Getting Appointments with Safeco and Metlife

[popeye35]

The last time I posted, I was a producer for a State Farm Agent. I made the jump and am now the Personal Lines Manager for a kick ace indpendent agency and I am very happy with the change. This agency focusus on commercial lines but brought me in to increase the personal lines. We have direct appointments with Travelers, Hartford, Chubb, Progressive, and American Modern, however, we do not have Safeco or Metlife which seem like decent companies to have appointments with. I looked at things like Agent Secure, Superior Access, etc. and the president of our agency does not like them becuase he does not want to have to pay the fee, nor does he want to give up the commission. I understand where he is coming from, but I still want a couple more carriers. I need advice on either how to get the direct appointment with them, or a GA or wholeseller that pays higher commissions. Thanks!

 

[bobson]

If you direct with the other carriers the last thing you want is to use an MGA for Safeco and MetLife. Slow to no service, lost paperwork, day long inquires, etc, etc. Increase your books with the other carriers and eventually the ones you want will come looking for you.

 

[tglover29]

Have you tried going to smartchoiceagents.com?

 

[popeye35]

i just now looked at the smart choice website and it doesn't really give me much info on commissions etc. It looks like they have some kind of franchise program or something. This sounds more like something for new agencies who do not have any appointments. Not really what we are looking for, but I appreciate the info. I think the first bit of advice might be good.

Our problem is that right now, personal lines is only about 5% of our total business. I contacted Safeco directly and got the whold "we are not really looking to add agents in your area" thing. I wonder if I keep on bugging the person who contacted me if I could eventually get them to give the appointment.

 

[tglover29]

Your welcome, but they do help agencies that are already established. One of their representatives came in to the agency where I work a few months ago but the owner doesn't want to use other companies but his own to write business with.

 

[Guest]

well, you have to be aware now that some carriers wont put on any new agents unless they are part of a cluster,

Try SIAA, you make WAY MORE in bonuses than they cost of membership is.

 

[Bertolinoins]

i just now looked at the smart choice website and it doesn't really give me much info on commissions etc. It looks like they have some kind of franchise program or something. This sounds more like something for new agencies who do not have any appointments. Not really what we are looking for, but I appreciate the info. I think the first bit of advice might be good.

Our problem is that right now, personal lines is
only about 5% of our total business. I contacted
Safeco directly and got the whold "we are not
really looking to add agents in your area" thing. I wonder if I keep on bugging the person who
contacted me if I could eventually get them to give
the appointment.

Polite Persistance Pays... request another meeting and show them that you have been growing with your current carriers. You need to sell yourself. Every agency rep needs growth, you need to convince them that you can bring them business.

 

[djs]

Good luck finding these appointments. I know Safeco won't appoint anyone in my area directly right now.

I also understand wanting to avoid the 'cluster' type of idea for an established agency. You might want to really take a look at it with an open mind, and by that, I mean have the owner actually talk to the rep over coffee. It will depend on the current agency numbers if it will make sense at all.

Other than that, sign up with something like Superior Access for market access. Commissions are lower, no binding authority (though they have significantly improved binding time). It will give you access to markets that you otherwise wouldn't have, for both commercial and personal lines. Yes, there is a monthly fee, but its not outrageous. If you write some Safeco and Met business there, then you can have a much more impactful conversation with the carrier rep.

Ironically, the ones you can't get appointments with are always the ones you want and need. I don't know what area you are in, but for me, with certain clients, Safeco and Met are absolutely awesome in their rates.

Dan

 

[TwiLight]

Look at the AgentSecure opportunity again. They will give full commission on SAFECO & MetLife with a monthly access fee to their tech and full payout. They will also assist you in getting an appointment with SAFECO in your area when you establish a book with AgentSecure. Usually $250k is the minimum with each carrier. Both SAFECO & MetLife like to be the 2nd or 3rd carrier in your Agency for a direct appointment, so I would choose one to focus the most business with.

I have successfully used AgentSecure to get direct with SAFECO. They will also give you access to their commercial lines carriers under the same deals. The underwriting does get tighter in the National Markets area though verses your Regional Underwriter.

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