Blog

Quality Assurance measures take center stage in our blog post, "Up Close and Personal: Quality Over Quantity." Explore impressive stats, like the Smart Start Personal Lines Team's 93% overall quality measure, and learn how prioritizing quality ensures enduring program success. Read now for insights into achieving the perfect balance between quality and quantity.

Become a successful insurance agent and learn the steps to kickstart your career, from education and licensing to hands-on training and choosing the right path. Explore the differences between independent, captive, and direct sale agents, each offering unique opportunities. Discover the advantages of joining an insurance agency network, providing access to carriers, increased market presence, training, support, shared resources, networking, and business expansion opportunities. Thrive in the competitive insurance landscape by aligning your goals with the right strategies.

Potential risks faced by homeowners with small farms and farm animals are examined in our latest blog post. Delve into key questions that assess acreage size, farm activities, livestock, equipment, and hired help. Whether opting for a homeowners policy with an incidental farming endorsement or a commercial farm policy, understanding these factors is crucial for adequate coverage. Explore insights that guide clients toward the right protection for their unique farm-related risks.

Gear up for a successful 2024! Discover 24 strategic ways to navigate the hard market, boost your agency's growth, and maximize your Smart Choice® membership. From setting realistic goals to exploring new markets and networking opportunities, this comprehensive guide will set you on a path to success. Don't miss out on exclusive discounts, training insights, and residual income opportunities. Kickstart your year with Smart Choice® – where opportunity meets preparation for insurance professionals in 2024.

Smart Start Commercial's expanding product portfolio takes center stage in this blog post by Mark Brandt, Vice President of Commercial Lines at Smart Choice®. Explore the rapid evolution of the Transportation team and the addition of diverse markets and classes in trucking and transportation. From Non-Emergency Medical Transport to Sand & Gravel Haulers, discover the comprehensive solutions offered for a broad spectrum of transportation risks. Learn how Smart Start Commercial is committed to delivering an extraordinary experience for agents in the ever-evolving landscape of trucking and fleet risks.

Launch your own independent insurance agency successfully with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to gain industry knowledge, meet state licensing requirements, choose a business structure, create a business plan, secure funding, and more. Start your journey to offering a broader range of insurance products and outstanding customer service.

Technology is revolutionizing the world of Excess & Surplus lines in the U.S. Explore the issues in current E&S placement processes, understand the market's complexity, and learn about the potential for a digital solution that benefits both agents and carriers. Dive into the features of a new way of doing business in the E&S market that promises faster, simpler, and more efficient transactions. Find out how Pathpoint is leading the charge in this transformation with its small business digital placement solution.

Explore Smart Choice's remarkable journey through the tumultuous 2023 insurance market, revealing strategies, partnerships, and opportunities for agents in 2024.

Partnering for success, discover the advantages of joining national insurance aggregator networks, alliances, or alliances as an insurance agent. Explore how these partnerships grant access to diverse insurance products, increase commission earnings, and provide essential support for managing carrier relationships. Stay informed about industry trends and compliance, all while maximizing your agency's revenue and profits. Make well-informed decisions to align with your agency's goals and enhance your compensation.

Learn about the growing financial burden of dog bite claims in the U.S. and the factors contributing to this increase in costs. Discover the impact on homeowners, including the potential exclusions in Homeowners Insurance policies, and the need for additional coverage. Find out how businesses are also affected by dog bite claims and what steps can be taken to prevent such incidents. Gain insights from experts at Burns & Wilcox on mitigating risks and understanding insurance coverage.

Many insurance agents start in the captive insurance model, learning the ins and outs of the industry, and building their knowledge of selling. The hard market, exacerbated by the pandemic and record inflation, has made providing client coverage difficult, and in some cases nearly impossible without having access to a broader range of products – making many captive agents ponder making the leap to independence.

Key trends shaping the P&C insurance landscape in 2024. Explore the impact of technology, consumer behavior, and risk guidelines, and discover proactive strategies to navigate the evolving industry successfully.