SmartChoice?? Anyone Done Business Under them

[DJAJ]

I expect to give something up but I also read that there is no binding authority with them up front and quotes can take up to 24 hours to get back. I don't like that.

If you sign up to use ezlynx, you get quotes instantly. Once your client accepts the quote, you submit that to a smartchoice underwrtier/rep. The guy I work with is on his game and usually has a finialized quote back to me with an hour or so (most of the time, its taken longer a few times). What I would worry about is finding out if the carriers are competitive in your area. From me, it seems like at best two of them are. And of course, not being able to do monoline property (which some say you cant do with most carriers now anyways). I think this also depends on if you go through the Smart Start program. I think If you are an established agent/agency your get access to other stuff. I like the way they operate but like everything else, its not perfect.

 

[blue_wynd]

I don't know much about this organization, but anyone going independent should exercise their options in the marketplace, my site includes a directory of over 100 of these types of groups, from clusters to franchises, each state has approximately 20 of these types of groups, so you have a lot of choices. You can a complete listing by going to:
Insurance Agency Clusters & Alliances | AgencyEquity.com

I went to your site, left a message how VA cluster group shows for PA. I went back a couple days after and there is no more VA groups, but still no PA clusters either. How about getting some in there?

 

[Bob Klee]

David,
This is one that looked good to me a few years ago [2006]. No idea how they are today but they are still around!

Insurance Network | Iroquois Group Corporate

Good luck in your search.

 

[Milkman1265]

Also i think smart choice says you cant have outside appointments and they all must be given or go through them? Dont remember, there are so many clusters, but that was one thing i didnt like.

How is their franchising opportunities?

 

[Tylerstc]

I know it depends on your location and Master Agency, but I would STRONGLY suggest SIAA. I have been with them for a little over 3 months, and am very happy with them so far. After 1 month, I was directly appointed with 7 PL carriers, 1 CL carrier, as well as appointed with a surplus lines broker, and a few different bond markets that they didn't have a market for. If there is a market they don't have, they are very willing to let you do your own thing. But, as I said, this does depend on your location and Master Agency.

I did a lot of research before I made my decision. It is a long-term commitment, and an investment from the beginning, but if you are in it for the long term, it is well worth it! I know I would not have been able to write the amount of business I have so far because I wouldn't have had direct appointments to the carriers I do now.

I do a lot of quoting, and couldn't imagine having to go through an underwriter to write business...I think there is a lot of value in being directly appointed. What if you need to service a policy? Do you need to go through SmartChoice then too? These are things you have to think about too.

 

[AgencyEquity]

I went to your site, left a message how VA cluster group shows for PA. I went back a couple days after and there is no more VA groups, but still no PA clusters either. How about getting some in there?

I appreciate you bringing this to my attention, about 6 months ago, we charge the listings so they deliver random search results, that no one group gets first billing all the time and that listings are shuffled each time someone does a search. This has worked well, but has had some issues, I just submitted this to my development team to attend to right away. Also this appear to be a Firefox issue, do you have Internet Explorer? If so, can you try IE, I would appreciate your reply.

 

[PhilL]

What is the State in which you operate?

I know it depends on your location and Master Agency, but I would STRONGLY suggest SIAA. I have been with them for a little over 3 months, and am very happy with them so far. After 1 month, I was directly appointed with 7 PL carriers, 1 CL carrier, as well as appointed with a surplus lines broker, and a few different bond markets that they didn't have a market for. If there is a market they don't have, they are very willing to let you do your own thing. But, as I said, this does depend on your location and Master Agency.

I did a lot of research before I made my decision. It is a long-term commitment, and an investment from the beginning, but if you are in it for the long term, it is well worth it! I know I would not have been able to write the amount of business I have so far because I wouldn't have had direct appointments to the carriers I do now.

I do a lot of quoting, and couldn't imagine having to go through an underwriter to write business...I think there is a lot of value in being directly appointed. What if you need to service a policy? Do you need to go through SmartChoice then too? These are things you have to think about too.

 

[Tylerstc]

Phil,

I am in Oregon and working with the NW Master Agency.

 

[PhilL]

Sounds like their program is decent in Oregon. Value does vary by State, as you probably know.
Best of success to you!

Phil,

I am in Oregon and working with the NW Master Agency.

 

[blue_wynd]

I appreciate you bringing this to my attention, about 6 months ago, we charge the listings so they deliver random search results, that no one group gets first billing all the time and that listings are shuffled each time someone does a search. This has worked well, but has had some issues, I just submitted this to my development team to attend to right away. Also this appear to be a Firefox issue, do you have Internet Explorer? If so, can you try IE, I would appreciate your reply.

I.E. works good now.