Independent agents aid in direct writers' growth.

More and more independent insurance agents are selling coverage for some of the larger direct writers, industry players say.

Some major carriers with predominantly direct writing distribution forces, including Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate Ins. Group and Warwick, R.I.-based Metropolitan Group, are increasingly attractive to independent agents hard put in some areas to find markets for their clients, particularly in rural sections of the country.

Meanwhile, companies that have traditionally written through captive agents have also broadened their distribution outlook…