On Second Thought, Insurtech Next Insurance Thinks Agents Have a Role After All

Next Insurance has begun formally marketing a portal designed to help independent agents quickly quote and sell its policies. Next said the system, dubbed "Next for Agents," had been in beta testing since April 2019, though more than 3,000 agents are already using the platform, including some from BTIS, London Underwriters and First Connect Insurance. The insurtech startup focuses on commercial insurance for smaller businessowners, and its policies zero in on areas including general liability, professional liability and commercial auto insurance. As envisioned, independent agents can quickly quote and sell those policies now either through Next for Agents or through other independent agent platforms. Next CEO Guy Goldstein has previously argued that agents were no longer a necessary part of the equation if the buying process became automated, particularly for commercial lines. "If computers can give you exactly what you need, why use an agent?,"