Truth or myth: “All insurance agents use the same companies, you can’t help me”

I recently walked into a restaurant and talked with an owner. He told me that his current agent had the restaurant with Society insurance company and that “all of us agents used the same few companies” so I likely wouldn’t be able to help him because his agent represents most of the same companies. While it is true that many insurance agencies represent great companies like Society, Illinois Casualty, Auto-Owners, Cincinnati, or Badger Mutual, what this owner does not know is that companies vary pricing and will extend credits to good risks that may not have been negotiated properly. Certain companies may be better at things like liquor pricing, property pricing, or general liability pricing. Which line of business drives most of your rate? Also, communicating a good business narrative to an underwriter can significantly improve pricing if the restaurant is operating responsibly and has a good track record.