Redditors say direct appointments are "difficult (not impossible) to get on your own" without a track record (source). These options publish low-barrier entry.
| Name | Type | Fees / requirements | Appointments / ownership | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Connect | aggregator | Zero onboarding fees, zero subscription fees | not published | [1] |
| Firefly Agency | aggregator | Upfront fee plus monthly fee (cost of comparative rater + management system); 90% commission split on all new business and renewals | Direct appointments with 12+ carriers | [1] [2] |
| Horizon Agency Systems | aggregator | $1,000 startup; $269/user/month standard ($259 for 2-5 users), $299/user/month advanced; no brokerage fee; 85% commission from policy one with fixed option to grow to 100% | Dedicated, Shared and Broker Assisted Access programs; per-carrier administration | [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] |
| Smart Choice | network | No joining, monthly, maintenance or exit fees; 70/30 split on program business, 100% after 'Leadership Level' cap | Agency keeps 100% ownership of book, renewals, expirations | [1] [2] |
| Big "I" Alliance Blue (formerly Big I Markets) | market access program | Free: no initial, monthly or termination fees; no production minimums (Big I membership required) | Agent owns expirations; sub-producer agreement | [1] [2] |
| Agents Alliance Services | aggregator | not published | Agency owns 100% of agency, book, brand | [1] |
| Pathpoint | digital wholesaler | not published | Sign up online | [1] |
| Coterie Insurance | MGA | not published | Sign up online | [1] |
| Neptune Flood | MGA | not published | Sign up online | [1] |
Weekly notes on agent networks, aggregators, wholesalers and MGAs: fees, contract terms and market access changes.
Facts are taken from the cited sources and can change. Always read the actual contract.