Agency in a Box: How Momentum + TrustedChoice.com Are Revolutionizing Insurance

In this episode of Insurance Technology AMPlified, we dive into the transformative merger between Momentum and TrustedChoice.com. Join us as we welcome Chip from TrustedChoice.com to discuss how this collaboration is reshaping the insurance landscape. We explore the concept of "Agency in a Box," where the combined forces of Momentum and TrustedChoice.com offer a seamless, end-to-end solution for independent insurance agents. From lead generation to policy management, we provide a comprehensive platform that empowers agents to manage the entire customer journey efficiently. Chip shares insights into the strategic vision behind this merger and how it enhances the agent experience, boosts customer satisfaction, and leverages advanced data analytics. Tune in to discover how this powerful alliance is revolutionizing the industry, offering agents a unique opportunity to thrive in an ever-evolving market.

Transcript:

Intro
Welcome to Insurance Technology Amplified, the podcast where we explore how innovation is transforming the insurance industry. This is the place where technology and expertise come together to empower agents, carriers, and the industry alike. Thank you for tuning in. Now, let’s get to the show.

Michael: Welcome to the Momentum Amp Podcast.

I’m very excited to introduce today’s guest—someone who, in our world, has been generating a lot of attention. I want to welcome Chip from TrustedChoice.com to the Momentum Podcast.

Chip: Thanks, Michael. Good to be here.

Michael: So, we’re not only welcoming you to the podcast, we’re also welcoming you to the family. Whatever legal terms you want to use—merger, joint venture, acquisition—TrustedChoice.com is now part of the Momentum family.

Chip: That is correct. We feel liberated, rejuvenated, embraced—all of the above.

Peter: Neither party did any due diligence.

Michael: I’ll admit, there was a lot of trust and goodwill. The due diligence was definitely on the light side.

Peter: We all believe in love at first sight. The chemistry was there from the very beginning, and we knew the rest would fall into place.

Chip: I agree. We’ve all been in this space a long time, so we’re known quantities to each other. Michael, you and I have had a personal relationship for many years, so this was kind of a natural step. We already knew why we liked each other and why this was a good idea.

Peter: Well, that wasn’t disclosed to me. Some inside dealing going on there!

Chip: It’s good to be here. I’m glad we got through all the paperwork and processes, and now we get to start the fun stuff.

Michael: The feedback—the word on the street—is overwhelmingly positive. People are so excited about it. I know it sounds like propaganda, and I know this will end up on social media, but the response we’re getting from agents and the community is that this is such a powerful combination. People get it.

Peter: Even those who weren’t sure at first—after talking with them, they see the vision. Once we explain what’s happening, they get it. I’m very excited.

Chip: Same here. I’ve gotten nothing but positive feedback. Agents and carriers are starting to connect the dots. They’re saying, “Wait a minute—this means you could put this and that together, and that completes the vision you’ve been working on. Am I seeing it right?” And I say, “Yep, you are.” Then some jump in with, “Hey, you could also do this or that.” And I tell them, “Keep bringing those ideas—because that’s what this is all about. One plus one equals five.”

Michael: Have you heard anything new—anything we haven’t discussed?

Chip: Not necessarily new. We’ve had so many conversations. But what I am hearing is commentary about our roots with Big “I” and what it means to move beyond those original boundaries. People are realizing this gives us the entire channel as a playing field. No disrespect—we’ll continue serving the partners we’ve worked with for 13 years—but now we gain new ground, new space, new opportunities.

Michael: From your perspective, Chip, as CEO—based on what you’ve seen in our arsenal and platform—what excites you most? What do you think customers will benefit from?

Chip: A lot of people who’ve followed us know that our roadmap has always gone beyond just the very beginning of a customer journey. At TrustedChoice.com, we’ve focused on pulling in consumers before they even know they need an agent—engaging them, learning what they need, and connecting them efficiently to the right independent agent.

But we’ve always had a “right-side vision”—the rest of the customer journey. After the prospect connects with an agent, they need to be quoted, bound, billed, and serviced. That’s what agents spend most of their time doing, and I’ve always wanted to connect that seamlessly.

Momentum’s tools and technology literally fill out diagrams we’ve been sketching for years. Automated CRM functionality, prospect engagement, quoting, binding—all of it is already built. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

And here’s the key: with Momentum, we’ll also learn about the ultimate disposition of prospects. Did the agent quote it? Place it? Bind it? Which carrier won? What was the premium? How much commission? With that data—and with AI analyzing it—we can finally help agents understand how to improve ROI, and we can deliver a much better customer experience.

