Picking the right insurance agency management system can feel overwhelming.
Every AMS promises to save time, grow your book, and make life easier.
But not all of them deliver the same way.
We’ve used the top five systems ourselves – Applied Epic, AMS360, QQ Catalyst, HawkSoft, and EZLynx.
And we’re here to give you honest feedback based on real use and results.
You’ll get a clear breakdown of what each system does well and where it falls short.
And at the end, we’ll show you something most agencies still miss.
A way to fix what your AMS doesn’t solve.
TL;DR
If you’re choosing an insurance agency management system, this guide is for you.
We used and reviewed the top 5 AMS platforms and here’s what we learned:
All of them are good for your staff, but none are built for your clients.
- Applied Epic is powerful and highly customizable, but it’s pricey and has a steep learning curve.
- AMS360 is user-friendly and solid for accounting, but customization is limited.
- QQ Catalyst is great for small agencies and easy to use, but lacks advanced features.
- HawkSoft is clean and reliable, with top-notch support, but has fewer integrations.
- EZLynx offers a lot in one system, including rating and marketing, but takes time to master.
That’s where GloveBox comes in by:
- Giving your clients 24/7 access to their policies, billing, and documents.
- Freeing your team from busywork so they can focus on selling and advising.
- Improving productivity, cross-sells, and retention.
Looking to build a modern, scalable, client-first agency? Start by pairing your AMS with GloveBox.
What Exactly is an AMS? (Quick Definition)
An AMS, or Agency Management System, is the central hub your insurance agency runs on. It keeps track of your clients, policies, documents, and accounting – all in one place.
Think of it as your agency’s digital filing cabinet, task list, and reporting tool combined.
Most AMS platforms help you store and manage customer and policy data.
They also handle renewals, track commissions, and manage agency accounting.
Many systems connect with carriers to download policy data and speed up the quoting process.
And they let you run reports so you can stay on top of your daily operations.
In short, it’s the internal system your team uses to stay organized and efficient.
But as you’ll see, even the best AMS tools don’t do everything.
How We Evaluated These 5 AMS Solutions
During this analysis, we didn’t just click around a few dashboards.
We used each of these systems in real agency settings and paid attention to what actually matters.
Here’s what we focused on:
- Ease of use – How fast can your team learn it and actually use it day-to-day?
- Features – Does it cover the essentials? Are there any standout tools that give you an edge?
- Customization – Can you shape it to fit how your agency works, or are you stuck with what’s there?
- Integrations – How well does it connect with other tools, carriers, and platforms?
- Support – What happens when something breaks or you need help fast?
- Pricing – Is what you get worth the cost?
We also read dozens of reviews from real agency users. Not just what the vendors say, but what agents say after months or years of using the product.
What follows is our honest take on each system. No fluff. Just facts.
Insurance Agency Management System #1 – Applied Epic (by Applied Systems)
Applied Epic is one of the most widely used insurance agency management systems in the market.
It’s built for agencies that want a powerful, all-in-one platform with deep features and solid carrier integrations.
Ease of use
Applied Epic isn’t the easiest system to learn.
It has a steep learning curve, especially for smaller agencies or teams that don’t have a full-time admin or IT person.
The interface feels a bit outdated in some areas, and first-time users will need time and training to become comfortable.
Features & customization
Features are where Applied Epic shines. It covers almost everything – policy management, accounting, quoting, reporting, renewals, marketing, and more.
If your agency has complex needs across different departments, Epic can handle it. Custom dashboards and role-based workflows are a plus.
Applied Epic is highly customizable, but that flexibility comes at a cost, both in time and effort.
You’ll likely need help from Applied’s team (or a consultant) to set up more advanced workflows.
You can tailor user roles and reporting, but it’s not drag-and-drop simple.
Integrations & support
Applied has strong integrations with major carriers and a wide range of third-party tools.
Its partner ecosystem is one of the best in the industry, making it easier to connect quoting tools, CRMs, and even payment solutions into one system.
Support is solid but varies depending on your service level.
The knowledge base is extensive, and the training resources are deep.
Some users report slower response times during busy periods, but most agree that the support team is helpful once engaged.
Pricing
Applied Epic is not cheap.
Pricing starts around $1,000 for a one-time fee, with ongoing costs of $230 per month per user.
Setup costs reportedly range from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on complexity.
That means first-year costs could easily reach $100,000 or more for a mid-sized agency.
