- 5,503
Funny, that doesn't stop the recruiters from talking people into it.
Funny, that doesn't stop the recruiters from talking people into it.
Thrasymachus
New Member
- 3
I made so many stupid mistakes my first year that if I was on my own could have easily turned into some E&O claims
- 5,503
I've started a number of businesses myself, and made plenty of mistakes. However, the idea of starting a business with no experience is so insane I struggle to understand how anyone can think it's a good idea. The reality is that there are a lot of very well paid and very convincing recruiters out there. When Farmers tried to recruit me they started out by flat out lying about the compensation. Not wordsmithing, not being creative, not misleading, but flat out lying. To my face. Repeatedly. Then again, and again after I questioned them.
- 5,005
Never trust a guy on a tractor in overalls, am I right?
Sounds like you know a thing or two because you have seen a thing or two
- 2,379
- 2,379
This is sage advice.
- 1,067
I started as an independent agent and still am. I can definitely see the appeal of starting as a captive. Learning the business and trying to learn the processes and products of multiple insurance companies is a large mountain to climb.
TexasAgentLJ
New Member
- 5
I'm a State Farm agent under the current contract. Importantly, I also started under the current TICA / Premium Builder structure. A ton of what you're going to find is from agents who know about the AA05 permanent contract, but who have their opinions based on the older, less favorable temporary contract.
My advice: the current terms are extremely favorable if you're offered an opening with an existing book.
For all of the downsides of being a captive agent, starting off your business with 2000-3000 active policies, for free, plus signing bonuses.... is a pretty amazing deal.
Important advice:
1) Speak in depth with the sales leader who would be offering you the opening. Get a real sense for how prone they are for retaining agents after their first year and how realistic their expectations are. This varies wildly. Some will cut anyone loose who writes 1 app less than their Ambassador Travel requirement for the TICA year. Some are extremely reasonable and just want good business owners in their territory. Do not underestimate how much the Sale Leader will matter to the outcome of the first year and you being made permanent.
2) Don't get snowed into a scratch / new market opening. Yeah there are a lot better than they used to be. But hold out for a book.
My advice: the current terms are extremely favorable if you're offered an opening with an existing book.
For all of the downsides of being a captive agent, starting off your business with 2000-3000 active policies, for free, plus signing bonuses.... is a pretty amazing deal.
Important advice:
1) Speak in depth with the sales leader who would be offering you the opening. Get a real sense for how prone they are for retaining agents after their first year and how realistic their expectations are. This varies wildly. Some will cut anyone loose who writes 1 app less than their Ambassador Travel requirement for the TICA year. Some are extremely reasonable and just want good business owners in their territory. Do not underestimate how much the Sale Leader will matter to the outcome of the first year and you being made permanent.
2) Don't get snowed into a scratch / new market opening. Yeah there are a lot better than they used to be. But hold out for a book.
Similar threads
