McGowan Insurance Group

What McGowan Insurance Group does

McGowan Insurance Group is a privately-held independent insurance agency headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm provides commercial, personal, agribusiness, event, employee benefits, and risk management insurance solutions to Indiana-based businesses and individuals. Operations span 16 branch offices across Indiana, including the Indianapolis headquarters plus Lebanon, Lafayette, Fort Branch, Cambridge City, Richmond, South Bend, Shelbyville, Crawfordsville, Anderson, Valparaiso, Rushville, Warsaw, North Manchester, Greencastle, Evansville, and New Castle. The agency traces its origins to 1969 when Hugh B. McGowan began his career at McGowan & Brosnan Agency; he acquired full ownership in 1977 and grew the business through acquisitions and producer recruitment.

The agency's core product set includes Commercial Services / Enterprise Risk, Bonds & Surety, Industry Specialties, Personal Insurance, Event Insurance, Agribusiness, Employee Benefits, Advisory Compliance Services, and Risk Solutions / Risk Management. As an independent agency, McGowan represents over 40 insurance carrier partners, including Nationwide, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Chubb, The Hartford, Travelers, Cincinnati Insurance, CNA, Hanover, and Indiana Farmers Mutual. Technology infrastructure consists of standard agency management systems, carrier portals, and a website with a resource center providing educational content on retirement, investment, insurance, tax, estate, and lifestyle topics. The agency does not develop proprietary technology products and shows no AI or automation capabilities in the disclosed materials.

Revenue is generated through commissions paid by insurance carriers for placing and renewing policies across commercial, personal, agribusiness, event, employee benefits, and risk management lines. Pricing is set by carriers based on client risk profiles and underwriting criteria; the agency does not publish rate cards and provides personalized quotes. The go-to-market approach is sales-led and relationship-driven, with licensed insurance advisors and agents operating from regional offices serving as client advocates from coverage analysis through claims. The firm is family-founded and currently led by a partner group including Hugh M. McGowan, CPCU, Todd Jackson, Josh Estelle, Michael Highum, Eric Rich, and Brady Claxton. The agency has no venture capital or private equity involvement and remains privately held under family and partner leadership, having been recognized as the 2023 Indiana Farmers Agency of the Year.

Name

McGowan Insurance Group

Legal name

McGowan Insurance Group, Inc.

Website

https://mcgowaninsgrp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

McGowan Insurance Group is a privately-held independent insurance agency headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It provides commercial, personal, agribusiness, event, and employee benefits insurance to Indiana businesses and individuals through 16+ branch offices and 40+ carrier partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Insurance Brokerage Services

NAICS

Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (524210)

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)

akta.pro primary industry

Insurance Program Administration & MGA/MGU Services (FSAEADAK)

Keywords

• Commercial insurance brokerage
• Personal insurance services
• Employee benefits consulting
• Risk management advisory
• Surety bond services

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices18 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Insurance Commission Revenue: McGowan Insurance Group generates revenue through commissions paid by insurance carriers for placing and renewing insurance policies across commercial, personal, agribusiness, event, employee benefits, and risk management lines. As an independent agency, it represents multiple insurance companies ( insurers) and earns a percentage of premium as commission for each policy sold and maintained.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

McGowan Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency that places commercial, personal, agribusiness, event, and employee benefits insurance coverage on behalf of clients by representing more than 40 insurance carriers. The firm also delivers risk management advisory and compliance consulting services, with insurance advisors acting as client advocates from coverage analysis through claims resolution. Services are delivered through licensed account executives located across multiple Indiana offices.

