Starting My Own Independent Agency

[Tomfromtheshade]

I am located in New Jersey. I was a captive agent with both Prudential and then with Allstate. I left the industry entirely for a few years and I am now trying to become an independent life and health insurance agent.

The two products that I would really like to focus on are term life insurance and small business group health insurance, so I will break my questions down into those two main categories.

Life Insurance
What companies should I look to get appointed with in New Jersey?
I want to carry a decent selection of fairly priced companies so that I can hopefully make a suitable presentation to clients and make the one appointment close.
How exactly does on go about getting appointed with companies in New Jersey? Is there a website that outlines the procedure or at least lists all of the available companies so that I can call them and figure it out on my own?

Health Insurance
Focusing mainly on small business group health insurance, what are the best companies to get appointed with?
When I was at Allstate I went through Bollinger and was selling BCBS, Aetna, Amerihealth, Oxford etc...all under one roof. Is it possible to do that as an independent agent?

I know that these are not one word answers and I sincerely appreciate anyone that takes the time out to help me find the answers that I seek.

I truly enjoyed selling life insurance and I even enjoyed selling group health insurance. The only reason that I left the industry was because my father died. His death was sudden and unexpected, hit me harder than I thought that it would, and I was incapable of talking to anyone about life insurance much less selling it.

Thanks again for the time gentlemen.

 

[medicarebenefitsdirect]

I am located in New Jersey. I was a captive agent with both Prudential and then with Allstate. I left the industry entirely for a few years and I am now trying to become an independent life and health insurance agent.

The two products that I would really like to focus on are term life insurance and small business group health insurance, so I will break my questions down into those two main categories.

Life Insurance
What companies should I look to get appointed with in New Jersey?
I want to carry a decent selection of fairly priced companies so that I can hopefully make a suitable presentation to clients and make the one appointment close.
How exactly does on go about getting appointed with companies in New Jersey? Is there a website that outlines the procedure or at least lists all of the available companies so that I can call them and figure it out on my own?

Health Insurance
Focusing mainly on small business group health insurance, what are the best companies to get appointed with?
When I was at Allstate I went through Bollinger and was selling BCBS, Aetna, Amerihealth, Oxford etc...all under one roof. Is it possible to do that as an independent agent?

I know that these are not one word answers and I sincerely appreciate anyone that takes the time out to help me find the answers that I seek.

I truly enjoyed selling life insurance and I even enjoyed selling group health insurance. The only reason that I left the industry was because my father died. His death was sudden and unexpected, hit me harder than I thought that it would, and I was incapable of talking to anyone about life insurance much less selling it.

Thanks again for the time gentlemen.

I do not know much about New Jersey but just wanted to say good luck in opening your agency! This takes a lot of courage.

 

[Tomfromtheshade]

To anyone who has PMd me I apologize for not returning the PMs. Apparently, I have to have 30 posts in order to PM someone and I only have 15 currently. So, I am not ignoring you. I am just incapable of getting back to you at the moment.

Thanks again for all the help guys.

 

[Tomfromtheshade]

I do not know much about New Jersey but just wanted to say good luck in opening your agency! This takes a lot of courage.

Well, selling life insurance is something that I like doing. They always say that if you find something that you like to do you will never work another day in your life. I have sold a lot of things in my day, retail etc, but when I got into life insurance sales I never ever felt guilty about taking someone's money. When you leave that house with a check in your hand you know you did the right thing.

So courageous might not be the word for it. LOL. Maybe I am selfish in wanting to have a career that I enjoy doing?

 

[hlink20]

I am located in New Jersey. I was a captive agent with both Prudential and then with Allstate. I left the industry entirely for a few years and I am now trying to become an independent life and health insurance agent.

The two products that I would really like to focus on are term life insurance and small business group health insurance, so I will break my questions down into those two main categories.

Life Insurance
What companies should I look to get appointed with in New Jersey?
I want to carry a decent selection of fairly priced companies so that I can hopefully make a suitable presentation to clients and make the one appointment close.
How exactly does on go about getting appointed with companies in New Jersey? Is there a website that outlines the procedure or at least lists all of the available companies so that I can call them and figure it out on my own?

Health Insurance
Focusing mainly on small business group health insurance, what are the best companies to get appointed with?
When I was at Allstate I went through Bollinger and was selling BCBS, Aetna, Amerihealth, Oxford etc...all under one roof. Is it possible to do that as an independent agent?

I know that these are not one word answers and I sincerely appreciate anyone that takes the time out to help me find the answers that I seek.

I truly enjoyed selling life insurance and I even enjoyed selling group health insurance. The only reason that I left the industry was because my father died. His death was sudden and unexpected, hit me harder than I thought that it would, and I was incapable of talking to anyone about life insurance much less selling it.

Thanks again for the time gentlemen.

Congratulations on your move to become independent.

Life Insurance - I suggest RBC for simple issue term. Aviva is another good company to produce for. I can assist you with appointing if you would like.

Health Insurance - You can appoint directly with many carriers. If you don't require marketing or training assistance, then direct appointments may be the way to go. Good luck.

 

[ABC]

On the group health side I would go direct.
I don't know your state laws when it comes to small group but you want to be able to offer the most competitive group health plans. Look for carriers that own their own networks because their network discounts will be deeper which usually results in lower premiums.


Good Luck