Book Roll Handbook

An agency’s value and livelihood rely on the expirations or active policies it manages. Since an independent agency represents multiple insurers, agencies refer to each segment of business as a “book of business.” This could encompass a single line of business, such as auto or homeowners, or all lines of business with a specific carrier. “Book rolls” occur when agents transfer a book of business from one carrier to another, or from one agency to another.

There are several reasons an agency may consider transferring a book of business from one carrier to another

• Carrier exit. The carrier may discontinue offering coverage in a particular area, stop offering a product, or terminate the agency’s contract.
• Carrier insolvency. The carrier may become insolvent or the carrier’s financial stability presents challenges. For example, a formerly A-rated carrier may slip to a B rating.
• Uncompetitive terms. The carrier’s rates, coverage or service may no longer meet the needs of the agency’s service standards or its customers.
• Declining business. The amount of coverage written with the existing carrier may shrink, making it harder to service the book effectively or to meet contingency agreement requirements.
• Strained relationships. A deteriorating relationship between the agency and the existing carrier could impact the ease of doing business.
• Strategic restructuring. The agency may limit the number of carriers it represents to maximize commission agreements and improve revenue.

Book rolls also include situations where an agency acquires business from another agency.

• Agency acquisition. When an agency purchases another agency, the acquiring agency must transfer the entire agency’s book. If policies are currently written through a carrier that the agency does not represent or a carrier that has left the market, the agent may not be able to secure contracts. In that case, the agent must transfer the book to another carrier.
• Purchased books of business. An agency may purchase a specific book of business from another agency. Examples could include an entire book, such as all personal lines, or part of a book, such as only homeowners policies.

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