New Independent Agent

[brokerlife123]

I have been reading through the forums and am aware there are other threads that will be similar to mine but I would like some advice on my current situation. I have been in P&C for 5 months. I did most 3 of those months at Farmers and decided to go independent after seeing the contract for a "career agent" at Farmers. For the last 2 months, I have been doing work at a small independent agency.

I have minimal experience but I do personal lines quotes and packages all on my own for the most part. I need some help with random endorsements and educationally I would need help learning the bells and whistles of each companies policies so I can sell them better. The 2 most important things to me are owning my book of business since I have a very nice natural market with many high value people and I would like to be mentored a little bit in P and C but mostly in learning commercial insurance. What type of commission split should I be asking with my experience and expectations. Lets assume I am under their E and O, office space, using their supplies, but I am doing my own marketing and supplying my own leads. I live in southern california. thanks for the advice

 

[jvale83]

What part of southern California? What companies are you currently working with and feel comfortable with? Are you going to the convention? My email is jvale at live dot com

 

[nyc2phi]

Are you 100% commission? Are you just a producer under an indy or an agency owner placing business through an indy ?

 

[xrac]

I have been reading through the forums and am aware there are other threads that will be similar to mine but I would like some advice on my current situation. I have been in P&C for 5 months. I did most 3 of those months at Farmers and decided to go independent after seeing the contract for a "career agent" at Farmers. For the last 2 months, I have been doing work at a small independent agency.

I have minimal experience but I do personal lines quotes and packages all on my own for the most part. I need some help with random endorsements and educationally I would need help learning the bells and whistles of each companies policies so I can sell them better. The 2 most important things to me are owning my book of business since I have a very nice natural market with many high value people and I would like to be mentored a little bit in P and C but mostly in learning commercial insurance. What type of commission split should I be asking with my experience and expectations. Lets assume I am under their E and O, office space, using their supplies, but I am doing my own marketing and supplying my own leads. I live in southern california. thanks for the advice

Welcome and good luck. I am not P&C so I will let other people answer your questions. I think dropping Farmers is a smart move.

 

[brokerlife123]

I am located in San Diego. I have written with Mercury, Chubb, Travelers, and rarely OM and BTIS. I am commission only under an agency owner. I don't think there is any other choice because I feel as though I am too new and not educated well enough with insurance to be on my own. I have alot to learn.
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also, I have received a few pm's. I cannot pm yet becaus of post count so please leave me your # if you want to speak. Thanks.

 

[JCK818]

IF you already have access to all those markets, what else are you looking for?

 

[NCAgent]

IF you already have access to all those markets, what else are you looking for?

It's like getting a new mustang but not knowing how to drive a stick.

Great carriers don't mean anything if you don't know products, underwriting, or marketing. Most people have the opposite problem.

 

[Scottyj]

Call up your marketing reps and underwriters. Every bit of info I have learned about my carriers products have been in meetings with these guys. Your situation sounds similar to mine but in my case I am a Utah Resident Agent employed by my family owned agency domiciled out of Sacramento Cali... none of the producers knew the UT market when I came out here over a year ago and it has been nothing but trial and error. I have done fine though... I am on par with what my bro did his first year back in 92 and he had a better economy and Cali market knowledge from his father in law who had been selling for 25 years. I will tell you now get comfortable with time being wasted quoting stuff you are not competitive on... its the only way you will learn what you can write well... once you figure that out start focusing on target classes and raise some hell