The numbers were compiled by Vincent McCabe Inc., an independent third-party consulting firm that specializes in financial and insurance research.

Kathy Weinheimer, senior vice president of industry relations and education for the IIABNY, based in DeWitt, N.Y., explained that work on the survey began a year ago after members indicated a desire for such information.

The Internet-based survey received 191 member responses from agency principals or agency leaders responsible for carrier relations during May and June of this year, said Ms. Weinheimer.

Respondents evaluated 31 different companies based on six questions. The respondents rated each company they dealt with on a scale of one (poor) to 10 (excellent). The companies were chosen based on discussions with agents and market research.

To be included in the final tally, a company had to receive more than 10 evaluations. Four were removed from the final result for receiving less than 10 responses.

The questions covered such issues as responsiveness and consistency; keeping its promises; relationship between company, agent and customers; technology; and commission payment.

While the regional carriers outscored super regional and national carriers on five questions, on the issue of technology and documentation ease of use, national carriers had a slight edge over super regional and regional carriers. National carriers came in with a score of 71.7, compared with super regionals at 70.8 and regional carriers at 69.7. The score was 71.2 for all carriers.

Ms. Weinheimer said this first survey will be used as a benchmark to weigh all future such surveys against. She said plans call for the survey to be produced at least three times a year. Questions may be expanded depending upon demand and need, she said.

“This is a good temperature gauge of what the agencies are feeling out there right now,” Ms. Weinheimer said.

While the summary results are available to the general public on the association's Web site (www.iiabny.org), individual company results are only available to members, Ms. Weinheimer said. She said agents can use the information to help form decisions on current or future relationships with carriers.

She said companies will be sent the results of the survey. If requested, IIABNY can furnish the company with greater detail of the results, such as agency size and regional information.