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. The Allen Thomas Group Insurance Agency . 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.
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.
Building relationships with independent insurance agents allows you to establish trusting relationships regardless of which insurance policy provider you select for yourself or your family. Independent insurance agents may be more committed to maintaining your business by answering any queries about rates, coverages or claims as well as filing them on your behalf. This could involve anything from providing personalized customer service through answering questions about coverages to filing claims on your behalf. If there's an issue with your coverage, reaching out to an independent agent for help can be invaluable.
As with any business venture, when starting an independent agency you will require enough funds up front to keep going until eventually it turns a profit or breaks even with its initial investment. This may take many months - sometimes several - before profits start flowing or your initial investment has paid back its cost. Calculate how much money is necessary for you to cover both living expenses and running an agency. Joining an insurance trade association will help you understand what steps are required, providing resources that will allow you to launch from shore. Not just knowledge in insurance matters! Learn about the available insurance technology solutions to assist in meeting your insurance needs.
We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients. When you choose The Allen Thomas Group, you become part of our extended family. Our agents are always just a call away to address your concerns and provide support when you need it most. Car Insurance: Protecting Your On-Road Adventures When you hit the road, you need more than just a vehicle; you need the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive car insurance.
The higher the perceived risk, the higher the premium. For example, car insurance premiums are generally based on factors such as age, driving record, and the make and model of the insured vehicle. Health insurance rates can be influenced by factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, and lifestyle habits. According to a report by Insurance Journal in 2020, statistics show that the average cost of auto insurance in the United States is around $1,004 per year. However, this can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including location and age. Furthermore, health insurance premiums averaged $456 per month for an individual in 2019 according to eHealth. It's important to note that insurance agencies may also take into account external factors such as market trends and economic conditions when setting rates. Ultimately, it's up to each particular agency to determine how they set their rates but understanding how they do so can help individuals find the right policy for their needs while saving money in the long run.
Working with an independent insurance agent could make the task of collecting quotes and information easier for people. ATG's insurance experts have put together some helpful information about the advantages and disadvantages of working with an independent agent. An independent agent works with multiple insurance providers to offer more products tailored to consumers' needs. Captive agents specialize in offering similar insurance products across a number of companies; while independent agents typically represent only one insurer. Working with independent insurance agents offers several distinct advantages over captive agents. An independent agent typically doesn't cost anything and can save customers time by shopping quotes from multiple insurance providers for them. An independent agent may be able to find you a better deal for your insurance needs than you can; ultimately, however, only you can decide whether these or other advantages are truly advantageous to you.
That is why offering them choices is essential - one size doesn't fit all. Your independent agency must enter into contracts with each insurance company it represents, detailing their respective duties. Exclusive agent companies also contract with independent agents. Not always was this the case, but over time many exclusive companies have recognized the close relationships independent insurance agents enjoy with their clients. Can people purchase insurance directly over the internet? Absolutely! But many aspects of insurance policies remain obscure to most.
Here are some key financial considerations you should take into account: Firstly, evaluate the deductible amount on each policy being considered because this ultimately affects how much you'll have to pay for coverage after filing a claim. A lower deductible means higher premiums while a higher deductible means lower premiums. Secondly, research discounts provided by different insurance agencies. Many offer discounts based on your occupation, driving record or affiliations with certain organizations or groups like alumni associations. Thirdly, leverage technology during your search for providers as many online services today offer comparison tools that allow you to select from multiple policies. This can help reduce the cost of your insurance and ensure that you're getting the best value for your money. Furthermore, it's possible to lower premiums by bundling insurance policies such as home and auto or life and health with a single provider.
An insurance agency provides a wide range of services including assessing risks, recommending policies, and providing guidance for filing claims. A licensed agent will work with you to ensure that you have the coverage you need based on your individual needs. Additionally, many agencies act as advocates on behalf of their clients to make sure claims are handled quickly and efficiently. Insurance agencies are companies that provide insurance policies and coverage to individuals or businesses to protect them from financial loss in case of an unforeseen event. They work as intermediaries between the insurer and insured, helping consumers navigate through the complexities of the insurance market and find policies that suit their specific needs. The primary role of an insurance agency is to provide customized insurance solutions tailored to their clients' specific requirements. This involves understanding the individual's needs, assessing risks, and recommending appropriate coverage.
