Best Insurance MGAs in the UK |
Brokers on MGAs

Managing General Agents (MGAs) in the UK have transformed from occasional placement options into critical partners for brokers and insurers. Once used primarily to fill niche underwriting gaps, MGAs now sit at the heart of many brokers’ strategic placement decisions. This evolution is underpinned by several forces: faster speed to market, specialist underwriting expertise, and operational flexibility beyond the reach of traditional insurers.

The MGA model is agile, scalable, and increasingly central to market function. As Tim Quayle, CEO of OneAdvent, noted, "We’re now seeing more MGA opportunities than we’ve ever seen."

Michael Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA), reinforced this, “There isn’t an MGA bubble to be burst. It is recognised as a significant model of trading, both from an insurer capital perspective but also from a broker perspective.”

MGAs are broadly improving across the board, but a notable disconnect remains in high-priority areas like responsiveness and underwriting expertise. Closing these key gaps – particularly around communication speed and technical depth – will be crucial for MGAs aiming to maintain or grow their broker relationships in 2025 and beyond.

Drivers of growth in the MGA market

1. Reallocation of risk appetite 
Insurers are leveraging MGAs to explore new verticals and deploy capital with greater flexibility. 

2. Demand for bespoke solutions 
Brokers increasingly seek MGAs for unique, complex, or emerging risks that traditional carriers may avoid or be slow to underwrite. 

3. Nimble underwriting via technology 
Insurtech platforms, automation tools, and CRM integration are reducing turnaround times and enabling smarter risk segmentation. 

4. Private equity and M&A trends 
PE interest in the MGA space continues due to low capital requirements and high scalability. This fuels rapid growth, intense competition, and consolidation among mid-sized players.

The sector is the UK’s fastest growing, and the numbers are also probably greater than some industry insiders may assume, as the MGAA represents over £15.1 billion of underwriting capacity and more than 430 members

Why do brokers now see MGAs as integral to their performance?

“It’s the level of service, the underwriting expertise, the access to decision makers,” Keating adds. “I think the UK broker community would like to see that level of consistency, which MGAs have provided for the last three to four years to continue.”

Brokers also rely on MGAs more than ever because time is a luxury. Clients want quotes quickly or they may approach their broker at the last minute, meaning only the best MGAs are able to respond.

“That’s forensic understanding of what broker needs for its customer base can only lead to a flourishing relationship which allows the MGA to effectively deliver what those brokers and importantly what those brokers' customers require,” says Keating.

Insurance Business UK announces the best MGAs for 2025 in the UK, after brokers across the country rated the performance and service of their MGA partners over a range of criteria including ability to place niche or emerging risks, compensation, marketing support and overall responsiveness.

Biggest gaps to watch

• Responsiveness (-0.61): Brokers consistently rate this as a top priority, but MGAs are underdelivering. Improving response times is the clearest opportunity for MGAs to win broker trust.
   

• Technical expertise (-0.45): Still a sizable gap in 2025. Despite being the most important factor, brokers are not yet fully satisfied with MGAs’ capabilities.
   

• Niche risk placement (-0.42): MGAs remain slightly behind expectations in a space where brokers seek real differentiation.
   

📊 Steady or strong performance   

• Pricing (-0.18) and reputation (-0.36) show smaller, improving gaps, signalling that MGAs are catching up to broker expectations.
   

• Product range is nearly aligned, showing that breadth of offerings is stabilizing relative to importance.
   

✅ Areas where MGAs are meeting or exceeding expectations    

• Geographical reach (+0.09) and marketing support (+0.08): These were rated lower in importance but are now slightly exceeding expectations – potential areas of competitive advantage if strategically leveraged.
   

📈 Improving trends over time    

• Technology/automation and compensation both show gradual improvement in performance and are nearly aligned with broker expectations.
   

• The increased importance of marketing support and compensation across years reflects brokers' growing emphasis on value-added services and commercial terms. 
   

Brokers nationwide were high in praise for their MGA partners, who unlock new products and allow them to resolve issues for their clients.  

• “Nothing to improve upon, to be honest; excellent service levels and response times particularly on PI risks.”
   

• “Service is excellent from the team and their reputation in the niche area is likewise.”
   

• “They have never let us down and always excel in providing what we need.”
   

