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Learn from Independent Agents about the critical need to anticipate and pivot when change demands it. 

Year In Review

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Small commercial is still largely controlled by independent agencies, is reliably profitable, but highly fragmented. Even the “titans” of the industry have less than 10% market share. In short, small commercial is ripe for the taking. Sounds great, right? 

If you’re currently exploring your options, you might be wondering — is an insurance agency cluster good for growth? Everyone’s situation is different, but here are some issues to consider before you join a cluster.

There are two different types of insurance agents — captive and independent. Which one's right for you?

We present six points to consider when examining the contract of an agency network, cluster or aggregator group, alongside the approach Smart Choice uses in its agency-friendly contract.

Invest in Your Success

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Starting your own independent insurance agency can feel both challenging and overwhelming — and it’s a leading reason many agents start in the captive world or as a producer in someone else’s agency. Many feel that the challenges of simply knowing how to start any business are daunting and simply don’t know where to begin.

Agency Network. Aggregator. Cluster. The words are used interchangeably in the insurance industry, but are they really the same thing? If you are an independent agent looking for market access and agency growth, is it worth joining some type of an alliance, and how do you know which one is right for you?

Smart Choice was named by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest growing private companies. This is the 3rd consecutive year Smart Choice has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list with three-year revenue growth of 80%. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Jamba Juice, Timberland, Clif Bar, Pandora, Patagonia, Oracle, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Smart Choice® Agents Program reports breakthrough growth metrics in the first half of 2021 (1H21) and announces strategic hiring of key executives. Of the thousands that applied, over 600 agents were selected to join the partnership network. New executive hires will have leadership positions in Sales and Finance.

In just six months, 631 independent insurance agents have joined the Smart Choice Agents network. These new partnership agencies represent virtually every type of business from start-ups to well established agency groups with multiple offices.

Weather Any Storm

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