Transportation Insurance Experts

Transportation Insurance Experts (TIE), a full-service managing general agency (MGA) and wholesale insurance broker specializes in insuring all things wheels. Dedicated exclusively to the transportation sector, TIE fosters genuine partnerships with retail insurance agents, empowering them to grow their businesses.

“Our customer-centric transformation in the past year, marking the beginning of TIE 2.0, stems from the need to better serve our clients and respond to their evolving needs,” says Tyler Christensen, senior vice president, managing partner underwriting & program development.

Over the past decade, the MGA landscape has transitioned from a regional to a national model, propelled by technological advancements and the rise of virtual interactions. This shift allows agents to pursue clients across the U.S., creating a need for timely, fast, virtual interactions, especially when agents compete for the same clients.

To meet this demand, TIE developed an innovative 'virtual quoting engine' that streamlines the process, allowing agents to receive quotes in 10 to 15 minutes. This quick turnaround increases the likelihood of closing sales and binding policies, giving agents a competitive edge. TIE acts like a direct carrier, connecting agents to fast pricing from carriers. This streamlined access boosts agents' point-of-sale success, helping them secure more business.

TIE works exclusively with trucking-focused agents with strong expertise and maintains open communication with them about established industry benchmarks. Regular interactions and monthly calls connect agents directly with relationship executives and underwriters, ensuring they receive the guidance and resources necessary for success.

With experienced underwriters from carrier backgrounds, TIE offers guidance on account fit and market nuances, helping agents build trust and grow their businesses. Recognizing the rise of younger agents, TIE’s senior underwriters provide tailored mentorship, enhancing agents’ skills and confidence. This hands-on support enables agents to place the right accounts, boosting revenue and client retention.

“By empowering our partners with knowledge and support, we’re not just increasing premiums; we’re building lasting relationships that drive significant growth,” says Sandy Scardina, Sr. vice president strategic relationships.

A success story highlighting TIE’s proven ability to drive business growth involves an insurance agent who initially wrote minimal premiums but grew to generate $2–$3 million in just one year. The team provided targeted education, onboarding, and training for the agency's 30 producers, equipping them with essential resources and insights into market appetite, enabling the agency to experience a 300 percent increase in production volume.

Serving as advisors and thought partners, TIE's underwriters educate agents on the intricacies of various accounts. In one notable case, an agent for a trucking company received two insurance quotes—one cheaper with limited towing coverage and another $2,000 more with better towing protection. TIE's underwriter highlighted the company’s history of needing towing services, indicating that the cheaper policy could lead to $50,000-$60,000 in out-of-pocket towing costs. This insight made the additional $2,000 option a better long-term investment, enabling the agent to confidently present the more comprehensive coverage, which the client ultimately chose despite the higher initial cost.

TIE operates as a split house program administrator, unlike traditional MGAs that act as intermediaries. This direct control enables it to underwrite specific risks, make swift decisions, and provide tailored solutions that add value by working directly with clients. The proprietary programs focus on each client’s risks, helping them identify and address costly behaviors like inadequate vehicle maintenance. This often results in reduced insurance costs—sometimes by half—allowing clients to reinvest savings into safety and operational improvements.

Distinct from most MGAs that require a few days to process motor vehicle reports (MVRs) for driver approval, TIE’s system enables agents to input driver information and receive immediate approval or denial. This enables agents to respond instantly, facilitating on-the-spot hiring decisions in a competitive labor market while enhancing ease of business and client satisfaction.

TIE’s strategic investments in technology, talent, and relationship-building position it as a premier business partner dedicated to empowering agents and driving their growth.