Clusters...

[djs]

You have to think of Superior as a stepping stone, not as a destination.

Most P&C carriers require experience and proven production to appoint you. Of course, its hard to get experience and production without the appointments, hence starting with something like Superior (there are others).

A lot of agents use Superior, Noodle, whoever, to write the business they don't have direct appts for, that they can't get without a particular carrier. They simply use it to widen their product offerings, which is more what it is designed for.

You start with Superior, get some non-standard auto, gain a bit of experience, loss-history, production, and at the same time, work on your appointments with standard/preferred carriers, or with a cluster.

Everything gets easier once you have a bit of a track record to point to.

Dan

 

[shawnmwalker]

I have met with 1000's of agents across the country and Clusters are the future. To be transparent I an on the Executive team of a large cluster out in CO where the model dominates the market.


Let me simply suggest that when it comes to clusters there are GOOD choices, BETTER choices, and the BEST choices. Be VERY careful you take the time to make the BEST choice. Be a good consumer, explore a number of groups and call the groups agents at random to get a good grasp on the QUALTATIVE things that need to be considered. (Transparency, Carrier alignment, Training and Support, and the Contract.)


Regards,
Shawn M. Walker
Agent Consultant.

 

[BlockO]

I can't believe no one has mentioned binding authority.

I always considered binding authority #2 as far as criteria for weeding out the good clusters from bad (#1 being owning your own BOB).

 

[pmtaf]

I have been going through the hoops of going on my own as well. Just not going to make the jump until I get all my financing in order. I can tell you though I've been looking at SIAA and Smartchoice. SIAA seems to be a good company and I'm leaning towards them, but I haven't been able to read many reviews or talk to agents who use them. Smartchoice, I've called several times and emailed and have yet to talk with them. Seeing how I can't talk to them to even inquire about being an agent, to me that's not how I want to start a relationship, so I pretty much ruled them out.

 

[Gulliver]

SIAA is very reputable. I would put their individual service ahead of Smart Choice because there is usually someone involved at the Master level who has a lot of skin in the game. Smart Choice has more of a low level representative approach usually and their marketing seems to be less motivated.

The biggest drawback I have seen with SIAA is the exit strategy from their contract. It is a long term contract and they have you handcuffed to a degree. I would ask to see what your Master's contract states on exiting the relationship. Other than the exit situation you pay a monthly fee that includes comparative raters, management systems and general support from the master. The commission share is generally 90% of the master's payout and they share about 70% of the contingency. The 90% usually can be improved upon by meeting monthly production goals. I think the top tier is 94%. There is also usually a signup fee anywhere from 5-15 grand to become a member agent.

Don't forget that the share may be unpleasant but they usually are getting more than you can get with a direct contract so you may actually make more with them than you could directly tied to the carriers.

Good Luck

You might look at TWFG out of Texas, The Ahbe Group in CO and the Couri Group on WI. I have heard a lot about Premier in CO as well.

Gulliver

 

[katiew336]

I have been going through the hoops of going on my own as well. Just not going to make the jump until I get all my financing in order. I can tell you though I've been looking at SIAA and Smartchoice. SIAA seems to be a good company and I'm leaning towards them, but I haven't been able to read many reviews or talk to agents who use them. Smartchoice, I've called several times and emailed and have yet to talk with them. Seeing how I can't talk to them to even inquire about being an agent, to me that's not how I want to start a relationship, so I pretty much ruled them out.

I work for Smart Choice and would love to talk to you, both to give you information about us, and to see where the broken link is in not responding to your inquiries. Please feel free to personally contact me at katiewilmoth@smartchoiceagents.com, or at 888.264.3388 ext. 3042.

 

[cgreene]

I work for Smart Choice and would love to talk to you, both to give you information about us, and to see where the broken link is in not responding to your inquiries. Please feel free to personally contact me at katiewilmoth@smartchoiceagents.com, or at 888.264.3388 ext. 3042.

I am interested in smart choice.