Product overview

McGowan Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products and risk management services. The company operates as a multi-line insurance agency providing both commercial and personal insurance solutions. The core products include Commercial Services/Enterprise Risk, Bonds & Surety, Industry Specialties, Personal Insurance, Event Insurance, Agribusiness, Employee Benefits, Advisory Compliance Services, and Risk Solutions/Risk Management. As an independent agency, they represent multiple insurance carriers (including Nationwide, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, CHUBB, The Hartford, Travelers, Cincinnati Insurance, and many others) allowing them to customize coverage programs to meet diverse client needs. The company also maintains a Resource Center providing educational content on retirement, investment, estate, insurance, tax, money, and lifestyle topics. They have received recognition including the 2023 Indiana Farmers Agency of the Year award.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Commercial Services / Enterprise Risk Comprehensive business insurance coverage including commercial property, casualty, liability, workers compensation, and industry-specialized coverage packages for businesses across Indiana. Delivered through licensed commercial account executives across the firm's Indiana offices.
• Bonds & Surety Surety and bond services for commercial clients including contract bonds, commercial bonds, and court bonds, placed through the agency's carrier relationships.
• Industry Specialties Specialized insurance solutions tailored to specific industries including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors requiring customized coverage programs.
• Personal Insurance Individual insurance products including home, auto, and personal liability coverage placed for individuals and families through the agency's carrier network.
• Event Insurance Specialized insurance coverage for events including weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings, addressing event cancellation and third-party liability exposures.
• Agribusiness Insurance Insurance solutions designed for agricultural operations including farms, ranches, and related businesses, covering farm property, crop, and operational risk.
• Employee Benefits Group benefits placement including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement benefit programs for businesses and their employees.
• Advisory Compliance Services Compliance consulting and advisory services to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements related to insurance and risk management obligations.
• Risk Solutions / Risk Management Risk assessment, management consulting, and loss control services to help clients identify and mitigate enterprise-level risks across their operations.

