Blog + Magazine

Effective growth strategies for insurance agency owners during challenging economic times. Learn how to enhance customer relationships, conduct policy reviews, and mitigate the impact of rate hikes. Explore opportunities for expansion and revenue growth by investing in technology and prioritizing overall client experience. Navigate the hard insurance market with resilience and set the stage for long-term success in the industry.

Opting for an independent insurance agent can transform your insurance experience. Discover the advantages of unparalleled choice, personalized guidance, and expert knowledge. Explore comprehensive coverage options and enjoy a service-oriented approach with bundled discounts. Choose the local advantage for a more personalized and accessible insurance journey.

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.

A long time supporter of the UWGHP, Smart Choice employees have been donating since 2007

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.

As a pilot, a heart transplant patient and the owner of a multimillion-dollar independent insurance agency, Sam Khair knows that the sky’s the limit. With Smart Choice network as his partner, he has survived challenging times. Now, he and his daughter are taking the Khairing Agency to new altitudes.

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