Independent Agents

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 an insurance agent, you need errors & omissions, or E&O, insurance. This valuable coverage protects you and your agency against a loss in the event of an error or omission you or your staff make (or are accused of making).

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.

Feeling restricted by the captive offering, here's the story of just one insurance agent who chose the mission to put people first, over his loyalty to his brand — and left a captive career to start his own successful agency.

Are you thinking of starting your own insurance agency and can’t decide whether to go the captive or independent route? We’ve got you covered!

One of the primary reasons so many agents choose to go the independent route is the freedom it brings – the freedom to manage your own life and business, and the freedom to build something on your own terms. It’s very different from running an agency in the captive world with all if its restrictions and requirements – and you have more decision-making capabilities when it comes to your clients and growth targets.

Want to stand out from other agents and win more clients? Set yourself apart by approaching sales in a way that shows off your expertise and brings more value. Here’s how.

The insurance industry has a handful of unique situational challenges that can turn into opportunities over the next decade if these societal shifts are recognized and leveraged properly. Our industry’s lack of diversity has always been uncomfortably apparent with relatively minor evolutionary change over the prior decades. Yet, there is a revolution coming brought not by good intentions, corporate initiatives or diversity awareness programs.

Ready to put 2021 behind you and up your game in 2022? Education and professional development is the place to start. Here are ten ways you can use education to up your game and grow your agency next year.