Opening State Farm insurance agency in New York

[Deleted member 87445]

Hi , does anyone know the process of becoming a State Farm agent? Or current operating State Farm agency?

I'm planning to open a State Farm office this year, I want to know if our forum would have someone experienced it before to help guide through this process or provide some personal experience of how it is like.

Thanks to those who share what you know!

 

[Markthebroker]

I suggest you start out working for a State Farm agency, for an agent. I mean, I'm not really suggesting it, as I'm sure that's what you were going to do anyways, since no one in their right mind would try to start a business with no experience. Especially one as complicated as insurance.

Once you start working for the state farm agent, and obviously AFTER you see that you are proficient in selling and servicing State Farm products, then you can inquire into their agency owner program.

FYI, I do have experience starting and building a State Farm office.

 

[Thenewguy1]

Start with State Farm, stay there for like 3 years then go independent. Trust me.

 

[Allen Trent]

Start with State Farm, stay there for like 3 years then go independent. Trust me.

Why not go independent day 1 then?

 

[Thenewguy1]

Because they actually have good marketing and sales training. While you're there doing your job, you should also be learning on your own time. Go to ABS and learn from their sales processes. Use the free, great training they have and move on.

 

[Markthebroker]

Why not go independent day 1 then?

The same reason you don't fly an airplane alone or drive a car alone on day 1.

 

[Allen Trent]

Use the free, great training they have and move on

Lol, it isn't free. State Farm is paying for it in expectation of getting a return on their investment in the future.

 

[Allen Trent]

The same reason you don't fly an airplane alone or drive a car alone on day 1.

Sure, but this was about starting an agency, not starting in the insurance field. Why start a state farm agency under somewhat false pretenses & get clients set up with 1 carrier. Why not go get started in the industry in a lesser capacity of being a staff person, sub producer in am independent agency or large independent call center. Then, the experience would be much more related than a captive situation that will have non compete related restrictions

 

[Markthebroker]

Why start a state farm agency

That's a terrible idea that I never suggested.

somewhat false pretenses

Another terrible idea I don't recall anyone suggesting.

Why not go get started in the industry in a lesser capacity of being a staff person

That's what I always suggest.

 

[Thrasymachus]

I'm a current SF agent staff member, and I'm glad I chose SF to get my feet wet. I think I'm ready to move on now but that's only after 5 years of experience selling and servicing products and learning about wtf I'm selling and refining my process. Couldn't imagine opening an agency right after first getting my license if only because yikes that'd be doing clients a disservice imo.

That said OP...I have zero interest in ever opening a SF agency lol