The MGA Tech Gap: A 2026 Strategy Guide for Modernizing Distribution

The MGA world runs fast — new risks, new products, new carrier expectations. But there’s one thing that hasn’t evolved nearly as quickly: technology adoption. And that gap is starting to show.

For many MGAs, the conversation around tech modernization has always been something like: “We’ll get to it eventually.” But in 2026, “eventually” is turning into right now, especially as carriers tighten requirements, agents expect real-time responsiveness, and competitors automate core workflows.

This guide breaks down why legacy workflows hold MGAs back — and what a more modern distribution strategy should look like.

Legacy Systems Are Slowing Down the Entire Distribution Engine

Most MGAs still rely on platforms built 10, 15, sometimes 20 years ago — systems designed long before today’s submission volume, data requirements, compliance rules, and underwriting complexity.

Legacy stacks typically include:

• Aging policy admin systems

• Siloed CRM tools

• Outdated portals built for basic data entry

• Manual quoting workflows

• Limited API or integration capabilities

These systems weren’t built for:

• Real-time appetite visibility

• Digital submissions from retail agents

• Modern underwriting data enrichment

• Automated triage and routing

• High-volume quoting

• AI-based decision support

The result? Slower responses, harder agent onboarding, and more leakage to competitors who can quote faster.

Multiple Disconnected Platforms = Operational Drag

A typical MGA tech ecosystem looks like this:

• A quoting tool here

• A submission inbox there

• A CRM in another tab

• A homegrown policy admin system

• A separate document management tool

• A portal for brokers

• A portal for carriers

None of them talk to each other.

This means:

• Data is re-entered multiple times

• Producers and underwriters lose hours switching systems

• Agents experience submission friction

• Reporting is delayed or manually stitched together

When everything is disconnected, the MGA becomes reactive — not proactive — in its distribution strategy.

Manual Spreadsheets Are Becoming a Hidden Risk Exposure

Excel has been an MGA’s best friend for decades — appetite grids, broker lists, quoting worksheets, bordereaux reports, commission schedules.

But spreadsheets introduce:

• Version-control issues

• Human error

• Limited visibility for executives

• Data that can’t scale with growth

• No automation

As MGAs take on more carrier relationships, more complex programs, and higher submission volume, spreadsheets simply can’t keep up.

Minimal Automation Leads to Slower Growth & More Leakage

Automation isn’t about replacing underwriters — it’s about enabling them.

Without automation:

• Submissions pile up

• Retail agents get frustrated

• Quotes take longer

• Loss ratios suffer from inconsistent decisions

• Carrier partners lose confidence

• Growth slows because workflows can’t expand with demand

MGAs who automate intelligently are seeing:

• Faster response times

• Higher agent retention

• Better underwriting consistency

• More accurate reporting to carriers

• Improved profitability

So What Should MGAs Do? A Modernization Playbook for 2026

Here are the strategic steps MGAs should take to remain competitive:

Step 1: Map Your Distribution Workflow

Identify every step from submission → triage → underwriting → bind → back-office reporting.

You’ll quickly see where friction lives.

Step 2: Consolidate Tools Where It Makes Sense

One platform won’t solve everything, but fewer systems means:

• Less data redundancy

• Faster onboarding for new staff

• Easier reporting

• Cleaner workflows for retail agents

Step 3: Automate Decisional, Not Judgmental, Work

Examples MGAs can automate:

• Submission intake

• Appetite triage

• Class code identification

• Quote comparisons

• Basic communication workflows

• Document handling

Underwriters should spend time on judgment — not data entry.

Step 4: Give Agents a Smoother Digital Experience

Agents shouldn’t have to send 10 emails just to learn where a risk fits.

Provide:

• Easy appetite visibility

• Faster submission intake

• Real-time communication

• A clear path from quote → bind

A smoother agent experience equals more business placed through you.

Step 5: Modernize Reporting for Carriers

Carriers want:

• Real-time visibility

• Cleaner data

• Transparent performance metrics

Your ability to win and keep capacity depends heavily on these capabilities.

The Bottom Line

MGAs don’t need to become tech companies — but they do need to behave like modern distribution partners.

2026 will reward MGAs who:

• Build strong digital foundations

• Reduce manual workflows

• Improve data quality

• Support agents with modern tools

• Strengthen carrier relationships through transparency

The ones who don’t? They risk falling behind faster than ever before.