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As you move through life — to a new apartment, house, a bigger family, a new RV, boat, or motorcycle — your independent insurance agent will always be there for you. The Allen Thomas Group . Independent insurance agents offer more than auto and home insurance; they provide a wide range of options to cover motorcycles, RVs, and more. No matter what your needs are or where you're at in life, independent insurance agents can provide insurance guidance, customized policies, and personal service. Learn more about the benefits of an independent insurance agent.
That will be invaluable as you grow as an independent agent. Many independent agents join service organizations or nonprofit boards, as this helps their growth. Businesses and personal lines customers typically wait until their annual policy renewal to consider switching agents, unless there is an issue with service delivery. Insurance license requirements depend on your state. Before beginning planning for your independent agency, make sure you know what licenses will be necessary in your state and their individual requirements. Understand which types of licenses will be necessary before diving in too deeply to the planning process. Without proper licenses, your agency might not be able to sell insurance to families and business clients. At first, most of your efforts will likely go toward finding new customers; over time though, make sure you can continue servicing existing ones effectively. Retention in the insurance industry refers to holding onto customers.
Before selecting an insurance agency or policy, it's crucial that clients have a clear understanding of what types of coverage they need and what risks or vulnerabilities they're looking to protect against. This might involve assessing the types of assets they own, evaluating their current financial situation, and identifying any unique risks or challenges they face based on their lifestyle or profession. To give an example, a client who owns a home with valuable appliances and electronics may want to consider adding an endorsement that specifically covers those items in case of theft or damage.
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Life insurance is designed to provide financial support for your loved ones in case of your unexpected death. There are two main types of life insurance policies: term and permanent. Term life insurance covers you for a set period, such as 10 or 20 years, while permanent life insurance covers you for your entire lifetime. Permanent policies also come with a savings component that accrues cash value over time. Auto insurance is mandatory in most states to cover damages resulting from accidents involving your vehicle. Auto policies can include liability coverage that pays for injuries or damage caused by your car to others; collision coverage that covers damages to your own car; and comprehensive coverage that covers damages to your car from anything other than collisions including theft, storms, and natural disasters.

An independent agent may be contrasted with a captive agent, who can only sell the products of the company they work for. Independent insurance agents, like independent financial advisors, are thought to be able to provide their clients with a wider array of options when it comes to insurance products. They take into account the different coverage needs of the client and select a policy that provides the necessary coverage at a reasonable price. An insurance agent that sells policies offered exclusively by a single insurance company is referred to as a captive agent. While the policies offered by a captive agent may be less expensive than those offered by an independent agent, it will be difficult for the client to know whether they are getting the best deal if only one option is made available.

The Big “I" is a national trade insurance federation. It consists of more than 50 independent state associations as well as the national association. Its mission is to provide support for independent agents and brokers by offering membership benefits and resources such educational tools, informative publications, networking and more. These associations also serve as advocates for independent insurance agents by working with insurance companies, state insurance departments, the federal government and other stakeholders to maintain a stable and viable marketplace. Through the collective efforts of the Big “I," independent agencies are better equipped to thrive. When starting your own independent agency, there are many ways a membership with the Big “I" can help. Here are just a few benefits of a membership for a startup independent agency. Just as independent agents are an insurance customer's greatest ally in finding quality and affordable coverage, the Big “I" is an independent agency's greatest ally in running a knowledgeable, successful operation.

Insurance offers many career options. Do you enjoy being in charge, setting your own schedule, and having satisfying, well-paying work? If that appeals to you, consider opening your own independent insurance agency. Here's more info on starting an independent agency and why starting one may be right for you. Insurance agents come in two varieties; exclusive agents represent one insurance provider while independent ones can represent multiple policies. Independent insurance agencies operate independently from the companies they represent, giving them the freedom to offer policies from multiple carriers that meet customers' individual needs best. Marketing and sales are important, but an agency's ability to meet customers' changing requirements or address claims quickly is equally vital.

Whether you're an Akron native or a resident of any other state in the U.S., we're here to provide you with insurance solutions that make sense for your locale. FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered What is an independent insurance agency? An independent insurance agency is not tied to a single insurance provider. Instead, it has the flexibility to work with multiple insurance companies to find the best coverage options and rates for its clients. This independence ensures that the agency can act in the client's best interest rather than being limited to the offerings of one insurer.

