzing the independent insurance agency system.
The most comprehensive study of Independent Agencies, available in full or summary version.
Get the technology findings from the 2026 study.
Use the data to guide how you invest in, support, and work with independent agencies.