RE: "What is the best way to start an independent agency? Superior access ? What other companies are there that I can use to offer the top carriers ?" This industry has changes SO MUCH in the last 5-10 years. It is no longer easy to obtain(let alone keep) a direct appointment with the big,...

insurance guy 101. I was 11 years captive with Farmers, I am now 8+ year IA. (Independent Agent) Farmers changed their agency contract in 2009 to a much more restrictive one, with life quotas until you hit 2000 policies in force. (PIF). Also, their non compete is stronger too, AND you are not allowe...

pageltd, I think what agents are expressing, is the fact that the CARRIERS are telling you, me and every other agent, if you requote too much, we can terminate your contract and you are not welcome back ever. So if you hear this advice from an agent, they are really just passing on what they have wi...

Do what you feel you need to do. I have heard not second hand, but FIRST hand from agents that have been terminated from MAJOR IA carriers for quoting TOO much, and having a lower than average retention ratio. Believe it or not, but IT HAPPENED. And, once terminated by a major carrier, you are black...

Regarding "REQUOTE EVERYTHING"... That will work for a little while, until one, or two, or all of your major carrier reps come into your office and show detailed reports about other agents in their territory within a 5 mile radius of your office, who have a higher quote / issue ratio, and ...

I think you guys are over thinking this... In today's world, in all of these emails back and forth to prospects, the prospects are looking for rate. So you have to lead with rate, to get them to engage with you in a conversation over the phone, about enhancing the coverage later, on the initial prop...

One has to ask, HOW IN THE WORLD is a company like Farmers, able to get ANYONE (who can read on the net about their practices), to sign up to be an agent for them? Used to have a great agency appointment contract prior to them changing that for the worse in 2009. Now, it is arguable THE WORST carrie...

gregcw, what you just stated about "sounds like ownership" is the reason why many a young, green behind the ears newby to the insurance business is recruited by a captive company, thinking what they are told by a company recruiter is true, that "they will own their own agency." T...

gregcw, actually Lonestar is right. I may be old school, but the definition of "owning" something, means you do not have to give it up for any reason.

The Farmers contract value is really a type of severance, and does not imply any ownership of the book.

Trotter, there is an online forum where several current, and ex Farmers agents meet, to discuss this very topic, and many others. You can visit the forum by going here:

http://myinsuranceworld.proboards.com/

You will need to register to use the forum.

Seems that Farmers is getting worse every time I talk to a Farmers agent. Latest word on the street, is just this week Farmers is telling all their agents that they are cutting their fire commissions in July 2018 by 30%. I can't see how any person looking to get into the insurance business, that has...

Anyone here know what has changed recently at Liberty Mutual, with regards to their underwriting and pricing of personal lines customers? We are getting calls from these clients more now than ever, and I think Liberty must have introduced insurance scoring which is causing a disruption to their pric...

ziiqui, D's speaks the truth. Don't be married to any of them. Any one of them could turn on you at a moment's notice. Look what Travelers did recently. Vote with your rater, and try to not become too big with any one carrier. Becoming too big with any one carrier, compared with the rest of your car...

The banks tried this and failed for essentially the same reasons. Have the banks failed? I don't know, I am just asking. I still get home and auto solicitations in the mail from BB&T bank with my mortgage statement. I would be curious if there is any data on banks ceasing to offer home and auto...

michelle, let me first say that from what I know from my mortgage friends, there is a LOT MORE MONEY in being a loan officer than selling insurance. Having said that, if you can find a way to survive the first 5 years, and that is a BIG "IF", then you might be able to eek out a living as a...