Getting Carrier Appointments

[ntbktrader]

I'm in TX and have been using a wholesaler for my insurance customers and writing them mostly with Travelers, Safeco, and using Hartford for small business. I was planning on learning the ropes through the wholesaler and then going out on my own. However, now that I'm ready it's been difficult to get direct appointments (travelers/safeco are not appointing new agents in my area it seems). One of the problems is that my area has been hit 3 times in the past three years by hail storms so my claims ratio is pretty high and now rates (especially for Travelers) are going up so my clients are shopping/jumping ship. The wholesaler takes about half my commish and the time it takes to do quoting etc is hurting me big at this point.

Anyhow, I was thinking about focusing more on commercial lines in the future. However, my ability to get direct appointments is not so good. Any suggestions? tia

 

[sgriswold]

Definitely consider joining a cluster. I found entering the P&C market in CA a nearly impossible feat until joining SIAA and using their leverage for appointments.