This can allow you to build a relationship with your independent insurance agent no matter what company you choose for your insurance policies. While captive agents can also provide personalized customer service, independent insurance agents may be more motivated to work hard to keep your business so you do not go to another agency. This means answering questions about rates, coverages and claims or filing claims on your behalf. If there is an issue with your coverage, you can call on your independent insurance agent to help resolve your problem.
Pricing varies by state, agency size and revenue. If you have any questions, the Big “I" is standing by to assist you. An independent agent is an insurance agent that sells insurance policies provided by several different insurance carriers, rather than just a single insurance company. The Allen Thomas Group . The independent agent acts as a middleman to connect insurance buyers and sellers in order to facilitate a transaction. Independent agents receive commissions for the policies that they sell and are not considered employees of any specific insurance company.
The insurance field offers lots of career options. Do you like the idea of being in charge? Setting your own schedule? Having rewarding, well-paid work? If that's appealing, consider starting your own independent insurance agency. Here's a closer look at how to start an agency and why you might want to. There are two types of insurance agents. “Exclusive" agents represent a single insurance company, and “independent" agents represent multiple insurance companies. Independent insurance agencies are separate from the insurance companies they represent, allowing them to offer insurance from more than one company and select the policies that best meet their customers' needs.
Captive insurance agents work for one insurance provider and are accountable for selling its products. Independent agents assist people in finding insurance policies, and as they don't work exclusively for one insurer but instead shop around among various carriers for policies to find customers the best value possible. As opposed to brokers of specific insurance companies who must sell policies offered by those same insurers that might not fit exactly what a customer needs, the best insurance agents understand both worlds. We work with more than 40,000 independent insurance agents and brokers at thousands of insurance agencies nationwide, so you're guaranteed to find one who understands your needs and can get you the best policy and price possible. Find an insurance agent nearby and introduce yourself.
Successful insurance agencies usually boast retention rates of at least 90%; property/casualty agencies view retention as particularly relevant since commissions are recurring payments. New sales are essential to an agency's growth, yet successful independent insurance agencies strive for an ideal balance of retention and new sales. Independent agents usually earn between 10% to 12% commission per policy they sell. An agent selling one car policy with an annual premium of $1,000 would typically receive $100-$120 annually as commission.
Insurance offers many career options. Do you enjoy being in charge, setting your own schedule, and having satisfying, well-paying work? If that appeals to you, consider opening your own independent insurance agency. Here's more info on starting an independent agency and why starting one may be right for you. Insurance agents come in two varieties; exclusive agents represent one insurance provider while independent ones can represent multiple policies. Independent insurance agencies operate independently from the companies they represent, giving them the freedom to offer policies from multiple carriers that meet customers' individual needs best. Marketing and sales are important, but an agency's ability to meet customers' changing requirements or address claims quickly is equally vital.
For individual life and disability insurance, insurance companies typically pay a larger commission in the first year. Smaller commissions follow in later years. It's important to maintain an ongoing customer relationship for additional sales, referrals from your customers' friends and relatives, and the opportunity to sell additional policies like home and car insurance to your life and health insurance customers. For a startup insurance agency, being licensed to offer life insurance along with property/casualty insurance can help provide more up-front commission revenue. Even if you want to focus on property/casualty insurance, getting licensed for life/health insurance means you can share commissions if you refer business to a life/health insurance agent. What about the cost for the required courses to study for your licenses? They're not expensive.
Choosing an insurance agency can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to ensure the safety of your financial future. Here are a few things that you should look for in a reputable insurance agency. 1. Trustworthiness: The first and foremost factor to consider while choosing an insurance agency is their trustworthiness. You must look for an agency with a good reputation and those that have been in business for a long time. This ensures that the insurance company has experience in dealing with clients' needs. 2. Availability of Policies: Look for an insurance agency that offers multiple policies like health, life, home, auto, etc., so that you can get all your needs addressed in one place rather than running around multiple agencies. 3. Financial Stability: Insurance companies are supposed to protect you from financial hazards, but what if they go into bankruptcy? Therefore, it's essential to research the financial stability of the potential insurers before purchasing any policies. One way to do this is by checking their ratings on websites like AM Best or Standard & Poor's. 4. Customer Service: An insurance agent may seem friendly during the sales process, but how they behave after you've become their customer matters more. Check online reviews or ask your friends and family about their experiences with the insurance providers that you're considering.
