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.

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.

2023 Commercial Lines Edition

Time to take the plunge!

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Chris Walters is the owner of Integrity Insurance Group in Charleston, West Virginia. Since opening in 2019, Chris has built a $4 million book of business, and the network support he received from Smart Choice has played a key role. 

Independent agents are all too familiar with how challenging it can be to find success. Over the years, insurance networks have emerged as a prime way to help independent insurance agencies find their footing, connect with carriers and achieve their goals.