• “Sometimes the pricing is not as competitive as others, but the service and knowledge is always 100%.”

 

Choice sets itself apart through: 

• SLAs: Two-hour email response; two-ring phone policy 
   

• Agility: Weekly refinement meetings to streamline processes 
   

• Broker-centricity: “We can come to them knowing there’s not going to be any nasty surprises.” 
   

• Innovation: Launched tailored schemes for fitness instructors, aesthetic clinics and retail chemists 

It’s not difficult to define the firm’s success, as quite simply, it’s quintessentially tied to customer service to brokers.

Managing director Mark Williams says, “We’ve stuck with our customer service ethos and even improved on it. Some composite insurers have a week or more lead times on quotes, and I know one or two have 11 working days, so us coming back to brokers in an hour makes a massive difference.”

There’s an internal focus on ensuring the company inbox is always monitored and the firm’s underwriters are always refining things to ensure quicker turnarounds.

“Every week, we have a chat about what referrals we can remove, how we can get the systems to do a little bit more auto grading, and that keeps improving response times,” adds Williams.

Choice has also embraced innovation as it seeks to be more adaptable. The team has seen a direct correlation between their performance over the past 12 months and their focus on process development.

Chris Clacy, head of sales and marketing, says, “The market is tough at the moment, and we’ve built that resilience and sustainability for our brokers. They can come to us knowing there’s not going to be any nasty surprises.”
 

 

The firm’s dynamic approach has equipped them with the ability to handle the speed of change in several of the sectors in which it operates. This agility is why Choice remains ahead of the curve.

Its set-up means Choice can ‘lift and drop’ solutions for brokers and foster a closer working relationship. This is then combined with a depth of talent, which removes any potential bottlenecks because decisions don’t rest with a single person, further ensuring fast response times.

“If there’s a specific industry or sector that needs a bit more TLC because of the way we work, we’re able to adapt to that,” says Clacy. “What it’s allowed us to do in the last 12 months in particular is focus on strategic partnerships but also give us diversification.”

Choice is taking steps to introduce AI and is proceeding cautiously, but already has complexity ratings in its systems.

Choice has worked closely with SchemeServe and is one of a few MGAs the insurance software company has granted Wunderwriter status. Being so adept with the system removes the need for a back and forth with brokers.

“When we’re producing documents and the compliance stuff in the background, we get it right the first time,” says Clacy. “Combined with our service proposition and the fact there aren’t too many times we have to ask questions twice, that allows our partners in terms of closing business and focusing more on developing their business. We feel we’re quite an important cog in their strategic set-up.”

Breaking new ground

Brokers’ feedback is essential and Choice leverages it. The firm consults and aims to understand what could be improved upon.

“I’d much rather take criticism than praise, to be honest; it’s more useful,” says Williams.

Proving it responds to what it hears, Choice has developed several new schemes to meet specific industry needs that weren’t being catered for:   

• fitness instructors
   

• aesthetic clinics
   

• retail chemists

“The fitness one is designed around quick response and an easy question set so they can get cover if the client meets the criteria,” explains Williams. “For the chemists, it includes dispensing errors as they didn’t have really a central place to go. They were buying policies from all over the place for their dispensing liability and product liability. But we’ve merged that up into one product with one insurer.”
 

 

Choice embraces specialist markets as they allow the firm to better understand what brokers need and builds even stronger relationships both up and down the chain.

Choice’s commitment will continue as it looks to expand its offering and aims to do something new every six months at least. In the first half of 2025, the firm also added three new insurers.

“The aim for this year is to combine those insurers into a single panel and start writing larger risks, which our brokers are crying out for,” says Williams. “We’ve taken about two years to get here, but we now have agreement and can start writing larger risks across the panel, which is another add-on.”

This continuous ethos of improvement also extends to the sales and management side of the business. Choice is primed to go forward both in meeting regulatory requirements and exceeding client expectations, while several team members are in the process of completing their Certificates in Insurance, making them more knowledgeable in the sectors they trade in.

“Our commitment allows our brokers to know that one, we care about where we sit in the market, but equally, we care about them and supporting them,” says Clacy. “Our goal is to be the MGA of choice in the market.”

