Becoming a State Farm Agent

[xrac]

I made my final NO decision when SF would not let me see the contract that was going to ruin my life without making a commitment, and then going through the first part of the process. Then I could see it... I told him if I can't see it, there must be something to hide, so i'm running for my life. Take the secret contract and shove it!

Smart decision. Why would SF treat the contract that way unless they are afraid for too many people (who would be sharp enough to understand it) to see it.
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I can't begin to tell you how financially devastating the decision to become a State Farm agent was for me and my family. I traveled, made bonus, did everything I could to make it work. Doing things the State Farm way cost me my life savings. Plus I will have another decade of working to dig myself out of this hole. I drank the koolaid for too long. At least employees get to keep what they get paid, no expenses.

I am sorry for you and your family. That is a predicatory practice. I have no respect for SF because of it and will never insure with them or recommend that anyone else do the same.

 

[SteveFlintstone]

You have to go into these captive situation with a selfish mentality. You have to get yours first, if possible. They have the bonus, the premium bonus, commission, etc to a science making very hard for agent to capitalize.

 

[jx5]

How does the farm treat their ex-agents and the non-compete agreeent?

 

[SteveFlintstone]

One year non compete, i think. SF not worried about agents stealing clients...they have the highest retention customer loyalty among the top insurers

 

[andm357]

I couldn't agree more....I've been working for a SF agent for the past 4 yrs. I went throught the recruitment process, jumped through all the hoops and decided to run like hell because they wouldn't let me see the contract. Too much shady business going on around here. SF is stacking all the cards in their favor and screwing agents.

 

[xrac]

I couldn't agree more....I've been working for a SF agent for the past 4 yrs. I went throught the recruitment process, jumped through all the hoops and decided to run like hell because they wouldn't let me see the contract. Too much shady business going on around here. SF is stacking all the cards in their favor and screwing agents.

In my book you are one of the smart ones.

 

[Jinc]

I couldn't agree more....I've been working for a SF agent for the past 4 yrs. I went throught the recruitment process, jumped through all the hoops and decided to run like hell because they wouldn't let me see the contract. Too much shady business going on around here. SF is stacking all the cards in their favor and screwing agents.

Agreed! Oh, I need 20 characters...

 

[AdvisorsIns]

I worked for an agent for 5 years and started into the pool as well. Quickly decided to open a scratch independent agency. I have done 700k in premium since last March. A bunch of my business is from referrals from State Farm agents because they have cancelled or limited their market for many clients. Independent is the way to go. Freedom!

 

[Jinc]

I worked for an agent for 5 years and started into the pool as well. Quickly decided to open a scratch independent agency. I have done 700k in premium since last March. A bunch of my business is from referrals from State Farm agents because they have cancelled or limited their market for many clients. Independent is the way to go. Freedom!

Yeah, they like to use folks!!

 

[tedyoung]

I made my final NO decision when SF would not let me see the contract that was going to ruin my life without making a commitment, and then going through the first part of the process. Then I could see it... I told him if I can't see it, there must be something to hide, so i'm running for my life. Take the secret contract and shove it!

So, here is the thing. IF you are a 1099 employee, then you are an independent contractor. To qualify as an independent contractor, there are several conditions that must be met. Two of them are that you cannot be required to be ANYWHERE at ANY PARTICULAR TIME (you are being hired to do a job, NOT "punch a clock"; AND you MUST be performing duties that you normally perform for OTHER companies. Otherwise, you are an employee, and must be treated (and compensated) as such! Therefore, IF you are a "captive" agent, you MUST be an employee, and receive wages and benefits as such!