BGA, or Brokerage General Agency, is an intermediary organization that supports independent insurance producers by providing access to multiple carriers, case design expertise, underwriting advocacy, and new-business processing. BGAs do not typically sell directly to consumers; instead, they help advisors match client needs with appropriate products, navigate carrier differences, and resolve underwriting or administrative challenges. A strong BGA offers value through product comparisons, impaired-risk underwriting support, illustration and concept design, training, and technology platforms. BGAs are compensated through override commissions from carriers, allowing advisors to receive street-level compensation while gaining institutional-level support.

Advisors engage BGAs when they need competitive quotes across many carriers, help with tough medical cases, or support for advanced planning strategies such as premium financing, business insurance, and complex estate planning. Case managers within the BGA track requirements, communicate with underwriters, and proactively push cases toward placement. BGAs may host training on new products, regulatory changes, or sales ideas. For carriers, BGAs are key distribution partners that aggregate independent producer business. Understanding BGAs helps advisors appreciate the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that makes it possible to deliver high-level insurance solutions without joining a single captive carrier system.