Independent agents know that some of the most dynamic small businesses in their communities are also among the most complex to insure. Restaurants are experimenting with new concepts, delivery models, and entertainment formats. Beauty and wellness businesses—from med spas to boutique fitness studios—are expanding services to meet evolving consumer demand.
These sectors represent strong growth opportunities but they also bring layered, evolving risks. Without the right market access and underwriting support, agents can spend significant time quoting and re-quoting coverage, only to question whether the account justifies the effort. Too often, that means leaving a potentially lucrative book of business untapped.
To help agents capitalize on these industries efficiently, PIA has partnered with Rainbow, a digital MGA specializing in small business insurance for restaurants and beauty and wellness operations. Through Rainbow, agents can quote and bind specialized Business Owner’s Policies (BOP) and Excess Liability coverage in minutes.
“Restaurants and beauty and wellness businesses are complex operations with risks that can evolve quickly,” says Brennen Grone, EVP of Sales at Rainbow. “We provide specialized, flexible coverage—including a highly customizable BOP—so agents can have better conversations with their clients and make sure they’re fully protected.” Rainbow works exclusively through independent agents, reinforcing—not replacing—the agent-client relationship.
Marrying Speed with the Human Touch
Rainbow combines intuitive technology with experienced underwriting support. Its streamlined platform and application reduce paperwork and eliminate unnecessary back-and-forth, allowing agents to secure quotes and bind policies quickly often within minutes.
The efficiency extends to larger, more complex risks. Grone shared an example of an agent seeking coverage for a franchise with more than 150 locations. “Traditionally, something like that could take weeks,” he explains. “But our agent submitted the information, and within four business days we provided bindable terms.”
Speed alone isn’t enough. “We believe you have to have knowledgeable, accessible people working alongside the technology, because this is still a very human-to-human business,” Grone says. “Agents can pick up the phone to discuss application questions, positioning strategies, or whether a risk fits Rainbow’s appetite. We’re in the trenches with them to help them win the deal.”
Helping Agents Expand with Confidence
Rainbow is not just for agencies already focused on restaurants or beauty and wellness, it is also a partner to startups or agencies looking to expand into these verticals. “We want to do everything we can to help them succeed. Rainbow provides marketing guides and collateral agents can use in the field to demonstrate how our coverage addresses industry-specific exposures,” explains Grone.
The company also invests in continuous underwriting technology that monitors risks throughout the policy term. Agents don’t always have the capacity to track operational changes that may affect coverage. If a business significantly alters its operations without notifying the agent, the exposure can shift dramatically.
“One agent placed coverage for what was described as a family-style Mexican fusion restaurant. Mid-term, the owners transformed the space into a dueling piano bar—without informing the agent. That’s a very different risk and outside our appetite. If there had been a claim, it could have created serious E&O exposure,” explains Grone.
Rainbow’s monitoring tools identified the operational change. The company alerted the agent and provided time to secure appropriate replacement coverage. “The improper risk came off our books, the agent avoided E&O exposure, and the insured ultimately had the right protection in place,” he says.
A No-Cost Opportunity for PIA Members
Rainbow is 100% free for agents—no fees, no minimums, no hidden requirements.
PIA members receive:
- 15% commission on new business
- 10% commission on renewals
- Additional profit-sharing opportunities based on premium growth and favorable loss ratios
Rainbow is available in most states.
For independent agents looking to grow in two highly specialized sectors while delivering a fast, seamless experience for business owners, Rainbow offers a way to compete more effectively and confidently.
To learn more about the Rainbow program, visit: pianational.org/rainbow
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