When I started covering the independent agency beat for NU back in 1981, there was a lot of talk about agents going the way of the milkman or the buggy-whip maker. I didn't believe that back then—and I still don't anticipate seeing agents disappear anytime soon.
But that isn't to say agents don't have to work a lot harder these days to secure their role in the distribution chain, in terms of convincing both their carriers and customers about the added value they bring to the table.
There are already many consumers buying personal lines direct from carriers via the Internet. And while few business owners purchase their commercial coverage today without having an independent agent or broker serve as an intermediary, that could change in the not-so-distant future, as a number of insurers are at least starting to consider that option, while some have already taken the plunge.
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