Independent Insurance Center, Inc. is the owner of any information collected via this Web site and thus responsible for its security. We do not sell, disseminate, disclose, trade, transmit, transfer, share, lease or rent your personally identifiable data to any unauthorized third parties without receiving explicit authorization from you first. At The Allen Thomas Group, we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with independent agents. Once appointed with The Allen Thomas Group, we'll deliver exactly what is needed on time - because your agency is unique to us! Allen Thomas Group's cutting-edge telematics programs can easily adapt to meet the needs of your customers while saving them money. We have simplified our process so that an appointment decision can be reached as quickly as possible (we typically communicate back within five business days with next steps).
Customer service representatives should be knowledgeable, efficient, and helpful when answering your questions or assisting with claims. You can test customer service by calling the insurance agency and asking general questions. If it is tedious to get a representative on the line, or they seem uninformed, it might not be the best company. Finding the right insurance agency for your needs takes time and effort, but it's worth it. By evaluating an insurance agency's reputation and stability through assessing customer reviews, financial strength rating, and service quality, you can be confident in making a wise investment choice. Remember to do your research and choose an agency that aligns with your values, budget, and coverage requirements. While purchasing insurance online may seem like a convenient option, it can often lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Find an insurance agent near you and tell them a bit about yourself. They'll handle the rest. The whole experience starts with a simple conversation. Your independent insurance agent gets to know you and then recommends the right coverage for your needs. If there's an accident, you'll find comfort in those little touches The Allen Thomas Group provides, like guaranteed repairs,* accident forgiveness, and a simplified repair process.
People needing cover would need to go to multiple providers in order to compare quotes, while when making claims they will likely need to deal directly with the insurer themselves. Independent insurance agents make shopping for insurance easier by providing quotes from multiple providers. Most people have questions or may prefer speaking to someone in person about their issues and concerns about coverage. Independent agents develop relationships with their customers while employing technology to better serve them in various ways. There can be benefits in starting your own independent insurance agency from scratch; however, there may also be drawbacks.
Here are some key financial considerations you should take into account: Firstly, evaluate the deductible amount on each policy being considered because this ultimately affects how much you'll have to pay for coverage after filing a claim. A lower deductible means higher premiums while a higher deductible means lower premiums. Secondly, research discounts provided by different insurance agencies. Many offer discounts based on your occupation, driving record or affiliations with certain organizations or groups like alumni associations. Thirdly, leverage technology during your search for providers as many online services today offer comparison tools that allow you to select from multiple policies. This can help reduce the cost of your insurance and ensure that you're getting the best value for your money. Furthermore, it's possible to lower premiums by bundling insurance policies such as home and auto or life and health with a single provider.
A captive insurance agent works with only one insurance company and is responsible for selling its products. Independent agents help people find insurance policies, and because they don't work for one company but rather obtain policies from a variety of insurance providers, they can often find the best deal for customers. This stands in contrast to the brokers of specific insurance companies who need to sell their company's policies, which may not be the best fit for the customer. The best insurance agents combine the insurance world with your world. We work with more than 40,000 independent insurance agents and insurance brokers countrywide at thousands of different insurance agencies. So, you can be sure you'll find an independent insurance agent in your community who understands your needs and can get you the best policy and price available.
Startup insurance agencies that want to expand into life and property/casualty insurance may find having dual licenses beneficial in generating additional commission revenues up front. Even if your focus lies with property/casualty insurance, becoming licensed for life/health insurance could open the doors to commission sharing when referring business to life/health agents. As for cost, taking courses to earn your licenses aren't expensive at all! However, startup expenses include building an attractive website and purchasing technology tools such as computers. Your business plan should outline at least $5,000 as a minimum initial savings goal. Estimate the potential revenue from policies you need to sell to reach a breakeven point; factor in living expenses as a consideration as well. Have a wide network of business and social acquaintances in your community?
