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Agents cut carrier business due to submission friction and re-keying risk
Applied Systems data shows 90% of agents reduced placements tied to submission friction, and commercial-heavy shops report a higher 70% re-keying rate versus 62% in personal lines.
Friction in the insurance submissions process has become a bigger driver of carrier selection than product or price, according to Applied Systems, citing results from its 2026 Insurance Agency-Carrier Connectivity Trends survey.
The survey found 90% of independent agents have reduced business with a carrier because of submission friction, and re-keying risk data into multiple carrier portals was the top pain point, cited by 74% of respondents. Commercial submission automation was also the single most requested capability from carriers, at 79%, followed by real-time agency management system data upload at 61% and automated claims loss-run delivery at 44%.
Agents said the digital experience in submissions and policy servicing matters more than commission, with 76% ranking it higher, while easy quoting and submission were the top desired outcomes at 86% and speed to bind and issue at 75%. Commercial lines-focused agencies reported a more acute problem, with re-keying data at a 70% rate compared with 62% for personal lines-focused agencies.
Applied Systems president Michael Streit said the findings align with where the company has directed its technology investment, emphasizing that agents want experiences that make working with carriers easier, and the outlet noted that more carriers are adopting connectivity improvements over time. The survey also reflects a pattern Ivans has tracked across earlier connectivity reports, including heightened agent interest in automation for commercial submissions.