Personal lines carriers and their commercial lines counterparts have at least one thing in common when dealing with independent agents: It is absolutely critical for carriers to offer technology solutions that make it easy for agencies to do business.

Over the years, though, most independent agents have found that things move faster and easier on the personal lines side. But that has led to more personal lines business going to the direct carriers—eliminating agents from the equation.

Today, more focus is returning to the business of commercial lines and how carriers and agents can help each other overcome issues that challenge their business. Carriers have to deal with a soft market that forces them into difficult underwriting decisions, while agents face cost uncertainties that arise from the often laborious task of processing complicated policies.