A captive insurance agent works with only one insurance company and is responsible for selling its products. Independent agents help people find insurance policies, and because they don't work for one company but rather obtain policies from a variety of insurance providers, they can often find the best deal for customers. This stands in contrast to the brokers of specific insurance companies who need to sell their company's policies, which may not be the best fit for the customer. The best insurance agents combine the insurance world with your world. We work with more than 40,000 independent insurance agents and insurance brokers countrywide at thousands of different insurance agencies. So, you can be sure you'll find an independent insurance agent in your community who understands your needs and can get you the best policy and price available.
By working with insurance companies on behalf of their clients during these tough times, agents aim to quickly resolve and fulfill claims while providing friendly customer support. In 2019 alone, there were more than 7 thousand property damage claims filed in Alberta due to severe weather events. Through an agent's expertise, they can navigate these complexities to guide you through efficient solutions and speedy claim resolution All in all, an insurance agency's primary purpose is client satisfaction by offering full-service support throughout the process. With their conveniences offered via digital methods nowadays as well as offices worldwide located close-by to clients shows why it remains a popular option among consumers even today. Insurance agencies determine their rates for policies based on a variety of factors, such as the level of risk involved, the type of coverage required, and the claims history of the insured individual or organization.
Can people buy insurance directly over the internet? Certainly! But there are many aspects to insurance policies that people don't know about. They would have to go to multiple companies to compare quotes. And if they have to make a claim, they would have to deal with the insurance company on their own. Independent insurance agents make insurance shopping much easier for customers by providing quotes from several companies. Most people have questions about insurance and may prefer to talk to someone about their concerns. Independent agents build relationships with their customers and use technology to serve them in a variety of ways. There are some benefits to starting your own independent insurance agency from scratch. However, there are several possible drawbacks. When starting any type of business, you'll need to have plenty of capital up front to keep yourself afloat. It might take quite a while, sometimes up to several years, for your independent agency to eventually start turning a profit or break even with your initial investment. Calculate how much you need to pay your living expenses apart from running the agency.
As an independent agency we can select the best coverage from many different carriers to better meet the individual needs of our clients. Give us a call or click on the quote form button above to find out more about our insurance solutions. We look forward to hearing from you! You’re here because you’re looking for a new insurance policy and don’t know where to start. Begin and end with us! Our agency works with many different insurance companies to ensure that you are being provided the best coverage for the most value.
This can allow you to build a relationship with your independent insurance agent no matter what company you choose for your insurance policies. While captive agents can also provide personalized customer service, independent insurance agents may be more motivated to work hard to keep your business so you do not go to another agency. This means answering questions about rates, coverages and claims or filing claims on your behalf. If there is an issue with your coverage, you can call on your independent insurance agent to help resolve your problem.
Independent Insurance Center, Inc. is the owner of any information collected via this Web site and thus responsible for its security. We do not sell, disseminate, disclose, trade, transmit, transfer, share, lease or rent your personally identifiable data to any unauthorized third parties without receiving explicit authorization from you first. At The Allen Thomas Group, we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with independent agents. Once appointed with The Allen Thomas Group, we'll deliver exactly what is needed on time - because your agency is unique to us! Allen Thomas Group's cutting-edge telematics programs can easily adapt to meet the needs of your customers while saving them money. We have simplified our process so that an appointment decision can be reached as quickly as possible (we typically communicate back within five business days with next steps).
The Allen Thomas Group's car insurance solutions are tailored to your unique driving habits and needs. Here's what sets our car insurance apart: 1. Coverage That Adapts to You Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend road-tripper, or a parent chauffeuring kids to school, our car insurance coverage can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. We understand that each driver is different, and we take pride in creating policies that reflect that diversity. 2. Protection Against the Unexpected Accidents happen, and when they do, you want to be prepared. Our car insurance covers you in case of collisions, theft, vandalism, and more. You can drive with confidence knowing you have a safety net in place. 3. Affordable Premiums We believe that quality car insurance should be accessible to all. Our agents work diligently to find you the best rates without compromising on coverage. You can trust us to provide you with a policy that fits your budget. 4. Additional Benefits Beyond the basics, our car insurance policies may include additional perks like roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and more. We go the extra mile to ensure you're protected in every scenario.
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.
Why Choose The Allen Thomas Group Independent Insurance Agency? At The Allen Thomas Group, we understand that insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our seasoned insurance agents are committed to finding the perfect fit for your needs, be it car insurance, home insurance, or comprehensive business insurance.
A good rule of thumb when selecting an insurance agency is researching potential agencies' reviews online before committing. Insurance agencies provide a variety of services related to insurance policies, and agents play a critical role in making these services available to clients. These services range from helping clients understand the types of coverage available and providing advice on selecting policies that meet their needs, to processing claims and handling policy renewals. Agents are highly trained professionals who have a deep understanding of the various types of insurance available, as well as how to match clients with the best possible coverage options based on their unique needs. For example, an auto insurance agent might assess a client's driving record and make recommendations for coverage that is designed to protect them in case of accidents or other unexpected events on the road. Anecdotal evidence can be helpful in illustrating how agents provide these types of services.
