Become a Best
Practices Agency.

Start your journey to earn your place among the best of the best.


Overview.

Since 1993, the Best Practices Study has examined top-performing agencies across the country.  For these agencies, inclusion provides the prestigious status of being a “Best Practices Agency” and opens the doors to many benefits. 

The opportunity to be a part of the process takes place every three years, when the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting request agency nominations from state associations and company partners. There is no fee to participate, but the process, experience and information learned can be transformative. 

 

Understand the Process.



  • Agency nominations are accepted from carrier partners, state association and via self-nomination forms that provide references.
  • Nominated agencies are invited to participate.
  • Agencies that choose to participate submit detailed financial and operational information, which is scored and ranked objectively. Responses to management and industry-related questions are also requested. The nominated agencies must submit their data by a shared deadline. 
  • The top agencies in the six revenue categories are included, notified and deemed “Best Practices Agencies.” Participants will be selected and notified by Reagan Consulting.
  • The Best Practices Agency names will be announced to the industry in September of the cycle year. Congratulations to our 2024 Agencies.
  • The results are released annually. The next cycle will include 2025, 2026 and 2027 with the first release in the 3rd quarter of 2025.
  • To retain status, each agency must submit year-end results. There is no other commitment. 

  • Download and complete the free “Comparison Spreadsheet.” This workbook allows you to compare your most recently completed year-end results with the results obtained by the Best Practices Agencies, so you can calculate performance gaps. All information on the worksheet is found in the annual study.
  • Review the free on-demand webinars to understand more about Best Practices.
  • Purchase the current study for the narrative and details on how Best Practices Agencies achieved their results and the benchmark.
  • Find your local Big “I” state association and let them know you’d like to be nominated to participate.
  • Visit the Best Practices Gateway for a list of supporting company partners, program history and study archives.



why Best Practices?

Video: Best Practices Process Explained

The information provided is based on the previous cycle timeframe but remains helpful explaining the process.

Video: History & Impact

How did Best Practices begin and what’s been the impact on independent agencies?

Video: Agent Insight – How To Use

How can Best Practices help an independent insurance agency as a promotional and marketing tool?

Video: Agent Insight – Benefits

How does it benefit an independent insurance agency to go through the Best Practices process?

Video: Agent Insight – Education

What can be learned by going through the Best Practices process?

Success Story: Gillman Insurance

Problem Solvers – A Best Practices Agency Story.

Article: Why Invest the Time?

Considering the effort, why would an agency bother to do all this work?

Graphic: Characteristics of a Best Practices Agency

Common themes are seen in Best Practices Agencies.

Article: Agent Insight – Why?

VAST Agency shares why they are Big I Best Practices.

FAQ: Questions & Answers for an Agency Audience

You have questions? See if the answer is here.

The purpose of Best Practices research is to compile the operating statistics of the country’s leading agents and brokers and includes industry benchmarks related to operational information on growth, profitability, productivity and financial stability. 


Timeline At A Glance.

Become A Best Practices Agency.

2025 Best Practices Agency Announcement Coming in August!

August 2024 –
January 2025

Nomination process open. (NOW CLOSED)

February 2025

Nominated agencies invited. (INVITATIONS EMAILED FEBRUARY 12, 2025)

April 30, 2025

Participating agencies submit data by the above deadline.

June 2025

Best Practices Agencies selected and notified.

August 2025

Best Practices Agencies announced.

Q3 2025

2025 Best Practices Study results released.

January 2026

By invitation only. Exclusive Best Practices Symposium: Austin, Texas.

More from Best Practices.