Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There!

[maria_elena88]

Hi there,

I'm moving to Florida this month and I currently hold a P&C license in the state of VA.

I've learned that I can transfer my license to Florida easily after a few forms, fees and fingerprints. I also know that I'll need to obtain a 25-05 agent license.

I'm not very familiar with which companies are competitive in Florida! I also have very bad credit history and not much money in the bank to appoint myself with preferred carriers.

My plan so far is to basically attempt appointments with Bristol West (since I worked with Bristol West a lot in Virginia) and Progressive. I also plan to open markets up by using a broker such as Appalachian Underwriters where online raters are available (going to use internet leads to start).

If anyone has any idea as to which carriers are competitive in Florida (more specifically around the Melbourne-Orlando Area and don't have large requirements for appointment such as credit history!), any GA's or Brokers which don't have large commitments or require good credit history, or if you have any words of wisdom....please reply!

One more thing....I was thinking of using Superior Access as well but I'm a little bit weary since I've heard some complaints about their online raters and the monthly fee isn't too appetizing. If anyone has any insight on this GA, please reply.

Thanks,


Maria

 

[FL P&C Broker]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

It sounds like you are looking to start your own agency. Not easy to do without any money. You need a office, E&O insurance, file for an agency license, marketing funds, etc.

I think joining an existing agency would be better for you.

 

[maria_elena88]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

I'm going to work out of home from the beginning with the willingness to go to appointments at the clients request. I'll continue to work from home until the business is going well enough to afford office space.

I'll purchase a cheap forwarding service for the phone where I can utilize my already-existing home phone line!

I'll also sign up for an online fax (this is also pretty cheap) which will send my faxes to my e-mail.

I'm going to take about $300 bucks and put them all into online leads per month.

I'll go to each site using their promotions like AgentInsider, InsureMe, etc.

From my experience, most people who I've dealt with via insurance leads are more interested in purchasing their policy over the phone and having their documents e-mailed....it's more convenient than going anywhere!

Anyways, I don't have much money but I plan to make this work. My biggest concern is being competitive. I don't want to waste $$$ on leads and not be appointed with a competitive carrier.

Does anyone have any clue as to who is competitive in Florida?

Remember, I have bad credit and this will be a NEW agency.

 

[FL P&C Broker]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

I think you have to a physical location in Florida.

 

[moeasadi]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

Did you have your own E&O in Virginia?

 

[maria_elena88]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

I didn't have my own E&O but there was E&O coverage
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I think you have to a physical location in Florida.

I'm not sure...although that is good information to know!

 

[Tampa Bay Rep]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

I'm going to take about $300 bucks and put them all into online leads per month.

I'll go to each site using their promotions like AgentInsider, InsureMe, etc.

Anyways, I don't have much money but I plan to make this work.

With limited funds you might want to look into aged auto insurance leads that are 3 to 90 days old that you can get very inexpensively.

 

[FL P&C Broker]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

In your situation you are better off finding an agency that will let you write through them.

 

[FLInsa]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

In your situation you are better off finding an agency that will let you write through them.

Agree. You will have a tough time (to put it lightly) getting appointed with carriers such as Mercury, Safeco and Travelers. It seems like everyone can get Progressive or Bristol West these days. But to play in the big leagues, you will need big league players.

EDIT: I have offices in Boca Raton and Orlando and would be open to the discussion of letting you access my carriers. If interested pm me.

 

[padthaiforlunch]

Re: Moving to Florida - Want to Start Small Agency Once I'm There

How are you managing offices so far apart?