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Accident FundcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccident Fund is a workers compensation insurance carrier. McGowan Insurance Group represents Accident Fund as an insurance agent, placing workers comp policies on behalf of clients. Claims: 1 (866) 206-5851, Service: 1 (866) 206-5851.
• Acuity InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAcuity Insurance is a commercial and personal insurance carrier. McGowan Insurance Group represents Acuity as an agent for placing commercial and personal lines coverage. Claims: 1 (800) 242-7666, Service: 1 (800) 242-7666.
• American ModerncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Modern is a specialty insurance carrier for manufactured homes, specialty housing, and recreational vehicles. McGowan places policies on behalf of American Modern. Claims: 1 (800) 375-2075, Service: 1 (800) 543-2644.
• Auto-Owners Insurance GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuto-Owners Insurance Group is a multi-line property and casualty insurer. McGowan represents Auto-Owners for commercial and personal insurance placement. Claims: 1 (517) 323-1200, Service: 1 (517) 323-1200.
• CHUBBcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCHUBB is a global leader in commercial and personal property and casualty insurance. McGowan represents CHUBB for commercial insurance placement. Claims: 1 (800) 252-4670, Service: 1 (866) 324-8222.
• The Cincinnati Insurance CompaniescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCincinnati Insurance is a property and casualty insurer providing commercial and personal lines coverage. McGowan represents Cincinnati Insurance. Claims: 1 (877) 242-2544, Service: 1 (877) 242-2544.
• CNA InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCNA Insurance is a commercial insurance carrier providing business insurance solutions. McGowan represents CNA for commercial lines placement. Claims: 1 (877) 262-2727, Service: 1 (877) 276-7507.
• Donegal MutualminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDonegal Mutual Insurance Company is a regional property and casualty insurer. McGowan places coverage on behalf of Donegal Mutual. Claims: 1 (800) 877-9006, Service: 1 (800) 877-0600.
• Foremost Insurance GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorForemost Insurance Group specializes in specialty insurance products including manufactured housing, motor homes, boats, and off-road vehicles. McGowan places Foremost policies. Claims: 1 (800) 527-3907, Service: 1 (800) 527-3905.
• Frankenmuth InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrankenmuth Insurance is a property and casualty insurer based in Michigan. McGowan places coverage for Frankenmuth. Claims: 1 (800) 234-4433, Service: 1 (989) 652-6121.
• Grange Insurance AssociationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrange Insurance Association is a regional property and casualty insurer. McGowan represents Grange Insurance for commercial and personal coverage placement. Claims: 1 (800) 445-3030, Service: 1 (800) 422-0550.
• Grinnell MutualminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrinnell Mutual is a property and casualty insurer specializing in farm and commercial coverage. McGowan places Grinnell Mutual policies. Claims: 1 (877) 467-2252, Service: 1 (800) 362-2041.
• Hanover Insurance CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHanover Insurance Company provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance. McGowan represents Hanover for insurance placement. Claims: 1 (800) 573-1187, Service: 1 (800) 628-0250.
• Indiana Farmers MutualcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndiana Farmers Mutual is a regional property and casualty insurer. McGowan represents Indiana Farmers Mutual and was recognized as the 2023 Indiana Farmers Agency of the Year. Claims: 1 (800) 477-1660, Service: 1 (800) 477-1660.
• Liberty Mutual InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLiberty Mutual Insurance is a national multi-line property and casualty insurer. McGowan represents Liberty Mutual for commercial and personal insurance placement. Claims: 1 (800) 225-2467, Service: 1 (800) 290-8711.
• NationwidecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNationwide is a national insurance carrier offering commercial, agribusiness, and personal insurance products. McGowan represents Nationwide as an insurance agent. Claims: 1 (800) 421-3535, Service: 1 (877) 669-6877.
• Philadelphia Insurance CompaniesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPhiladelphia Insurance Companies provides specialized commercial insurance programs. McGowan places coverage with Philadelphia Insurance. Claims: 1 (800) 765-9749, Service: 1 (877) 438-7459.
• ProgressivecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProgressive is a national auto and commercial insurance carrier. McGowan represents Progressive for auto and commercial lines placement. Claims: 1 (800) 274-4499, Service: 1 (855) 758-0943.
• The HartfordcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Hartford is a national commercial and personal insurance carrier. McGowan represents The Hartford for insurance placement. Claims: 1 (800) 243-5860, Service: 1 (860) 547-5000.
• TravelerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTravelers is a national commercial and personal property and casualty insurance carrier. McGowan represents Travelers for insurance placement. Claims: 1 (800) 238-6225, Service: 1 (800) 842-5075.
• Westfield InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWestfield Insurance is a regional commercial and personal property and casualty insurer. McGowan places coverage with Westfield Insurance. Claims: 1 (800) 243-0210, Service: 1 (800) 243-0210.
• State AutominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorState Auto is a regional property and casualty insurer. McGowan represents State Auto for commercial and personal insurance placement. Claims: 1 (800) 492-5351, Service: 1 (800) 492-5351.
• Secura Insurance CompaniesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSecura Insurance Companies provide commercial and farm insurance. McGowan places coverage with Secura. Claims: 1 (800) 318-2136, Service: 1 (800) 558-3405.
• EMC InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEMC Insurance is a commercial and personal property and casualty insurer. McGowan represents EMC Insurance. Claims: 1 (888) 362-2255, Service: 1 (800) 447-2295.
• FCCI Insurance GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFCCI Insurance Group is a commercial insurance provider. McGowan places commercial coverage with FCCI. Claims: 1 (800) 226-3224, Service: 1 (800) 226-3225.
• Keystone National Insurance CompaniesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKeystone National Insurance Companies provide property and casualty insurance products. McGowan places coverage with Keystone National. Claims: 570-746-9545, Service: 888-632-0013.
• MFMminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMFM (Midwest Family Management) is an insurance carrier. McGowan represents MFM. Claims: 1 (800) 225-5636, Service: 1 (800) 225-5636.
• Pekin InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPekin Insurance is a regional property and casualty insurer. McGowan places coverage with Pekin Insurance. Claims: 1 (888) 735-4611, Service: 1 (800) 322-0160.
• Safeco InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSafeco Insurance, part of Liberty Mutual, provides personal insurance products. McGowan represents Safeco for personal lines placement. Claims: 1 (800) 332-3226, Service: 1 (800) 332-3226.
• Selective InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSelective Insurance is a commercial and specialty insurance carrier. McGowan places coverage with Selective Insurance. Claims: 1 (866) 455-9969, Service: 1 (800) 735-3284.
• United Fire GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUnited Fire Group is a commercial and personal property and casualty insurance company. McGowan represents United Fire Group. Claims: 1 (800) 343-9131, Service: 1 (800) 450-9239.
• West BendminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWest Bend provides commercial and personal insurance products. McGowan places coverage with West Bend. Claims: 1 (877) 922-5246, Service: 1 (800) 236-5010.
• Condon & SkellyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCondon & Skelly is a commercial insurance carrier. McGowan places coverage with Condon & Skelly. Claims: 1 (800) 257-9496, Service: 1 (800) 257-9496.
• Eastern AllianceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEastern Alliance is a workers compensation insurance carrier. McGowan places coverage with Eastern Alliance. Claims: 1 (855) 533-3444, Service: 1 (800) 336-3658.
• Everett Cash Mutual Insurance Co.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEverett Cash Mutual Insurance Co. is a regional property and casualty insurer. McGowan represents Everett Cash Mutual. Claims: 1 (888) 717-8090, Service: 1 (800) ECM-4YOU.
• Grand River InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrand River Insurance is a regional insurance carrier. McGowan places coverage with Grand River Insurance. Claims: (248) 519-2390, Service: (248) 519-2390.
• Hastings InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHastings Insurance is a property and casualty insurance carrier. McGowan places coverage with Hastings Insurance. Claims: 1 (800) 442-8277, Service: 1 (800) 442-8277 Ext. 1572.