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Business Insurance: Nurturing Your Enterprise Running a business comes with its own set of risks, but with The Allen Thomas Group's business insurance, you can focus on growth while we handle the protection of your livelihood: 1. Tailored Business Coverage From small startups to established corporations, our business insurance solutions are customized to meet the unique needs of your enterprise. We provide coverage against a range of risks, including property damage, liability, and more. 2. Risk Mitigation Minimizing risks is vital for business sustainability. Our insurance experts analyze your operations and industry to identify potential risks, allowing us to implement strategies that protect your business. 3. Competitive Pricing We understand that businesses need cost-effective solutions. The Allen Thomas Group ensures that you get the coverage you need at a price that aligns with your budget, helping your business thrive. 4. Business Continuity In the face of unexpected disruptions, our business insurance policies provide a safety net that ensures your operations can continue running smoothly. Don't let unforeseen events jeopardize your business's future.

Aside from offering personalized customer service and their knowledge of companies and policies to guide them in the right direction. Most independent insurance agents work solely on commission, earning a percentage of your premium amount as payment. Therefore, it is in their best interests to ensure their clients remain happy. Independent insurance agencies can work with all sorts of companies, from smaller insurers to major entities like The Allen Thomas Group.

Founded in 2003, The Allen Thomas Group has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Our insurance team is composed of agents and skilleddata analysts. They focus on the points consumers care about most — price, customer service, policy features and savings opportunities — so you can feel confident about which provider is right for you. You have insurance questions. ATG has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your risk management for over two decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.

Secure your home and possessions against unexpected incidents with tailored homeowners insurance coverage that's tailored specifically for you. Your independent insurance agent can also offer options from other companies, including business insurance, commercial property insurance, life and health insurance policies as well as umbrella, classic car and more. Be it starting a business, expanding your family or increasing financial assets - your agent will always have suitable insurance solutions available that meet the changing demands of life.

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An independent agent is an insurance broker who represents various carriers rather than selling policies from just one. An independent agent acts as an intermediary, connecting buyers and sellers in order to facilitate transactions. Independent agents receive commissions for selling policies they sell without being considered employees of any particular insurance company. A captive agent, by comparison, may only sell the products of the insurance provider they work for. Independent insurance agents, like independent financial advisors, tend to offer their clients more choices when it comes to insurance products. Insurance agents take into account their clients' diverse coverage needs when selecting an affordable policy that offers appropriate protection. An agent that sells policies from only one insurance provider, known as a captive agent.

Now we have learned about evaluating an insurance agency's reputation and stability. With proper research and consideration, finding the right insurance agency for your needs should become much easier. Evaluating an insurance agency's reputation and stability is crucial before purchasing insurance. With so many insurance agencies in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, taking the time to do your research can help you find an agency that meets your needs and provides you with peace of mind. One way to evaluate an insurance agency's reputation is by checking their customer reviews online. Many websites offer reviews and ratings of insurance companies based on their customer service, claim handling process, and overall satisfaction.

Check out today's auto loan rates and drive with ease knowing you compared insurance carriers and found an appropriate policy - we are an independent, advertising-funded comparison service! At our mission, our aim is to assist you in making wiser financial decisions by providing interactive tools and calculators, publishing original and impartial content, conducting research for free allowing comparison of information between institutions - so that you can make confident financial decisions. Established in 2003, The Allen Thomas Group has long been recognized for helping people make sound financial choices. We've upheld our reputation over four decades by simplifying financial decision-making processes and instilling confidence among people regarding what steps should be taken next. Our insurance team comprises agents and data analysts.

Independent agents may present you with an insurance quote from an unfamiliar company that still meets your needs and provides adequate protection for you and your family. There can be numerous advantages and drawbacks of working with an independent insurance agent; one advantage of engaging a captive agent may be their knowledge about your company and products they represent. Insurance agents specialize in specific policy types and coverages; understand discounts offered by insurers; and know the best way to negotiate for a good deal from them. Independent agents work with multiple insurers and may not know as much about each one's offerings or policy offerings. Independent agents typically receive less support than captive agents due to being independent from one company and therefore more susceptible to losing out on exclusive coverage or discounts that might otherwise have been available to you.

While price shouldn't be the only consideration when selecting an insurance agency, understanding the financial implications involved in selecting a company is essential to making an informed decision. It's always wise to balance coverage with costs so that you won't find yourself overpaying for coverage. Some may argue that they don't see the point in paying for an expensive policy if they have never had an incident which required them to file a claim. However, peace of mind is priceless; you could end up paying much more in damages than the amount spent on premiums. Selecting an insurance agency should be approached like building a portfolio given that both require investments made with long-term goals in mind.

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Captive agents may offer cheaper policies than independent ones; however, it will be difficult for clients to determine whether they're receiving the best value if only one option is made available to them. Captive agents may show the prices offered by competitors, but will be unable to sell those policies directly to clients. On the other hand, independent agents offer policy options from various insurers but may not always be seen as impartial advisors. Due to commission payments from insurance companies for new policies sold, insurance agents may incentivize clients to select policies with higher commission rates - creating potential conflicts between client requests and agent goals.

