As markets continue to harden, a previously small slice of the property and casualty sphere has made headlines as a busy – and growing – insurance sector. Excess and surplus line premiums topped $31 billion during the first six months of 2022. Most experts predict continued growth well into 2023.
Martha Hernandez wants to provide her clients with all the insurance coverage they need, but finding the right match wasn’t always possible in the captive model where she started her career.
Although we’ve been seeing indications of a hardening market for some time now, the state of the insurance industry shows no signs of shifting directions. Independent insurance agents will be feeling the squeeze when it comes to being able to provide coverage for clients. Here's how you can succeed despite the hard market.
Increasing numbers of new agency owners, existing independents, and former captive agents are looking to join agency networks to compete in a tough insurance market. But how do you choose the right agency network partner?
Like many people who wind up in the industry, Lee Ann didn’t plan to become an insurance professional. She fell into the industry, and ultimately realized it was the right career for her. Once she had dedicated herself to insurance, she needed to find ways to grow. Over the years, she’s done that with incredible success — and with the help of the Smart Choice network.
If you’re a captive who is experiencing challenges but also feeling lost about how to transition into the independent world – an independent agency network can help guide you.
As much as he knew about insurance, Gulraiz lacked a sales track record and the essentials required for carrier appointments. He was denied at his first carrier appointment interview but soon after joined Smart Choice's Smart Start program and wrote $300,000 in premiums in just six months.
Spiking M&A activity in 2021 and steep competition for carrier appointments led a second-generation independent agent to consider next steps for his agency – to acquire or be acquired – and if he stayed in the business, how best to expand and become more profitable.