Firstly, insurance agencies provide consultation services to help clients understand their coverage options, premiums, and deductibles. This could be done in person or through various digital channels such as webinars or chatbots. By providing professional advice from licenced experts, it can save clients from potential issues related to insurance policies. Secondly, insurance agencies conduct a thorough risk assessment of their clients' homes, automobiles, businesses, or other assets requiring insurance coverage. It is a crucial part of the process as it helps evaluate the potential risks and prepares for possible losses. Thirdly, they help clients choose the right policies that fit their unique needs and budget. Their role is to ensure that clients make informed decisions about which type of policy will suit them most. With so many insurance policy options available, selecting an adequate one is imperative. Fourthly, an Insurance agency also manages claims processing when unfortunate events occur like thefts and accidents.
An insurance agency provides a wide range of services including assessing risks, recommending policies, and providing guidance for filing claims. A licensed agent will work with you to ensure that you have the coverage you need based on your individual needs. Additionally, many agencies act as advocates on behalf of their clients to make sure claims are handled quickly and efficiently. Insurance agencies are companies that provide insurance policies and coverage to individuals or businesses to protect them from financial loss in case of an unforeseen event. They work as intermediaries between the insurer and insured, helping consumers navigate through the complexities of the insurance market and find policies that suit their specific needs. The primary role of an insurance agency is to provide customized insurance solutions tailored to their clients' specific requirements. This involves understanding the individual's needs, assessing risks, and recommending appropriate coverage.
Working with an insurance agency like The Allen Thomas Group provides many benefits, including personalized service, expert advice, and the ability to compare multiple insurance options. One benefit of working with an insurance agency is receiving personalized service. An agent can take the time to understand your unique needs and recommend coverage options that fit your specific situation. This level of attention to detail isn't possible when purchasing insurance online. Another advantage is having access to expert advice. Insurance agents are trained professionals who can answer any questions you may have about coverage, claims, and policy changes. They can also offer guidance on risk management strategies for your personal or business needs. Lastly, working with an insurance agency allows you to compare multiple options in one place.
The parent company will usually provide resources, training and support to captive agents, whereas independent agencies will have to use their own interpretation of companies’ materials to run their business, which could affect the quality of their work. While some large insurance companies will work with independent agents, some do not. So, while you will likely see a greater breadth of quotes from an independent agent, it’s possible that you might miss out on better coverage options or rates from a company that does not work with independent agents. If you don’t want to work with an independent agent or agency, there are other ways to purchase insurance:
As an independent agency we can select the best coverage from many different carriers to better meet the individual needs of our clients. Give us a call or click on the quote form button above to find out more about our insurance solutions. We look forward to hearing from you! You’re here because you’re looking for a new insurance policy and don’t know where to start. Begin and end with us! Our agency works with many different insurance companies to ensure that you are being provided the best coverage for the most value.
Now we have learned about evaluating an insurance agency's reputation and stability. With proper research and consideration, finding the right insurance agency for your needs should become much easier. Evaluating an insurance agency's reputation and stability is crucial before purchasing insurance. With so many insurance agencies in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, taking the time to do your research can help you find an agency that meets your needs and provides you with peace of mind. One way to evaluate an insurance agency's reputation is by checking their customer reviews online. Many websites offer reviews and ratings of insurance companies based on their customer service, claim handling process, and overall satisfaction.
The Big “I" is a national trade insurance federation. It consists of more than 50 independent state associations as well as the national association. Its mission is to provide support for independent agents and brokers by offering membership benefits and resources such educational tools, informative publications, networking and more. These associations also serve as advocates for independent insurance agents by working with insurance companies, state insurance departments, the federal government and other stakeholders to maintain a stable and viable marketplace. Through the collective efforts of the Big “I," independent agencies are better equipped to thrive. When starting your own independent agency, there are many ways a membership with the Big “I" can help. Here are just a few benefits of a membership for a startup independent agency. Just as independent agents are an insurance customer's greatest ally in finding quality and affordable coverage, the Big “I" is an independent agency's greatest ally in running a knowledgeable, successful operation.
Prices vary based on how you buy. Prices for policies sold through agents and brokers are available from them. Because we’re an independent insurance agent, we can select the best insurance coverage for you from the insurance companies that we represent. At The Allen Thomas Group, we pride ourselves on providing numerous insurance options to find the best coverage and service — and the most competitive rates — to fit your individual needs. We offer a full line of products including automobile insurance, homeowners insurance, business insurance and life & health insurance.