For larger or growing agencies, the investment may make sense. However, for smaller teams, the price and the complexity may be too much.
What users say
Insurance Agency Management System #2 – AMS360 (by Vertafore)
AMS360 is a long-standing AMS designed for independent insurance agencies.
It’s part of Vertafore’s ecosystem and aims to centralize client, policy, and accounting workflows in one system.
Ease of use
AMS360 is easier to pick up than more complex systems like Applied Epic.
The layout is clean and logical, and most team members can learn the basics quickly.
It’s still a full-featured platform, so advanced functions take some time, but day-to-day tasks are pretty intuitive.
Features & customization
AMS360 offers solid core features: policy management, accounting, reporting, document storage, and carrier downloads.
The accounting tools are a big plus. They handle trust accounting, direct bill, and commissions all in one system.
Customization is decent but has limits.
You can personalize reports and dashboards, but deeper workflow adjustments or automation tools aren’t as flexible.
If your agency wants high control over processes, this might feel restrictive.
Integrations & support
AMS360 integrates with major carriers and supports real-time policy downloads via IVANS.
It also connects to other Vertafore tools, such as ReferenceConnect or InsurLink, and supports a range of third-party tools.
Support is a mixed bag.
There are lots of help docs, webinars, and training materials.
However, some users report long wait times when contacting support directly, especially during busy periods.
Pricing
Vertafore doesn’t publish pricing, but according to various sources, AMS360 tends to sit in the mid-to-high pricing tier.
Agencies have reported monthly per-user pricing of around $150–$200, although total costs vary depending on the modules and setup needs.
It’s more affordable than Applied Epic for many users, but still a serious investment for smaller agencies.
What users say
Insurance Agency Management System #3 – QQ Catalyst (by Vertafore)
QQ Catalyst is Vertafore’s cloud-based AMS, designed for smaller and mid-sized agencies.
It focuses on ease of use and affordability, while still offering a solid feature set for day-to-day operations.
Ease of use
This is where QQ Catalyst stands out most.
It’s clean, modern, and easy to learn, even for teams new to AMS tools.
You don’t need hours of training to get started. For small agencies with limited tech support, that’s a big win.
Features & customization
QQ Catalyst covers the basics – client and policy management, notes, attachments, tasks, and renewals.
It also includes built-in marketing tools, such as email campaigns and lead tracking.
That said, it lacks many of the advanced features and automations found in larger systems.
Customization is limited. You can personalize some screens and reports, but the workflows are fairly fixed.
It’s a great tool for agencies that don’t need a ton of bells and whistles. But if you outgrow it, you may find yourself bumping into limits.
Integrations & support
QQ Catalyst connects with most major carriers through downloads.
It also offers integrations with eSignature tools, email platforms, and some CRMs.
Support is good overall.
Vertafore offers a clean knowledge base and a responsive help staff. Since it’s a simpler system, users tend to need less support to begin with.
Pricing
Catalyst is priced with small agencies in mind.
Exact pricing isn’t public, but most users say it’s one of the more affordable AMS options out there. It typically costs under $100 per user per month, with minimal setup fees.
For startups or lean agencies, it offers good value.
What users say
Insurance Agency Management System #4 – HawkSoft
HawkSoft is a well-known AMS that focuses on ease of use, strong customer service, and a balance of tools for both personal and commercial lines.
It’s built for agencies that want reliability, simplicity, and great support.
Ease of use
HawkSoft is one of the easiest AMS platforms to learn.
The interface feels familiar, like traditional Windows-based software, which many users actually prefer. Most teams pick it up quickly, and onboarding new staff is simple.
It’s not flashy, but it’s clean, stable, and doesn’t overwhelm new users.
Features & customization
HawkSoft covers everything most agencies need – client and policy management, document storage, e-signatures, quoting, reporting, and task tracking.
It supports both personal and commercial lines equally well.
Customization is decent. You can build your own templates and workflows, but the flexibility doesn’t go as deep as more enterprise-level systems.
Still, for most independent agencies, it gets the job done without much friction.
Integrations & support
HawkSoft integrates with most carriers via download and works with popular tools like e-signature platforms, VoIP systems, and quoting engines.
It also partners with InsurLink to provide clients with self-service.
Where HawkSoft really shines is in support.
Users consistently say the support team is fast, helpful, and truly listens. They also have a strong community, with regular updates driven by user feedback.
