If you were a new agent, just starting out, wanting to focus on small commercial due to faster commission growth, what are the best markets to go after? I know the basic ones that everyone goes after, resteraunts, mainstreet retail, small contractors, etc. however is there any market that generates ...

I am a new agent. carrier said i need to "fill out all the applicable acords" to quote business with them. They are not my mainline. What is the best way for a new agent to understand and get access to all applicable acords? The UW with this carrier doesn't seem to want to explain to me wh...

thanks all for your great idea's. Everyone of them i will use to some extent. I really appreciate your helpfulness.

Hey Shagster, Thanks for the comments. You guys who have posted replies have really been great and i appreciate it. Surplus line? What exactly are you refering to? Do you mean the risks that my mainline won't touch? I did get appointed with a wholesaler who i believe does handle all these types of m...

Thanks everyone for the input, any suggestions/comments really mean/help alot right now. The agency that i am talking with did mention something about me being a sub-agent with them but i am not sure i want to do that and give them ownership over any business i bring in. The funny thing right now is...

Big dog, Thanks for the reply. That is what i thought. I am really hoping that something works out with the independent i am talking with. I need mentorship. They did express interest in working with me because they would like to have access to the carrier i am appointed with (they can't get appoint...

Starting my own independent agency in Ohio with minimal insurance experience after loosing my job due to downsizing. I got licensed on my own, was appointed with Farmers for a couple months then saw that if i wanted to be in this business the way to go is independent. I have since, luckily, been app...

Thanks Seanmyer for the reply.
What type of fee are you paying for membership if you don't mind me asking.

Dan,
Thanks for the reply and yes it does help.
So you are saying that you totally leave the clients agent out of the loop and go directly to the carrier? Is that correct?
Where do you find the contact information for the carrier's loss run department (ie. fax , email)?
Thanks again.

Anyone using a company called "my loss runs" to obtain loss run reports? If so, what is your experience? Anyone have a suggestion as to the best way to obtain loss runs? Do you all just ask the potential client to contact their insurance agent and request them? Thanks in advance for your i...

I am a new agent so pardon my ignorance. To get access to multiple markets what is the difference between joining a cluster or an associaion such as SIAA? Does anyone know the differences? Thanks.

Thanks everyone for your input. All of your comments match what i was thinking. I haven't seen them much on auto dealerships but the automotive retail parts stores (NAPA in particular) are almost all with Federated. I did get a copy of one owners coverages and it is a good plan with lots of extras. ...

Who has the best rates for large franchised auto dealerships in Ohio?
I am seeing alot of Motorists and UUG (now Zurich) who are winning accounts.
Anyone know if there is someone who dominates this market?
Thanks.

I am quoting an auto parts store and they are with Federated Mutual out of MN. Anyone heard of them? Anyone know any carrier that can beat them on this type of risk? They have a very tailored niche policy specifically for auto parts stores that is very competitive. Anyone know if they can be beat? B...