However, there are other startup expenses such as creating an attractive website and buying computers and other technology tools. Depending on your business plan, you should have a minimum of at least $5,000 set aside in the beginning. You might even need as much as $50,000, depending on rent, furniture and other equipment. Estimate the potential revenue from the number of policies you'll need to sell to reach a break-even point. Of course, the amount needed for living expenses is a big factor as well. Lastly, do you have a wide group of social and business acquaintances in your community? That's an asset that'll help you grow. Most independent agents get involved in service organizations and nonprofit boards. However, many business and personal lines customers won't want to consider changing insurance agents until their annual policy renewal, unless they are experiencing a service problem. The insurance licenses you need to run an independent agency vary depending on your state. All states have different categories for these licenses and their own specific requirements.

An independent agent may present you with an insurance quote from an unfamiliar company but one that still meets your needs and offers the right insurance coverage for your family. While there are several potential advantages to working with an independent insurance agent, there are also some possible drawbacks. One benefit of working with a captive agent is they are usually experts on the company they represent. This means they know the policy types, coverages, available discounts and how to get you the best deal with the insurance company. Independent agents work with multiple insurance companies, so they may not be as knowledgeable about each one and their policy offerings. You may miss out on unique coverage or discounts because the independent agent wasn’t aware of it. Independent agents usually receive less support than captive agents because they are not partnered with just one company.

Working with an independent insurance agency offers numerous advantages, one being having them shop around for quotes on your behalf. As they have access to multiple companies' rates and coverage types, an independent agent can compare quotes quickly from various carriers at once. Information provided once saves time and can potentially save money as well. Independent insurance agents could know which companies possess the features that you are searching for - saving both time and potentially money in the process. As your policy comes up for renewal, be sure to inform an independent agent about any increases so they can shop around for better rates to help determine if it makes more sense to stay with the same insurance carrier or switch. Even if switching insurance carriers, your agent remains with you.

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Captive agents may show the prices offered by competitors, but they will not be able to offer and sell those policies. While independent agents can offer their clients policy options from a variety of different insurers, they may not be considered completely objective. Because the insurance companies pay a commission to the insurance agent when a new policy is sold, the agent may push clients to select policies that provide the agent with a higher commission rate. Because independent agents are not fully supported by a single insurance company, they are often responsible for generating their own business. They may have to produce their own marketing material and manage their own operations, though they do benefit from the general advertising and marketing done by specific insurance companies; however, if the independent agent does not sell the policies offered by an insurance company that is conducting a large branding advertising campaign, the benefit will be limited.

Working with an insurance agency like The Allen Thomas Group provides many benefits, including personalized service, expert advice, and the ability to compare multiple insurance options. One benefit of working with an insurance agency is receiving personalized service. An agent can take the time to understand your unique needs and recommend coverage options that fit your specific situation. This level of attention to detail isn't possible when purchasing insurance online. Another advantage is having access to expert advice. Insurance agents are trained professionals who can answer any questions you may have about coverage, claims, and policy changes. They can also offer guidance on risk management strategies for your personal or business needs. Lastly, working with an insurance agency allows you to compare multiple options in one place.

Startup insurance agencies that want to expand into life and property/casualty insurance may find having dual licenses beneficial in generating additional commission revenues up front. Even if your focus lies with property/casualty insurance, becoming licensed for life/health insurance could open the doors to commission sharing when referring business to life/health agents. As for cost, taking courses to earn your licenses aren't expensive at all! However, startup expenses include building an attractive website and purchasing technology tools such as computers. Your business plan should outline at least $5,000 as a minimum initial savings goal. Estimate the potential revenue from policies you need to sell to reach a breakeven point; factor in living expenses as a consideration as well. Have a wide network of business and social acquaintances in your community?

What is the role an insurance agent?

Insurance agents help insurance companies to generate new business through contacting customers and selling a variety of policies. They guide clients in choosing the best policy for their needs by explaining various policies.

Do you prefer to deal with the insurance company directly?

Don't get us wrong... Direct-writer insurance companies are not bad. If you work with an insurance agent, you will get certain services and protections that a direct writer insurer cannot offer.

What is the role and responsibilities of an agency owner or manager?

The agency owner's responsibilities include developing new marketing strategies and implementing new contracts with clients. They are also responsible for making changes to contracts already in place within the organization. They may work in an office or travel to clients' locations to conduct meetings and carry out marketing needs.

Accepting my insurance policy offer: Is it worth it?

The insurance company does not obligate you to accept their settlement offer. In some cases, accepting an offer immediately could be harmful as it might not cover your losses and injuries.

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