Best place to 1. Be independent to write for any carriers 2. Keep your book of business?

[Allen Trent]

aggregator/cluster/master agency who will have access to any of the major carriers you'll need.

What aggregators do you know of currently that are able to appoint a startup with "any of the major carriers". Won't he have to cut his teeth with 2nd or 3rd tier mid majors initially?

 

[RobJ-HPX]

It's all going to vary depending on their structure and each can have their own requirements/standards. You just have do your homework and evaluate each one, set up a call with them depending on your state, etc. I know from experience after helping captive agents go the independent agency route, they're considered a "start-up" because a lot have "non-compete" clauses, so moving their whole book over can be tricky (except CA just killed non-competes basically as unenforceable).

most of the clusters/aggregators have their own "agencies" internally with their own codes so "start-ups" can start writing business faster while awaiting direct appointments. You give up more commission points but at least you can get access quicker without a direct appointment. If you have to do this, many won't allow you to get profit share/contingency/bonuses, etc. They're all different, but similar in this regard.

 

[RobJ-HPX]

Also, check their websites to see what carriers they have, most have the usual, Travelers, Chubb, The Hartford, Tokio Marine, Liberty, CNA, Nationwide, Hanover, etc. plus depending on the state, regional WC carriers and state fund.

SIAA, Iroquois, Smart Choice, ISU, MarshBerry, etc.