Staying Indpendent or moving to American National

[IndependentScott]

I am here in SD. 5 years of experience. I am a 1099 employee that works under and Independent Agency. It recently got sold along with my book of business and my non compete is void. I have the option to move with the new agency owner and continue to grow my book. However with my non compete going away, I have been checking to see what is out there. Have a friend that is a American National ( CAPTIVE) agent and wants me to come over. They have a pretty decent commission structure and with my current book it could be a good thing. I'm just not sold on captive. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[sman]

Personally, having started my career as captive and being independent for 23 years now, if you can make it as an independent agent, I'd go that route. I realize the product which you'd be selling can have an impact on that decision as well. I don't really know the P&C market (if that's the market you work). It's my understanding that getting contracts with various carriers can be somewhat of a challenge when you're new. But I stand by my initial statement, if you can make it work as an independent, that's the way to go. And by independent, I mean not a 1099 employee of an independent agency. Start your own agency (assuming again this is P&C).

As a captive, you have one arrow in your quiver. And if that arrow is a lot more expensive than your competitors arrow, it makes it difficult. As an independent, you will have many arrows in your quiver.

 

[mudhound]

I was captive for 7 years. Now i look back and wonder

 

[shawnmwalker]

AMERICAN National.....I would not.....Industry Videos – Premier Group Insurance (pgiagents.com)