You might have heard that insurance networks pave the way for new agency success. Of course, that’s true, but networks also power the growth of many of the nation’s most successful established agencies.
American Heritage Insurance Brokers is a prime example. Its owner, Tatsiana Tarasava, has more than two decades of experience as an agent. Nevertheless, she still leverages network support to take her agency to the next level.
Going Solo
Tatsiana entered the insurance industry in 2002 as a Farmers Insurance agent. She enjoyed the work, but with only one product to offer, it was challenging to retain clients. It’s a common plight in the captive environment: Without choices, you simply cannot offer the best coverage or rates for every client. So, a few years later, she decided to go independent.
“It was a big transition. I started to work with Travelers, Progressive, and a lot of other companies, rebuilding my business,” she explains.
While she had more flexibility as an independent agent, she missed the safety net that came with working for a large carrier. It was hard, and sometimes even a little frightening. Fortunately, that period of uncertainty didn’t last long. She quickly discovered that being independent didn’t mean she had to do everything completely on her own.
Finding the Best of Both Worlds: Support + Independence “
In the beginning, I wanted to be completely independent,” says Tatsiana. She was wary of joining an organization that would strip her of her autonomy. However, she also began to realize how hard it was to meet carrier quotas and requirements on her own. She needed to find an insurance network that would provide markets and other support while also letting her run her own agency, her way.
There are many insurance networks to choose from, and big differences in the types of support they offer, the fees they charge and the requirements they place on agents. Tatsiana started exploring her options, and before long, she met Olga Ivchenko, a state director with Smart Choice.
Tatsiana learned about the many advantages of the Smart Choice network, and quickly realized that it was a practical way to gain access to a large portfolio of both commercial and personal insurers, and she wouldn’t have to give up her independence to do so.
Two Decades Years Later
Tatsiana has owned her independent agency for over two decades now, and she still values the solid foundation that the Smart Choice network provides.
“In the current environment, the insurance market is very challenging,” she explains. “Everyone is struggling.” Insurers have been dealing with rising claims, and as they tighten underwriting requirements and pull out of markets, it’s increasingly difficult for agents to find affordable coverage for their clients. If you only offer policies from a limited number of carriers, the turbulence can be incredibly disruptive.
Fortunately, Tatsiana has been able to navigate market conditions and find coverage for incredibly challenging situations, thanks to the 100+ carriers and 3,000+ products she can access through Smart Choice. “When I can provide more choices, clients are more likely to choose one of my options, rather than shopping elsewhere,” she explains.
When I can provide more choices, clients are more likely to choose one of my options, rather than shopping elsewhere
Diversifying Without Fear
With Smart Choice, Tatsiana is also able to pivot as needed as market conditions evolve. For example, if personal lines are particularly difficult, she can focus on commercial lines, and vice versa. With Smart Start for commercial lines, she doesn’t need to go through the hassle of securing appointments, but she still has access to products from a wide array of carriers.
The Smart Start Commercial Lines program makes it easy to diversify into new niches. “It is so intuitive to complete the form, and once you submit it, a carrier representative walks you through the process – answering questions, and helping you to select the right coverage,” says Olga.
This means that agents don’t need any experience in commercial insurance to start serving business clients – and even experienced agents gain the advantage of having a carrier partner’s advice.
“It’s very collaborative and confidence-building,” says Olga. “Most of all, there’s no pressure for the minimum quota,” she adds. “You can start at your own pace, on your own terms, and write wherever you can.”
As a result, Tatsiana has been able to enter new commercial niches without worrying about overlooking an important detail. She explains that when agents branch out into new areas, they don’t always know which questions to ask clients, and this can lead to fears about errors and omissions claims. The Smart Start program alleviates these worries. When Tatsiana has trouble placing business, she simply asks Olga for help. “She usually finds the way,” Tatsiana says.
Leveling Up
With Smart Choice by her side every step of the way, Tatsiana continues to level up. In addition to being an agency owner, Tatsiana is an athlete. “Actually, I started my athletic career a bit delayed in my life. It was 10 years ago, and I started as a runner,” she says.
Now she is part of Team USA competing in Aquathon at international meets. Whether she’s running a race or building her agency, she’s proven that with hard work, determination and the support of a good team, greater success is within reach.
How can Smart Choice support your goals? Learn more.