2025 was a significant year for me personally and for Deep Customer Connections (DCC). In spite of the challenges facing the insurance industry—weather events, AI, economic volatility—we saw that the independent distribution channel still plays a pivotal role in the success of carriers and agents alike. And DCC’s purpose remains consistent: to perpetuate strong relationships at every level.
We believe that the best services are local. Both consumers and carriers have always relied on independent agents to act as their consultants and advocates. Because the independent agent ultimately answers to the consumer, they are also the richest source of competitive intelligence to their carrier partners. Therefore, alignment between carriers and their distribution partners is paramount to mutual success.
Reflecting on this dynamic as we step into 2026, it became clear that we can strengthen the insurance industry further by serving a broader range of clients.
2026 Initiatives: Actionable Data and New Partnerships
Our foundation hasn’t changed—we still deliver strategic analytics and competitive benchmarking to carriers—but we also see other ways to use our system for broader, more impactful feedback.
Empowering Independent Agents and Brokers
One key initiative for the new year is working directly with more agents and brokers to identify carriers that truly want their business. We will deliver competitive metrics as well as carrier scorecards based on data collected from employees. DCC data gives the distributor leverage, whether to negotiate better terms or to shift business to carriers that align more closely with their own goals. That’s the kind of practical, actionable insight we’re building.
The Specialty/Alternative Risk Market and Beyond
While the traditional carrier-agent models remain a cornerstone, the growth of MGAs, Fronting Carriers, and Wholesalers represents a significant shift in how risk is managed and distributed. These organizations operate in a high-complexity environment where ‘ease of doing business’ is a critical competitive advantage. With minor customizations, these organizations can also leverage DCC analytics to provide better service to their brokers and make a real difference.
Ease of doing business isn’t confined to the P&C space; we see important applications across the financial services landscape, particularly within Life & Annuities. Any industry that relies on a healthy and efficient distribution network can benefit from DCC analytics.
Strategic Growth and Long-Term Partnership
In 2026 the P&C insurance landscape will continue to change, and we welcome partners who want to innovate and build strategies to drive organic growth. While we won’t lose sight of our core purpose, we are committed to innovating and helping our clients win.
We look for clients who value long-term partnerships. We act as an extension of your team, free from internal bias and company politics. Our goal is simple: provide unfiltered feedback and actionable data so you can see exactly where you stand against your competitors and create strategies that move you forward.
Key Take-Away
Since 2003, Deep Customer Connections has delivered benchmark studies and actionable insights to P&C insurance carriers. We keep refining our tools, validating our analysis, and evolving as the industry changes. We look forward to welcoming additional carriers, agency networks, brokers, specialty insurers, MGAs, wholesalers, and financial service organizations to the DCC community.
Here’s to an exciting 2026—and to helping our clients win more business.