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• USI Insurance Services: Large national insurance brokerage and consulting firm serving middle-market and large commercial clients with property/casualty, benefits, and specialty practices. Comparable as a competitor for Indiana commercial accounts, with broader geographic reach than McGowan.
• Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. One of the largest global insurance brokerage and risk management firms, offering overlapping commercial, personal, and benefits capabilities at vastly greater scale. Comparable as a competitor for the same Indiana middle-market clients, though not niche-specialized to McGowan's regional depth.
• AssuredPartners: Large PE-backed national insurance brokerage aggregator with a Midwest regional office footprint. Comparable as a competitor and as a potential roll-up acquirer of independent agencies of McGowan's profile, operating under a similar independent-agent philosophy but at much larger scale.

Direct peers

• Hylant Group: Privately-held independent insurance brokerage headquartered in the Midwest with offices across multiple states, offering commercial, personal, benefits, and risk management services. Comparable to McGowan in scale, multi-line model, and family/employee ownership structure.
• IMA Financial Group: Independent insurance brokerage and risk management firm operating across multiple states with commercial, personal, and benefits practices. Closely comparable to McGowan as a privately-held, multi-office independent agency competing on carrier breadth and service quality.
• Lovitt & Touché: Privately-held independent insurance agency offering commercial, personal, benefits, and surety products across the Mountain West and Southwest. Comparable to McGowan in independent agency model, carrier portfolio breadth, and middle-market focus.
• TrueNorth Companies: Midwest-based independent insurance and risk management agency offering commercial, personal, and employee benefits solutions across multiple offices. Highly comparable to McGowan in business model (independent agency, multi-carrier representation, regional Midwest focus).
• HBK Insurance (Hill, Barth & King): Independent insurance agency affiliated with a regional CPA firm serving commercial and personal clients in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Comparable to McGowan as a multi-line, multi-office independent agency serving similar middle-market commercial customers.

Emerging players

• Acrisure: Tech-enabled insurance brokerage that has rapidly aggregated agencies across the U.S., including in the Midwest. Comparable as both competitor and potential acquirer; differentiated by heavy proprietary technology investment that McGowan lacks.

Regional players

• RPS (Risk Placement Services): Wholesale broker and managing general agent distributing specialty and surplus lines through independent retail agents including Midwest agencies. Comparable as a partner ecosystem to McGowan, providing specialty market access for hard-to-place commercial risks.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mcgowan-insurance-group
• Xx.com/McGowanInsGrp
• Facebookfacebook.com/mcgowaninsgrp

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about McGowan Insurance Group