Hi Everyone.
I'm currently working as a producer for a captive agent but am wanting to open a virtual independent agency selling auto and home, primarily, as well as health (life or other products where there is a need). I say "virtual" because most people do everything online and over the phone. I'm located in North Georgia.
I have a marketing plan which includes heavy mailers and calls to prospects.
I am undecided as to whether I need a website only because no matter what I enter online to do a search as a consumer would do, the only sites that populate are carrier websites for the first couple of pages - my site would be buried so deep, it would never be found. I realize I need to create a social media presence. If my agency outgrows my setup, I will move into a physical location and bring on producers, as needed.
I have researched clusters and aggregators. Obviously, some don't work with startups. Of the ones that do, I'm unimpressed with the exit strategies that leave me unable to appoint with certain carriers for a couple of years. I will only sign with one who allows me to keep my book but even then the policies non-renew. So, I wonder if I left the cluster (contract) and was unable to appoint for two years, could I roll my book to an aggregator (membership) so I could keep collecting my renewals?
Of the clusters I've researched, I like Smart Choice best because the fees are low, splits fair, agency mgmt sys, and a decent choice of carriers - I just don't like the exit. Any recommendations?
Of the aggregators, Superior Access appears best - low fees, fair splits, no exit, my book, agency mgmt sys, etc. Considering Insure Hive, as well, but still need a couple of questions answers by them.
The turn around time is something I just have to live with until I get appointments.
I have one local healthcare plan provider that is new in the area so I'm able to appoint with them. I've looked into signing with the ACA marketplace to provide plans. Am I barking up the wrong tree?
I value any recommendations and feedback. What am I missing? What have I overlooked?
I'm currently working as a producer for a captive agent but am wanting to open a virtual independent agency selling auto and home, primarily, as well as health (life or other products where there is a need). I say "virtual" because most people do everything online and over the phone. I'm located in North Georgia.
I have a marketing plan which includes heavy mailers and calls to prospects.
I am undecided as to whether I need a website only because no matter what I enter online to do a search as a consumer would do, the only sites that populate are carrier websites for the first couple of pages - my site would be buried so deep, it would never be found. I realize I need to create a social media presence. If my agency outgrows my setup, I will move into a physical location and bring on producers, as needed.
I have researched clusters and aggregators. Obviously, some don't work with startups. Of the ones that do, I'm unimpressed with the exit strategies that leave me unable to appoint with certain carriers for a couple of years. I will only sign with one who allows me to keep my book but even then the policies non-renew. So, I wonder if I left the cluster (contract) and was unable to appoint for two years, could I roll my book to an aggregator (membership) so I could keep collecting my renewals?
Of the clusters I've researched, I like Smart Choice best because the fees are low, splits fair, agency mgmt sys, and a decent choice of carriers - I just don't like the exit. Any recommendations?
Of the aggregators, Superior Access appears best - low fees, fair splits, no exit, my book, agency mgmt sys, etc. Considering Insure Hive, as well, but still need a couple of questions answers by them.
The turn around time is something I just have to live with until I get appointments.
I have one local healthcare plan provider that is new in the area so I'm able to appoint with them. I've looked into signing with the ACA marketplace to provide plans. Am I barking up the wrong tree?
I value any recommendations and feedback. What am I missing? What have I overlooked?