DUAL UK sets itself apart through: 

• Specialist hiring: Senior underwriters for energy efficiency, construction and natural resources 
   

• New offerings: Political risk, insolvency of travel suppliers and commercial combined for regional brokers 
   

• AI adoption: Balanced approach with a focus on accuracy, transparency and ethical use 
   

• ERICCA compliance exercise: Reinforces trust with brokers and carriers through risk controls 

Blending strategic hiring and market-led innovation continues to set DUAL apart across its 27 lines of business.

In a bid to deepen expertise and sharpen its offering, the firm brought on board eight seasoned specialists – each with a track record of product innovation tailored to evolving client demands.

This infusion of talent signals more than just growth; it underscores DUAL’s commitment to marrying technical proficiency with entrepreneurial agility. At a time when many insurers are grappling with how to adapt to rapidly shifting risk landscapes, DUAL’s proactive stance – embedding specialist knowledge at the product development level – is a compelling blueprint.

“We’re known for having some of the best experts in the market, and continuing to invest in our people will remain central to our strategy,” says Rob Corner, chief distribution officer. “As we continue to build out our specialisms, we believe it is important that our broker partners can benefit from our full range of propositions that our experts offer.”

DUAL has also responded to the demand for niche risks with its newly created Climate Risk & Resilience team, which has secured capacity for its Energy Efficiency Retrofit and Environmental Investment Protection products.

At the end of 2024, the firm also acquired IPP, a leading MGA in the travel sector, which provides cover against insolvency of travel operators or other related suppliers. It offers a range of products all geared towards financial failures, protecting travelling consumers against critical failures which lead to the insolvency or default of travel-related corporates.  

In addition, DUAL has secured capacity for a new Political Risks line of business, which incorporates cover for confiscation or nationalisation of overseas assets and non-payment insurance for cross-border loans.
 

 

“We have a new MD of the construction business who is launching several new products, including a Natural Resources line of business, which includes insurance for solar and wind farms, hydro plants and biomass plants,” says Corner. “The motivation for these products was that our experts spotted a gap in the market and, from conversations with brokers and other industry experts, realised that there was real appetite for these kinds of products, which would meet a need in the real world.” 

Brokers told IBUK that they rated DUAL’s range of products highly, reflecting the firm’s strong relationships with carrier partners. This enables DUAL to continue to launch new solutions into areas where brokers and its end customers really need them.

Corner adds, “One example of our product development is our Commercial Combined product, which we’re looking to launch in mid-2025, and where we’re concentrating on the £10k–£50k segment. We know there is a huge untapped market outside of London and we’ll be working with a targeted number of brokers to build solutions to respond to this gap.”

Tech has also become a central pillar for DUAL over the last year, to improve relationships with brokers and the user experience. They see it as supporting new growth opportunities, reducing complexity and risk while driving efficiency. Key areas of investment are in core services such as CRM, policy admin, pricing, claims and data. Complimentary technology, such as automation, data ingestion and data enrichment, is also being deployed. 

A number of AI capabilities are used to improve operational efficiency, accuracy and productivity. However, there is a strong internal belief that a balance must be found between creativity and control with respect to AI, along with being monitored so all use is ethical and responsible.

Even higher standards

DUAL undertook an Enterprise Risk, Internal Controls, Compliance and Assurance (ERICCA) exercise, giving a range of internal and external stakeholders greater confidence in their risk management processes, with clear and transparent risk controls in place.

By the end of 2024, the firm could positively attest to around 100 of the 130 required controls and created 30 control improvement plans for the remainder. Of those, 10 had already been closed out, leaving around 20 to complete, by the end of June 2025.

Corner says, “Our brokers need to know that we are holding ourselves to high standards and expectations, and we take precautions to ensure the quality of service and output is high.”

Other initiatives are also being pursued to drive organic growth, including targeted acquisitions of specialist MGAs and supercharging their regional commercial growth strategy. DUAL is building a plan to create a presence in Manchester, the midlands and the southwest, opening end-to-end trading branches, and working with selected brokers who are looking for a service-led, solution-orientated, expert underwriting partner. 

“We feel brokers and their clients are looking increasingly for more bespoke, tailored solutions underpinned by a service-led proposition,” says Corner.