Pricing
HawkSoft keeps its pricing straightforward.
The typical cost is around $85–$100 per user per month, with optional fees for add-ons and integrations.
There is also a one-time setup fee that varies depending on the agency’s size.
It’s well-priced for what you get, especially for agencies that value service and simplicity.
What users say
Insurance Agency Management System #5 – EZLynx
EZLynx is an all-in-one AMS platform known for its built-in rater, client portal, and marketing automation tools.
It’s designed for agencies that want a system that covers both operations and customer engagement, without having to juggle multiple platforms.
Ease of use
EZLynx is user-friendly once you get used to it.
The interface is clean and modern, but with so many tools, it can feel overwhelming at first.
There’s a learning curve, especially if your team hasn’t used a combined AMS + rater before. Still, after a bit of training, most users navigate it comfortably.
Features & customization
It packs a lot into one system.
You get policy and client management, a powerful comparative rater, email marketing, client texting, task automation, and a client portal.
Also, you can customize email campaigns, reporting, and some user views. But workflow automation and deeper customization options are more limited than those of high-end AMS platforms.
It’s ideal for agencies that want a range of tools in one place, even if it means giving up some flexibility.
Integrations & Support
EZLynx integrates with most major carriers for real-time rating and policy downloads.
It also connects with payment solutions, eSignature tools, and client communication platforms.
Support is solid but not perfect.
Most users say support is helpful, but some report slow response times during peak hours or complex issues.
Pricing
EZLynx pricing depends on the bundle and the number of users.
Basic packages tend to be affordable, but costs rise quickly as you add modules like marketing automation, client portal, or eSignature.
Most agencies report starting at around $150 per user per month, with full-featured bundles reaching over $200 per user.
Still, for agencies that would otherwise need multiple platforms, EZLynx can be cost-effective overall.
What Users Say
Why AMS Alone Isn’t Enough
All five of these AMS platforms do what they’re supposed to do.
They help your team stay organized, manage policies, track commissions, and work with carriers.
But there’s one big thing they don’t do.
They’re built for your staff, not your clients.
AMS platforms are internal tools. They keep your operations tight, but they don’t deliver the kind of digital experience your customers expect today.
That’s where GloveBox, a client experience platform, comes in.
How GloveBox fits in
GloveBox isn’t a replacement for your AMS.
It’s the missing piece that makes everything else work better.
We are a Customer Experience Platform (CXP), a branded web and mobile app that gives your clients 24/7 access to their insurance info.
They can view ID cards, request changes, pay bills, and check policy documents, all without needing to call or email your team.
Meanwhile, your staff stops answering repetitive questions and starts focusing on what actually drives growth – renewals, cross-sells, and client relationships.
Real-Life results with GloveBox
Agencies using GloveBox have seen major results:
- CSR productivity increased 3x, going from 500 to over 1,500 households per rep.
- Cross-sell rates jumped 40% just by surfacing the right offers at the right time.
- Clients who use the platform are more likely to stay longer and refer others.
If your AMS is your agency’s engine, GloveBox is the experience your clients actually feel. Together, they create the kind of agency people want to work with. And stick with.
How to Choose the Right AMS for Your Agency? [Key Takeaways]
There’s no one-size-fits-all AMS.
What works for a 20-person commercial lines agency may not work for a 2-person personal lines shop.
Here’s how to make the right choice:
- Start by knowing your agency size and needs.
- Smaller agencies might need simplicity and a fast setup. Larger teams might need deeper features and more control.
- Look for features and integrations that match how your team actually works.
- Don’t pay for tools you won’t use.
- Make sure it connects to the carriers, platforms, and workflows you rely on.
- Think about ease of use.
- If your team avoids using it, it doesn’t matter how powerful it is.
- And don’t forget about scalability. Will it still work when your book doubles?
- And finally, no matter which AMS you pick, pair it with a customer-facing platform like GloveBox.
Your AMS keeps your back office moving. GloveBox keeps your clients happy.
That’s the winning combo.
The Bottom Line
A great AMS helps your team run smoothly.
It keeps your operations tight and your data in one place.
But if you want to go from efficient to unstoppable, you need more. You need a platform built for your clients, not just your staff.
That’s what GloveBox brings to the table.
It’s not about replacing your AMS.
It’s about unlocking its full potential.
Don’t stop at internal tools.
Explore how adding GloveBox to your tech stack can lead to faster growth, happier clients, and stronger margins.
