Blog + Magazine

In the past year, over $100 million in acquisitions and fifteen separate deals have been completed.

Insurance deserts, characterized by limited access to essential insurance coverage due to factors such as economic downturns, environmental hazards, and regulatory challenges, underscore the pressing need for agents to employ proactive strategies, such as advocating for policy changes and fostering collaborative relationships with insurers, to provide vital support to clients in high-risk areas and navigate the complex landscape of insurance accessibility and affordability.

Carol Drake's journey in the insurance industry, from a chance job at Midland Life Insurance to a Senior VP role at Smart Choice, underscores the value of mentorship and diversification, highlighting how Smart Choice's non-exclusive contracts and consultative approach help independent agents navigate market challenges and maximize profitability by balancing personal and commercial lines.

Tony Davis's unexpected shift from actuarial science to the insurance industry underscores his belief in seizing opportunities, while his leadership philosophy of treating all agents equally and his emphasis on building strong relationships highlight the importance of hard work, dedication, and networking in achieving business success.

In navigating the complexity of the insurance market's perceived hardness, Mike Miller illuminates a crucial insight: while macro trends indicate challenge, the proactive pursuit of diversified commercial and specialty lines business can not only weather the storm but also foster agency growth and resilience.

At Smart Choice we understand the importance of evolving in this dynamic insurance environment, which is why this issue focuses on Excess and Surplus (E&S), or as we call it here – the Express Markets program.

As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly ingrained in commercial insurance, its integration revolutionizes risk assessment, underwriting processes, and claims management, promising heightened efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction, while also prompting a vigilant approach towards regulatory compliance and ethical considerations.

Cyber liability insurance is indispensable in today's digital landscape, providing businesses with essential financial protection against evolving cyber threats, mitigating potential losses, and ensuring resilience in the face of cyber incidents.

By leveraging the Jedi-style mentorship of his territory manager at Smart Choice, Ben Williams rapidly transformed his fledgling insurance agency into a successful business, securing appointments with top carriers like Allstate and Travelers despite his initial lack of industry experience.

In the intricate world of agency networks, Smart Choice Agents offers not just promises, but a transparent and supportive partnership, empowering independent agents to navigate pitfalls and thrive with informed decisions.

In the intricate landscape of insurance agency ownership, recognizing the multifaceted value of your business is not just a financial endeavor, but a testament to your dedication, foresight, and commitment to long-term success.

Christy Stevenson underscores the pivotal role of Smart Choice in aiding Georgia agents to navigate the challenges of the hard market by providing access to a robust portfolio of E&S partners through Express Markets, emphasizing the importance of building rapport with underwriters to ensure prompt consideration of submissions and successful placement of previously standard Commercial business.