Final takeaway: The MGA moment

MGAs in the UK have moved from the sidelines to the centre of commercial insurance placement. Their strength lies in responsiveness, specialisation and their ability to help brokers win business fast. With increased broker reliance, compensation and tech investments, and recognition from industry peers, top-performing MGAs are now indispensable. 

To stay ahead in this fiercely competitive landscape, MGAs must: 

• Invest in digital and underwriting agility 
   

• Provide strategic support across niche and mainstream lines 
   

• Continuously deepen broker relationships with tailored service 

 

Best Insurance MGAs in the UK |
Brokers on MGAs

• 
  DUAL
   
  

Ability to place niche or emerging risks

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Eatongate
• Renovation Underwriting

Compensation (commission, bonuses, profit sharing, etc.)

 

• 
  DUAL
   
  

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Eatongate
• Pen Underwriting
• Renovation Underwriting

Geographical reach

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Eatongate
• iPrism Underwriting
• Pen Underwriting
• Renovation Underwriting

Marketing support

 

• 
  DUAL
   
  

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• Renovation Underwriting

Overall responsiveness

 

• 
  DUAL
   
  

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Eatongate
• iPrism Underwriting
• Jensten Underwriting
• Pen Underwriting
• Renovation Underwriting

Pricing

 

• 
  DUAL
   
  

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Eatongate
• iPrism Underwriting
• Jensten Underwriting
• Pen Underwriting
• Renovation Underwriting

Range of products

 

• 
  DUAL
   
  

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Eatongate
• iPrism Underwriting
• Pen Underwriting
• Renovation Underwriting

Reputation

 

• 
  DUAL
   
  

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Eatongate
• iPrism Underwriting
• Pen Underwriting
• Renovation Underwriting

Technical expertise and product knowledge

 

• 
  DUAL
   
  

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Eatongate
• iPrism Underwriting
• Jensten Underwriting
• Pen Underwriting
• Renovation Underwriting

Technology and automation

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• DOA Insurance
• Renovation Underwriting

 

Specialisation

Accident and health

• DOA Insurance
  Gold
• Self Assured Underwriting Agencies
  Silver
• Bspoke Group
  Bronze

Commercial motor/transport

• Jensten Underwriting
  Gold
• Amwins
  Silver
• ERS
  Bronze

Construction (large)

• Renovation Underwriting
  Gold
• DOA Insurance
  Silver

• 
  DUAL
  Bronze
   
  

Contractors

• DOA Insurance
  Gold
• Eatongate
  Silver
• iPrism Underwriting 
  Bronze

Charity

• Ansvar
  Gold
• Q Underwriting 
  Silver
• Victor
  Bronze

Cyber

 

• 
  DUAL
  Gold
   
  

• CFC 
  Silver
• DOA Insurance
  Bronze

Directors and officers

• DOA Insurance
  Gold
• Angel Underwriting 
  Silver
• Bspoke Group
  Bronze

Flood

• Floodflash 
  Gold
• MI Commercial 
  Silver
• Bspoke Group
  Bronze

General liability

• DOA Insurance  
  Gold
• Bspoke Group
  Silver
• Eatongate
  Bronze

Management liability

• DOA Insurance  
  Gold
• Bspoke Group
  Silver
• Angel Underwriting
  Bronze

Marine

• Bspoke Group
  Gold

• 
  DUAL
  Silver
   
  

• Pen Underwriting
  Bronze

Private client

• Bspoke Group
  Gold
• iPrism Underwriting 
  Silver
• Eatongate
  Bronze

Professional indemnity

• DOA Underwriting
  Gold
• CFC  
  Silver

• 
  DUAL
  Bronze
   
  

Property

• Bspoke Group
  Gold
• DOA Underwriting
  Silver
• Eatongate
  Bronze

Schemes

• DOA Insurance  
  Gold
• Bspoke Group
  Silver
• Renovation Underwriting
  Bronze

SME

• DOA Underwriting
  Gold
• Bspoke Group
  Silver
• Eatongate
  Bronze

All-Stars

• Bspoke Group
• Choice Insurance
• Renovation Underwriting

Brokers’ Pick

• Bspoke Group
  Platinum Home Insurance
• DOA Insurance 
  Professional Indemnity
• Renovation Underwriting
  Renovation Master