I have just recently been licensed for L&H - I want to go indi. and I have found it easier to get appointment through a brokerage. I very briefly thought about trying to appoint directly, but after several days of searching *who* to appoint through and *if* I could even appoint with them in my state and *how* I do it - it was just mind boggling for me as a newbie.
Keep posting on this site, there are some very helpful individuals on this forum. Also, keep "googling" things, you'll come across something.
Have you looked at NAA?
Barry
Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 1:19 pm Post subject: Starting as an Independent Agent
You cannot get your own contracts as an independent agent. You can, however, go work for an independent agency and split commissions with the agreement you can break off onto your own (if desired) in 3-5 years.
I am also in Arizona. Contact me if you need more help. _________________ Arizona Insurance Broker
Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 2:22 pm Post subject: Independent Agent
Let me clarify me last post. You cannot get a contract as a new independent agent if you are new in the business. Those carriers want experienced agents. But you can earn that experience by working for another independent and then break off on your own.
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:25 pm Post subject: Answers For Jun
Jun:
Q1) You probably do not need a sponsorship to take your p/c exam but contact your department of insurance and ask, or call a local insurance school in your area.
Q2) see # 1
Q3) You probably will find getting contracts difficult with no book of business and no prior industry experience.
One option is to meet with existing independent agencies in your area and see if you can hook up with them. You can find a list of where these are at iiaba.net.
You will have to negotiate a commission split and negotiate how long you are committed to staying there before breaking off on your own. Make sure any contract specifies that you are able to leave and take your book of business with you after 2 or 3 years. That seems fairly common to me.
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:32 pm Post subject: FOR JUN
That I don't know because I went completely off on my own. I am the owner, secretary, telemarketer, salesperson and janitor. Well...my wife would say she is the owner which leaves the rest of the jobs to me.
However, I would think a 70-30 split is the most I would go. I know agency owners in my area doing 60/40 splits, 70/30 splits and one is even doing 90-10, which seemed very generous. Most ask for a two year committment and be sure you have it in writing you can take your complete book with you if you decide to leave at some agreed upon time.
I would meet five or more agency owners interested in bringing you on and see where the best deal is.
Now, don't let the commission split be your only consideration. What if someone is willing to give you a free spot in an office to work in, some training, and assistance with leads? What if one agency offers 90/10 but they appear shady and untrustworthy?
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:48 pm Post subject: Newbie in Florida
I am a newbie in Florida with a lot of the same questions as Jun, is there anyone on this site from Florida, my license is a Life, Health and Variable Annuity....the course left me a little timid about what could go on my business card, what I can put into flyers, etc.....can anyone help me with these questions???
which leaves the rest of the jobs to me.