This merger jumps us across the board in one fell swoop. It’s like scoring a touchdown and suddenly finding 36 points on the board.

Michael: I feel the same way. From the very beginning, I saw how all the pieces fit together. The combination of TrustedChoice.com and Momentum Amp is the first time in the history of the industry that one company can deliver the full lifecycle of the agent experience—from lead to policy to renewal.

We call it “agency everything”—a true agency-in-a-box solution. No one else has ever been able to pull that off.

Chip: Exactly. We are the largest distributor of leads to independent agents exclusively. Other companies may be bigger overall, but they focus on direct or captive. We only serve independents, and we’re 100% committed to that. In that category, we stand alone.

There was another company that tried about a decade ago—EZLynx. They attempted to generate leads for agents, but discovered how difficult and expensive it is to do at national scale. They stopped. This is different. We’re unique.

Peter: And this is just the beginning. I’m excited about using data and analytics to enrich leads—turning “dumb leads” into “smart leads.” Instead of just sending basic information, we’ll be able to tell agents which markets the lead is a good fit for, what the premium range might be, even what commission to expect. And we’ll also be able to match each lead to the right agent based on appetite and market access.

If we can push conversion rates from 35–40% into the 60–80% range, we’ll have more satisfied consumers and more valuable referrals.

Michael: Right. And one key strategy is focusing on engaged agents. Too many agents pay for subscriptions, then don’t call leads. We need active, responsive partners. Strategically, we may reduce the number of agents, but those who are committed will thrive.

Chip: Agreed. Historically, we’ve been reluctant to share agent performance data, but that’s changing. We know exactly when referrals are delivered and whether they’re acted on. Too often, they’re not. Going forward, we’ll measure and share that data—and reward agents who are proactive.

Michael: Another frequent question we get is about exclusivity. Do you have to be a Momentum AMS customer to get referrals? The answer is no. Momentum is committed to being the most open platform possible. TrustedChoice.com referrals will be available broadly through what we’re calling Momentum Edge.

Chip: That’s right. No exclusivity. Associations are welcome to partner with us, but these tools are available to everyone.

And speaking of new platforms—by the time this podcast airs, our new consumer website, InsuredBetter.com, will be live. Every TrustedChoice.com agent will automatically have a storefront there. Overnight, our web footprint has doubled.

Chip: Another common question is about the algorithm. People want to know how we decide which agent to recommend. It’s not just who paid the most. It’s about appetite, proximity, five-star ratings, carrier appointments, and more. We use about 12 different factors.

With AI and LLMs, we’re constantly improving the algorithm to maximize match quality and conversion rates.

Peter: We should also give agents guidance on how to improve their chances of ranking higher—responsiveness, close rates, engagement.

Michael: Exactly. By late 2025, we’ll deliver a referral process that’s seamless and unparalleled. Agents won’t need to rekey data or juggle systems—everything will be integrated in one place.

Chip: Before we close, I’d like to share some advice for agents. We record nearly 20,000 calls per month. I’ve listened to more agent-consumer calls than probably anyone. My advice: record your calls for a month, then listen with your team. Turn it into a coaching exercise. You’ll be surprised at how often consumers get bounced around, end up in phone trees, or land in voicemail.

The best thing you can do? Ask what the prospect is looking for, and then say three simple words: “I can help.”

Even if you ultimately refer them elsewhere, those words reduce stress and build trust. They open the door to winning business today or in the future.

And if you’re not using our Claim-it! service—where you can reach in and choose referrals—you’re missing out. It’s an instant way to make your phone ring.

Michael: Chip, that’s probably the best piece of advice I’ve ever heard anyone give to an independent agent. So simple, so powerful.

Closing

Michael: Chip, thank you. This is the first of many conversations we’ll have to share what we’re building together. It’s been an absolute pleasure.

Chip: Thank you for making me and my team feel so welcome. We’re very excited. Good to be here.

Michael: You guys rock. Thanks, Chip.

Outro: Thanks for listening to this episode of Insurance Technology Amplified. Stay connected and up to date by following Momentum Amp on all social networks. For show notes, resources, and details on upcoming episodes, visit our podcast page at momentumamp.com/podcast. We look forward to having you join us next time. Take care, and see you soon.