The Allen Thomas Group's car insurance solutions are tailored to your unique driving habits and needs. Here's what sets our car insurance apart: 1. Coverage That Adapts to You Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend road-tripper, or a parent chauffeuring kids to school, our car insurance coverage can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. We understand that each driver is different, and we take pride in creating policies that reflect that diversity. 2. Protection Against the Unexpected Accidents happen, and when they do, you want to be prepared. Our car insurance covers you in case of collisions, theft, vandalism, and more. You can drive with confidence knowing you have a safety net in place. 3. Affordable Premiums We believe that quality car insurance should be accessible to all. Our agents work diligently to find you the best rates without compromising on coverage. You can trust us to provide you with a policy that fits your budget. 4. Additional Benefits Beyond the basics, our car insurance policies may include additional perks like roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and more. We go the extra mile to ensure you're protected in every scenario.
Mission of NAACB: to offer support for independent agents and brokers by offering membership benefits such as educational tools, informative publications, networking events and networking resources. These associations also act as advocates for independent insurance agents by working closely with insurers, state insurance departments, the federal government and other stakeholders to maintain a stable and profitable marketplace. Independent agencies benefit greatly from the combined efforts of the Big "I". When starting up an independent agency, membership of the Big "I" can offer many advantages; here are just a few benefits for startup independent agencies. Independent agents are essential partners in finding quality and affordable coverage; similarly, independent agencies have in The Big "I" as an ally when it comes to running an efficient operation. Signing up in your state is simple! Simply complete the online form to begin, with pricing varying by state, agency size, and revenue. Should any issues arise or if any questions arise, The Big "I" will always be there to assist.
That will be invaluable as you grow as an independent agent. Many independent agents join service organizations or nonprofit boards, as this helps their growth. Businesses and personal lines customers typically wait until their annual policy renewal to consider switching agents, unless there is an issue with service delivery. Insurance license requirements depend on your state. Before beginning planning for your independent agency, make sure you know what licenses will be necessary in your state and their individual requirements. Understand which types of licenses will be necessary before diving in too deeply to the planning process. Without proper licenses, your agency might not be able to sell insurance to families and business clients. At first, most of your efforts will likely go toward finding new customers; over time though, make sure you can continue servicing existing ones effectively. Retention in the insurance industry refers to holding onto customers.
You could miss out on significant coverages or discounts as a result. Captive agents typically receive resources, training and support from their parent company; independent agencies must rely on their interpretation of company materials in running their businesses - something which could compromise quality work. While some large insurance companies work with independent agents, others do not. Therefore, while an independent agent might provide more quotes and options than you realize, it could mean you miss out on better coverage options or rates from companies who do not work with independent agents. If this is something that concerns you, there are other methods available to purchase insurance:
A six-month term policy is cheaper than a 12-month one, even though your average premium (or base price) does not change. This is because you pay for the coverage over a shorter time period.
Insurance agencies, also known as insurance agents, are individuals or companies authorized by an insurer to sell their products for compensation. The laws in the state where they work regulate agents.
Amount you pay before your health insurance plan begins to pay. You pay for the first $1500 in covered services, if you have a $1500 deductible. You usually only pay a copayment after you have paid your deductible.
A good driving record is one of the best ways you can keep your auto insurance rates down. Compare prices. Compare insurance rates before you purchase a vehicle. ... Ask for higher deductibles. Reduce the coverage for older vehicles. Purchase both your auto and homeowners coverage with the same insurance company. ... Keep a high credit score.
Insurance agents help insurance companies to generate new business through contacting customers and selling a variety of policies. They guide clients in choosing the best policy for their needs by explaining various policies.
Don't get us wrong... Direct-writer insurance companies are not bad. If you work with an insurance agent, you will get certain services and protections that a direct writer insurer cannot offer.
Local insurance agencies like The Allen Thomas Group know the area best. Local insurance agencies have the necessary experience to provide you with advice on local issues that may affect your insurance needs. Insurance laws and regulations can also vary from one state to another.
Insurance agents represent one or more insurance companies, and they sell their policies for a commission. An insurance agent will first work with you to determine your insurance needs and budget.