All insurance agencies also have a fiduciary responsibility towards their clients to act in their best interests. To help simplify the process, many insurance agencies employ licensed agents who work on behalf of the client to negotiate rates, set up payment schedules, handle claims filing, and answer any questions or concerns. These agents are responsible for providing clients with clear information about policy features, benefits, exclusions and answering any question they may have about their insurance policy. An important feature of most good insurance agencies is their ability to assess risk accurately. This means analyzing various perils that could potentially occur and making predictions based on statistics and data available. The agency will then be able to recommend the right level of protection based on these assessments. For example, if you're purchasing home insurance in a flood-prone area, your insurance agent would likely recommend flood insurance coverage as it might not be included in your standard homeowner's policy.
Choosing the right insurance policy is similar to building a customized vehicle - it involves making choices about which features and components will best suit your individual needs and preferences. Just as two people might choose different car models based on their commuting habits, personality traits, and overall lifestyle needs, two people might also select different policies based on their unique circumstances. When it comes to insurance policies, there are numerous options available depending on your needs. Understanding the different types of insurance coverage can help you make an informed decision when selecting an insurance agency. Broadly speaking, there are four main types of insurance coverage: life insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, and property insurance.
For individual life and disability insurance, insurance companies typically pay a larger commission in the first year. Smaller commissions follow in later years. It's important to maintain an ongoing customer relationship for additional sales, referrals from your customers' friends and relatives, and the opportunity to sell additional policies like home and car insurance to your life and health insurance customers. For a startup insurance agency, being licensed to offer life insurance along with property/casualty insurance can help provide more up-front commission revenue. Even if you want to focus on property/casualty insurance, getting licensed for life/health insurance means you can share commissions if you refer business to a life/health insurance agent. What about the cost for the required courses to study for your licenses? They're not expensive.
Is The Allen Thomas Group only available in Akron, Ohio, or can I access your services from other states? While our roots are in Akron, Ohio, our services are available across the United States. No matter where you're located, you can benefit from our expertise and commitment to exceptional service. Conclusion: Your Journey to Peace of Mind Begins Here The path to financial security and peace of mind often starts with a simple choice – the choice of a trusted insurance agency. The Allen Thomas Group, an independent insurance agency based in Akron, Ohio, stands as your unwavering partner in this journey. With us, you're not just another client; you're family.
Home and business policies offer similar commission levels. Independent insurance agents often attempt to bundle both car and home policies under one insurance company to maximize savings for customers, giving everyone involved a win-win solution. Bundling policies is mutually beneficial - customers receive significant discounts while agents also benefit. Successful independent insurance agents can make a comfortable living while serving their communities. The Big "I" is a national trade insurance federation consisting of over 50 independent state associations as well as the national association.
People needing cover would need to go to multiple providers in order to compare quotes, while when making claims they will likely need to deal directly with the insurer themselves. Independent insurance agents make shopping for insurance easier by providing quotes from multiple providers. Most people have questions or may prefer speaking to someone in person about their issues and concerns about coverage. Independent agents develop relationships with their customers while employing technology to better serve them in various ways. There can be benefits in starting your own independent insurance agency from scratch; however, there may also be drawbacks.
Insurance agencies, also known as insurance agents, are individuals or companies authorized by an insurer to sell their products for compensation. The laws in the state where they work regulate agents.
Amount you pay before your health insurance plan begins to pay. You pay for the first $1500 in covered services, if you have a $1500 deductible. You usually only pay a copayment after you have paid your deductible.
Your auto insurance rates are influenced by both factors that you can influence, like where you live, what type of vehicle you drive, and how much you purchase, and those that you cannot, like inflation or your age. In many states, accidents and DUI convictions can raise your rate significantly.
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.
A good driving record is one of the best ways you can keep your auto insurance rates down. Compare prices. Compare insurance rates before you purchase a vehicle. ... Ask for higher deductibles. Reduce the coverage for older vehicles. Purchase both your auto and homeowners coverage with the same insurance company. ... Keep a high credit score.
Paying your auto insurance premiums annually instead of monthly is generally the most cost-effective option. If you pay in monthly installments, providers incur processing fees. These costs are then added to your monthly payment. Insurers offer discounts if you pay your premiums in full. This helps them keep their costs low.