Is Independent Agent a Fallacy?

[souldeux]

There are many independent agents out there, and many ways to become an independent agent. John's (healthagent) association, the IHIAA is an incredible resource for agents looking to get started with health insurance.

You specifically mentioned figuring out which companies to contract with as an independent agent. Tell us more about what type of market you're looking to target - you mentioned business health plans, so maybe you're looking to work with business owners for life insurance as well? Or are you more of a term-over-the-phone guy? We actually just finished a webinar on this very subject at the ILIAA, so I'm a little full of advice on the topic at the moment.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

Thanks Nick. You should have your check in around 3 days.

 

[souldeux]

Thanks Nick. You should have your check in around 3 days.

Hurry - rent's due in two

 

[ticker_shuffle]

I am pleased to say, Ohio National is shaping up nicely to satisfy my life needs. I have yet to determine a health company to go with, and I am now getting interested in P&C due to some warm contacts in the REIT business. I hate to just plead for information from you guys, but you all have been so helpful thus far.

Who should I contact first for health and P&C? (I will contact IHIAA and check it out, FYI)

Oh and Nick, regarding type of life, I am starting to think I will start with lowest common denominator and sell term in quantity with an occasional UL/VUL.

 

[souldeux]

I am pleased to say, Ohio National is shaping up nicely to satisfy my life needs. I have yet to determine a health company to go with, and I am now getting interested in P&C due to some warm contacts in the REIT business. I hate to just plead for information from you guys, but you all have been so helpful thus far.

Who should I contact first for health and P&C? (I will contact IHIAA and check it out, FYI)

Oh and Nick, regarding type of life, I am starting to think I will start with lowest common denominator and sell term in quantity with an occasional UL/VUL.

If you're doing lots of term (which, to me, means over the phone) then I'd strongly recommend picking up West Coast Life, RBC, and Assurity.

 

[SalesToday]

I have looked around rather extensively, made a number of phone calls and it seems like the independent route is nothing more than a fantasy.

Correct me please. Provide facts and contact information if possible.

I am an Independent Agent and would do nothing else. What are you looking for?

 

[djs]

Ticker - what state are you in? It matters a lot to who you should contact.

Dan

 

[Jerbond]

If you want to get into P&C you will need to contract with a GA- General Agency. Look into Insurance noodle, Superior Access, or Networked Insarance Agency- NIA, Iroquois. For a fee you can have access to all their markets until you can build up your book and get direct appointments. But remember with direct- you have a yearly quota. So you may have to stick with a GA forever. But most of them let you keep your book so no harm no foul. Best of luck to you. Network, network network!!! Also check into your local chamber of commerce or other networking communities. You may have to buy leads, but that's hit or miss. I've heard people touting- "stop selling and start marketing"

 

[Full Throttle]

If you're doing lots of term (which, to me, means over the phone) then I'd strongly recommend picking up West Coast Life, RBC, and Assurity.

Not looking to argue, just curious why that means doing it over the phone?

 

[souldeux]

Not looking to argue, just curious why that means doing it over the phone?

I just assumed when he said "lots" he was talking about the kind of volume you can do in front of the computer at the office (or home office) as opposed to running face-to-face appointments. I could be wrong, of course. I know that I do a greater volume when I sell over the phone as opposed to running traditional appointments (yes, my closing ratio is higher going face-to-face, but I can't talk to nearly as many people).