Depending on which way premiums are headed and how quickly (and effectively) claims are being handled, insurance buyers always seem to either love or hate their brokers.

This perhaps is caused, at least to some extent, by the fact that most insurance buyers don't have a choice about using an agent or broker. Businesses typically cannot approach insurance companies directly, primarily because of state licensing requirements.

They usually have to use an intermediary who is licensed to do business in their home state to market, place, and manage the insurance products they use.