Miller added that brokers have historically benefitted from the complex, opaque nature of commercial insurance, which prompts few small- to medium-sized businesses to review their policies and consider more appropriate or better-priced coverage. As technology emerges to bridge that gap in education, however, brokers may receive some pushback on the value of their service model. “I think what brokers haven’t really done is empower the customer,” Miller said. “They’ve created a role where they’re absolutely critical to the customer instead of allowing them to take ownership of their own risk management through tools, resources and expertise, providing guidance where they need it.”

http://www.ibamag.com/news/insurance-agents-at-risk-of-losing-key-customer-base-tech-startup-founder-says-37894.aspx