Blog + Magazine

After years of working for other agencies, Becky Cates founded Cates Insurance Agency, LLC, in 2021. Before doing so, she had to overcome the fear of not having a reliable paycheck – an uncertainty that stops many agents from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. Fortunately, Becky had the courage to make the leap...

As independent insurance agents, we face competition from all sides. The battle for business is tougher than it has ever been. The same old strategies won’t yield the same reliable results. Growth requires a new approach. 

Kim Winningham first opened the doors of Altamaha Agency in October 2020. Although she had more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry, she was building her agency from the ground up, and she was doing it in less-than-ideal times thanks to the Covid pandemic.

Discover how insurance agents can thrive in the challenging hard market by leveraging the advantages of independent agency partnerships, E&S markets, and innovative solutions provided by Smart Choice's Express Markets division. Explore the key factors driving premium growth and the diverse range of carrier partners in five vital insurance segments, including non-standard auto, artisan contractors, and niche markets, to secure policies and opportunities even in turbulent times.

If you’re partnered with, or have ever considered partnering with an agency network, alliance, aggregator or cluster, you have – no doubt – had to evaluate what it’s going to cost you and your agency.

When you start a new independent agency from scratch, you’re probably going to need some help getting carrier appointments – no matter how long you’ve been in the industry. Letisia Aguirre, better known as Letty, is the president of Capital Insurance Services of Florida, Inc.

Discover the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. private auto insurance industry in 2023. Learn how independent agents can thrive despite rising inflation, supply chain issues, and increasing premiums. Explore strategies to succeed in this evolving market and maximize your agency's growth and profitability.

If you’re thinking about making the leap from captive to independent agent, this guide explores the pros and cons of such an endeavor, as well as practical steps and success strategies to help you navigate the decision-making process.

You want to grow your agency and you know you could – if only you had more help. Hiring new team members is an expensive and complicated next step, and fortunately, there’s an easier way to grow before you reach that point. With our Smart Start programs, you can access the support you need to expand your personal and commercial lines business without the time and expense of recruiting and adding payroll.

Moving into 2023, independent agents who wish to grow will have to adopt different mindsets than in the past. As carriers continue to tighten risk guidelines, implement cancellations and rate hikes, and reduce appointments, they will look to partner with growth-oriented agencies.

The beauty of being an independent agent is that you’re often aligned with a number of carriers and partners who have done a lot of work for you, versus only having access to the carrier you work for as a captive agent.

Mark Brandt, VP of Commercial Lines at Smart Choice, sat down with Andy Wittgren, Director of Select Sales at Cowbell Cyber, for a Q &A on the state of cyber insurance today.