Why Openly Is Winning with Independent Insurance Agents
•February 14, 2026
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Why It Matters
Openly’s model demonstrates how technology‑focused insurtechs can empower independent agents, offering consumers more options and competitive pricing while challenging the dominance of direct‑to‑consumer insurers.
Key Takeaways
- •Openly targets independent agents with superior technology and underwriting.
- •Faster, nimble operations give advantage in volatile homeowners market.
- •Consumer demand for price transparency favors agency-driven insurance models.
- •AI adoption hinges on solving specific agency and pricing challenges.
- •Networking and partnerships accelerate growth for insurtech firms like Openly.
Summary
The video outlines Openly’s strategic focus on revitalizing the independent insurance‑agent channel through advanced technology, data‑driven underwriting, and a customer‑centric experience. Founded in 2017 by an actuary, the company positioned itself against the prevailing direct‑to‑consumer trend, arguing that agencies were underserved and that a tech‑enabled platform could deliver better pricing and service. Key insights include Openly’s ability to move quickly in a market plagued by rising homeowner‑insurance rates, frequency‑severity spikes, and overall volatility. By leveraging actuarial expertise and a nimble tech stack, the firm claims it can offer agents more competitive quotes and faster policy issuance, which it views as a decisive advantage as the market softens. The speaker also stresses that AI should be applied to concrete problems—such as pricing accuracy and underwriting efficiency—rather than as a buzzword. Notable remarks from Brad Stab, VP of Sales and Marketing, emphasize the company’s founding vision: “The vision has always been the vision… to better serve the independent agency channel through better technology, better engagement, and better underwriting.” He also highlights the importance of networking and partnerships across insurtech and carrier ecosystems to accelerate growth. The implications are clear: if Openly can sustain its speed and technology edge, it could help independent agents reclaim market share from direct insurers, driving higher consumer choice and potentially reshaping pricing dynamics across the homeowners segment.
Original Description
As most insurers rushed toward direct-to-consumer models, Openly took a different path — betting on independent agents.
At ITC Vegas, Brad Stoub, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Openly, explains why the company built its business around the independent agency channel — and how that strategy is paying off.
Founded in 2017 by an insurance actuary, Openly set out to combine modern technology, sophisticated underwriting, and strong agent engagement to improve both agent and customer experiences.
Topics include:
• Why Openly prioritised independent agents over DTC
• Improving the agent and policyholder experience
• Competing in a challenging homeowners market
• Using technology to move faster than traditional carriers
• Pricing and underwriting in high-risk environments
• How agents add value in a volatile market
• Practical uses of AI in insurance operations
• Building partnerships at industry events
Stoub explains that rising premiums and climate-related losses have made homeowners insurance more complex — increasing the importance of trusted agents who can compare options and tailor coverage.
Openly’s tech-led, agent-first model allows it to respond quickly to market changes, support brokers more effectively, and return to growth while much of the industry is still adjusting.
Rather than chasing hype, the company focuses on solving real problems for agents and customers — using technology, data, and partnerships to deliver better outcomes.
This interview is essential viewing for insurance executives, agency leaders, and insurtech founders focused on sustainable distribution and long-term growth.
Learn how Openly is building growth by backing independent agents :
@insuretechconnect3879 @Openly
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