Because workers’ comp carriers have dramatically different appetites for different class codes, account sizes, and industries. A carrier specializing in light-clerical office accounts will price an accounting firm aggressively but quote a roofing contractor sky-high (if they’ll quote at all). Another carrier specializing in construction will be the opposite. An independent agent’s job is to know which carriers are currently competitive for your class and shop accordingly — both at original placement and at every renewal, because carrier appetites shift over time. We compare across 6–8 carriers per renewal on most accounts.