The quiet revolution of broker consolidation

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Although new regulations and government programs such as PPACA have brought big changes to the insurance brokerage industry, another quiet revolution is also brewing: Brokers are consolidating and joining forces. The days of individual agents offering one type of insurance are waning; larger firms and one-stop-shopping models are becoming the norm.

The new approach often brings together health insurance, property, and casualty, even financial services, under one roof. Industry experts say the development is picking up speed as consumers start to see brokerage firms as they see lawyers: a professional service that may have one location, but many specialists.