Good afternoon, I am a young agent in the process of developing a business plan to start my own insurance industry. It will be based in Boston, MA and I will focus on personal lines insurance and some small BOP's. I currently do not plan on writing life insurance, although I am licensed to do so. I ...

Besides Liberty Mutual and Amica are their any other direct writers in MA for commercial or personal lines insurance? Do you know where I can find this info?

I am fairly new to the indendent agency side. I am currently targeting auto garages, machine shops/general manufacturing, landscapers, and print shops. Often times when meeting wtih a prospcect I notice that they are insured through carrier A or B. These carriers always come in 25-30% than my carrie...

What are agency owners doing for new producers to help ensure their success in this economy?

Thanks for giving me some info. Since you have been involved in the agency side for 7 years, I am assuming you are quite busy and cannot find time to prospect. I would try looking for someone in college or an intern or just anyone who can sound professional and on the cheap. I am an experienced prod...

Are you new to the insurance business or just trying to build your book? What type of business are you looking to prospect?

I am not sure if a standard auto garage would need coverage for E&O. I work and prospect for auto garages and have never seen nor suggested E&O. I would contact one of your carrier for confirmation but I do not usually see a professional exposure. Professional liability is usually for profes...

Hi Growth,

Are you a MA agent? I know they are owned by All State and All State is planning on entering the MA auto market? From my experience, there are more competitive markets out there. Let me know some other info and I may be able to give some better advice.

Thanks!

Hi Youngbuck, I think your email looks great and is well constructed. Have you thought about calling your best clients first and letting them know they are good clients? This may reinforce your relationship with them and you can give them a heads up that an email is on the way and if they would kind...

You can't work through ADP and Paychex. They use the Hartford and are compensated for it. I would go through local CPA's and payroll companies.

We had tried First Cardinal. They may be regional though

Hi Break, We recently tried this program at my agency. The agency owner had set up programs with two carriers. I was ecstatic as I thought this was my foot in the door to several companies. I was wrong. The problem with pay as you go insurance is that you have to go through the payroll company and n...

I am familiar with twitter and how many companies and insurance agencies are using it to keep in touch with clients and prospects. I work for an independent agency as a producer. The agency owner is uncomfortable with using twitter due to an E&O exposure. How would you feel if a producer at your...

Thanks again for all of the input. It was very helpfull. I met with the agency principal on Wednesday and we came to an agreement. We will be doing some letter mailings and carrier post cards. He will also split the cost of any industry membership or chamber membership. Thanks again, but if you hav ...

Thank you all again for your valuable suggestions.

Thank you all for your replies. The agency although small, has 7 different commercial lines carriers and definitely does have the markets to acquire any risk in house....except for trucking firms. I agree with you Scott that cold calling is very inefficient. I would like to provide value, however wh...