Keystone Insurers Group: Empowering Independent Agencies Through Strategic Partnerships

Founded in 1983 in Central Pennsylvania, Keystone Insurers Group began when four independent insurance agencies joined forces to strengthen their market presence and share vital resources.

Today, the company is headquartered in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, and has evolved into one of the largest privately held insurance agency networks in the United States. Keystone supports more than 700 partner agencies across 31 states.

Keystone offers a wide range of insurance-related services, including property and casualty insurance, risk management, employee benefits, and financial services. The franchise empowers independent agencies by giving them access to national carriers, specialized programs, and advanced tools, all while allowing them to maintain their local identity and autonomy.

What sets Keystone apart is its collaborative model. Member agencies benefit from shared expertise, strategic alliances, and the group’s collective negotiating power. In 2024, Keystone Insurers Group was acquired by Keystone Agency Partners.

Training

Keystone Insurance provides franchisees with access to a range of training and consultation programs designed to support business operations and sales capabilities. The programs are flexible in structure and largely at the franchisor's discretion. Here are the main training components:

1. Voluntary Sales Training Program: Keystone offers a formal sales training program on a voluntary basis. The franchisor determines the curriculum, duration, location, instructors, and fees for participation.
2. Product-Specific Training: From time to time, Keystone conducts mandatory training sessions focused on specific insurance products or services offered through its network. Attendance is required if a franchisee wishes to market or sell those specific products.
3. Franchisee Meetings: Keystone may hold meetings for all franchisees in the system. Some are mandatory and others voluntary, with Keystone setting the agenda, location, and fees.
4. Consultation Services: After opening, franchisees receive ongoing consultation services, which can include advice on business operations, systems, and techniques. These services may be delivered in person, remotely, or via various communication technologies.

Territory Protection

Keystone Insurance does not offer exclusive territorial protection to its franchisees. The franchise agreement specifically states that franchisees will not receive any minimum geographic territory or exclusivity. Keystone typically converts existing insurance agencies into franchises, so the location is approved based on where the agency currently operates, rather than assigning protected zones.

Franchisees may operate from their approved site but should not expect to be free from internal competition. Keystone reserves the right to authorize other franchisees to operate nearby or to establish additional locations under the Keystone brand. Therefore, franchisees may face competition from both other Keystone franchisees and the franchisor itself within their area.