Comments on: Yes, you can .. make money as an insurance agent that is.

By: Alki

Alki — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:13:46 +0000

I am a captive agent and am looking to increase my activity to educate and write more business… Any suggestions for what I can do to “fill the top of my lead funnel”. Also, I am looking to hire a producer.. Any thoughts on how to hire somebody on commission only (sales focused). Thanks

By: Tara

Tara — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:31:18 +0000

I’ve been working for an agent for 4 years as a CSR, licensed in P&C for 3 and working on my life license now. I don’t know what my next step should be. Whether I should become a producer under the agent or become a captive agent. I’m not making enough money doing what I am, I write ALL the personal lines out of this office, the agent writes life and commercial. I don’t get any of the commission, just an hourly wage…

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:53:51 +0000

I am currently in the finance business and is looking to start an independent insurance agency. I am licensed to sell p&c and life and health. I am very accomplished in the finance business and my strongest skill in this business is my insurance sales. I want to start with auto/home first. I live in AL. I have a lot of contacts with car dealerships, banks, and realtors through my current business. I am so scared of failure. Has anyone started an independent agency in the last year or two that can give me some advice.

By: Terrell

Terrell — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:37:00 +0000

I’m glad I ran across this blog. I’ve been liscensed in all lines since 2000. I stopped selling insurance in 02, because of the unbelievable amounts of money I was making in the mortgage game. I’m now back in the insurance industry and must say, I’m a bit sceptical. - Currently my primary focus in Medicare products with a crosssell of life products. I’m eager to make some real money, to supplement that lost mortgage income. I am very optimistic and driven but again…sceptical…and afraid of failure. - This blog has surely encouraged me a bit. Already I see things that I must do differently…such as; not fearing cold calling. I appreciate the responses and look forward to trying different approaching as soon as tomorrow morning. — Thank you all….

By: Don

Don — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 20:40:53 +0000

I have been a “captive” agent since 2006. I loved haning my hat there as I received a great deal of training and support. Now I feel I am ready to become an independent agent. Reading through this post gave me a great deal of information which confirms my decision. So thank you to all who posted.

Like the post above stated, I am going to an established agent who has over 100 carrier appointments. My fees are 10% with a $1000 per month cap and minimal E&O and technology expenses.

Now is the best time to get into insurance sales. There are many reasons for this:

1. There are many captive agents that have decades of experience (and large books of busines) who are ready to retire. Someone needs to be there to catch the windfall of clients who now suddenly find themselves shopping around.

2. Risk factors and ratings are becoming more and more complex, someone needs to be there to assist in the clients understanding and recommend the correct coverages. An online computer program cannot do this for them.

3. Forces in the economy drive people to personal lines agents to assist them in getting the best value for their insurance dollar. People want to be assured that they have the best mix of coverage, service and price.

Good luck to all currently in or considering a career in insurance sales!

By: RIHI

RIHI — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Thinking of purchasing an agency in my local town. My wife has been an agent/csr for 18 years at a large independent agency in the same town. Can anyone give my a successful ratio of csr to either policy count or annual premium dollar for personal lines. The information would be appreciated and helpful.

Thanks

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:32:32 +0000

Hi,
i want to get into insurance broking, say if i sell car insurance i want to know how much cheaper deals i can bring for my clients from insurance companies? would it be way cheaper than the price my client would get directly from a company?

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 03:55:11 +0000

This was a very encouraging post and I just want to thank you for the helpful info. you provided! - Michelle

By: Marinoni Insurance

Marinoni Insurance — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 01:17:06 +0000

I have been in business now since August 2010 in Plano, Tx. I originally worked for a captive agency and then managed a Independent agency for 6 years. I would recommend Independent agency over captive any day. I have the carriers to Insure anything that is needed and Choices which is huge considering im not limited to one company. Focus on your bread and butter which is Auto/Home then get Commercial policies. Everyone has to find there own niche. Hope this helps out someone!

By: manwithaplan

manwithaplan — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:43:33 +0000

Tom… I would recommend using personal lines home & auto to start off with. people have to have it… so why not have it through you? once you get your home & auto rockin’ & rollin’ - then you can look into other areas, while still earning income on the home & auto