Frequently Asked Questions
What markets does Smart Choice give me?
This is a question we hear often, and the answer varies by state and market availability.
We provide access to over 100 national and regional carriers, including both standard and nonstandard markets. Access to these markets may vary depending on state-specific risks and policies.
We have the following markets available:
- Home
- Auto
- Commercial lines, including excess and surplus
- Life
Chances are, if you need access to a market, we can help you get it. Click here to find out what is available in your state and to get in touch with your local representative.
With Smart Choice, do I own my book of business?
Yes. Through the partnerships we have created with top market carriers, we can help agencies get direct appointments and grow their own book of business.
Smart Choice does not take ownership of your business; we simply help you help your clients.
Smart Choice enables you to:
- Own your book of business
- Have your own sub-producer code with each carrier
- Have binding authority through Smart Choice
- Put your agency’s name on the policies you write
It is that plain and simple.
How is Smart Choice different from other MGAs?
We are often asked, “What makes you stand out?” “Why should I work with you?” and “How are you different from the others?”
Smart Choice is unique because:
- We charge no up-front fees and no monthly fees to be part of our program.
- We do not bind you into a long-term contract. If, after a year, you decide you do not want to work with us anymore, you are free to leave.
- We have something for everyone, whether you are an experienced agent or just starting out.
- We offer products and solutions for virtually every facet of insurance.
- We have experienced, helpful representatives in every state where we are licensed.
When are you going to add additional standard carriers?
Standard markets typically want to see a certain level of production and a plan from their partner agencies, which can make adding new carriers more complex.
Smart Choice works with the markets in our program to provide the best balance between production requirements and ease of doing business.
Right now, we offer a large variety of carriers to our agents, and we are constantly working to add more standard carriers for personal, commercial, and life and health. Most recently, we added Dovetail to our list of available carriers.
Our purpose is to serve you, and we need your feedback to determine where our focus should be. If there is a carrier you feel we should offer, please let us know.
What is Smart Start and how does it work?
Smart Start is an online platform that gives agents access to personal and commercial lines carriers in a user-friendly way.
Smart Start Personal is handled by an underwriter at the Smart Choice home office, while Smart Start Commercial underwriting is provided by the carrier.