If you're a business owner looking to boost your benefits package without blowing your budget, voluntary benefits are the secret weapon. These employee-paid plans let you offer valuable coverage like dental, vision, and life insurance at group rates, helping you
Why Voluntary Benefits Are a Game-Changer for Employers
The landscape of employee benefits is shifting fast. With healthcare costs climbing, many employers can't afford fully funded plans. That's where voluntary benefits step in: they're 100% employee-paid through payroll deductions, so you can offer a robust package at zero direct cost to your business. Studies show employees crave these options, and agencies like the ones below make it easy to set up. Whether you need cancer coverage, short-term disability, or wellness perks, these pros handle the heavy lifting.
How We Ranked These Agencies
We evaluated each agency on three key factors: breadth of voluntary product offerings, years of experience and independence, and geographic reach. We also looked at how well they tailor plans to both employers and individuals. The result is a mix of national players and local specialists, with a spotlight on one standout independent agency that brings over two decades of expertise to the table.
Here's a quick look at how these five agencies stack up. Each one brings something unique to the table, from nationwide reach to hyper-local service.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Boyle Insurance Agency | Employers seeking a straightforward, low-cost voluntary benefits setup |
| O'Neill Insurance | Ohio-based employers wanting a local agency with comprehensive voluntary options |
| TWS | Georgia employers looking for voluntary benefits paired with HR and compliance support |
| Home | ADavis Insurance Solutions | Florida businesses and individuals seeking personalized, cash-benefit voluntary plans |
| Wheatley Agency | New York employers wanting a wide range of voluntary benefits from a seasoned agency |
The Top 5 Independent Agencies for Employee Voluntary Benefits
#1 Boyle Insurance Agency
A screenshot of the Boyle Insurance Agency website.
Boyle Insurance Agency, based in Memphis, TN, with offices in Brentwood and Jackson, MS, is a powerhouse for group voluntary benefits. They emphasize that even if you can't afford healthcare benefits, you can still give employees access to valuable coverage at significantly lower rates than individual plans. Their program lets insurers offer lower premiums in exchange for access to a group of potential customers, with payments collected through payroll. This approach makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. They also provide a client center and online quoting for easy management.
#2 O'Neill Insurance
O'Neill Insurance serves Ohio from offices in Wadsworth, Akron, Medina, Wooster, Cleveland, and Canton, offering group voluntary benefits that help you give employees more without added cost. They highlight that not every employer can afford to pay for healthcare or life insurance, but voluntary plans let staff secure coverage at lower rates. Their team handles everything from group health to disability insurance, and they provide a client solution center for ongoing support. With a strong local presence and a focus on community, they're a trusted partner for Ohio businesses.
#3 TWS
A screenshot of the TWS website.
TWS, located in Gainesville, GA, takes a data-driven approach to voluntary insurance, noting that increasing costs have led many employers to reduce benefits. They position voluntary benefits as a 100% employee-paid solution that fills the gap, with studies showing employees want extended health options even if they pay for them. Their offerings include group health, alternate funding, and voluntary insurance, plus HR consulting and PEO services. They also provide a client portal (MyWave) for easy access to documents and support.
#4 Home | ADavis Insurance Solutions
A screenshot of the Home | ADavis Insurance Solutions website.
Amanda Davis Insurance Solutions is an independent agency founded by Amanda Davis, who has been fully licensed for over 20 years. She offers employee voluntary benefits and individual insurance products, including life, dental, vision, cancer, accident, illness, short-term disability, and final expense insurance. Partnering with Aflac, she provides pre-tax and voluntary plans like hospital, accident, and guaranteed issue cancer coverage. What sets her apart is her ability to offer cash-benefit policies that pay directly to policyholders or beneficiaries, plus her focus on tailored solutions for both business owners and individuals in Brevard County, Florida, and beyond.
#5 Wheatley Agency
A screenshot of the Wheatley Agency website.
Wheatley Agency, based in Garden City, NY, provides a variety of voluntary benefit programs with no direct cost to the employer, with premiums 100% employee-paid through payroll deductions. They emphasize that offering voluntary plans can assist in employee recruitment and retention, and all eligible employees and dependents can participate. Their custom-designed plans include dental, vision, term life, universal life, whole life, cancer insurance, specified disease, accident insurance, and even pre-paid legal and employee assistance programs. With a long history in the New York area, they're a go-to for comprehensive voluntary coverage.
How to Pick the Right Voluntary Benefits Agency for Your Business
Start by assessing your employees' needs: do they want more dental and vision options, or are they worried about accident and cancer coverage? Look for an agency that offers a broad product lineup and partners with top insurers like Aflac. Experience matters, so prioritize agents with over a decade in the field. Finally, consider geography—local agencies often provide more personalized service, but national firms can offer broader resources. Always ask about cash-benefit policies, which pay directly to employees and can be a huge differentiator.
Streamlining Your Benefits with a Smart Workflow
Once you choose an agency, set up a simple workflow: first, schedule a consultation to identify your must-have coverages. Next, have the agency present a menu of voluntary plans to your team via email or a benefits portal. Then, use payroll deduction integration to automate premium collection. Finally, schedule annual reviews to adjust plans as your workforce evolves. This keeps your benefits package competitive without adding administrative headaches.
Your Next Step Toward a Stronger Benefits Package
Voluntary benefits are a low-risk, high-reward way to show your employees you care. Whether you go with a national player like Boyle Insurance Agency or a local specialist like Amanda Davis Insurance Solutions, the key is finding an agency that listens and customizes. Start with a free consultation to explore your options, and watch your retention rates climb.