While marketing and sales are important, so is the agency's ability to provide service when their customers' requirements change or they have a claim. The Allen Thomas Group Insurance Agency . That's why providing customers a choice is important. One size doesn't fit all. Your independent agency will need to have a contract with each insurance company you represent. The contract describes the duties of each party.Many exclusive insurance agent companies also contract with independent agents. This was not always the case, but over time many exclusive companies have recognized the close relationship that independent insurance agents have with their clients.
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?
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.
Find an insurance agent near you and tell them a bit about yourself. They'll handle the rest. The whole experience starts with a simple conversation. Your independent insurance agent gets to know you and then recommends the right coverage for your needs. If there's an accident, you'll find comfort in those little touches The Allen Thomas Group provides, like guaranteed repairs,* accident forgiveness, and a simplified repair process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joining an insurance trade association will help you understand the necessary steps and provide the resources for you to push off from shore. And it's not just about insurance knowledge. You'll want to learn about the insurance technology solutions available to help you. Most insurance carriers pay commissions based on when the premiums are paid by the customer. Businesses and personal lines customers sometimes pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annually. The agency's commission will follow the schedule that the customer pays. Since premium payments will vary based on the customer's schedule, it can be challenging to budget monthly commission revenue for a startup agency. The good news is that the property/casualty insurance commissions will continue as long as the customer renews their coverage.
Choosing an insurance agency can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to ensure the safety of your financial future. Here are a few things that you should look for in a reputable insurance agency. 1. Trustworthiness: The first and foremost factor to consider while choosing an insurance agency is their trustworthiness. You must look for an agency with a good reputation and those that have been in business for a long time. This ensures that the insurance company has experience in dealing with clients' needs. 2. Availability of Policies: Look for an insurance agency that offers multiple policies like health, life, home, auto, etc., so that you can get all your needs addressed in one place rather than running around multiple agencies. 3. Financial Stability: Insurance companies are supposed to protect you from financial hazards, but what if they go into bankruptcy? Therefore, it's essential to research the financial stability of the potential insurers before purchasing any policies. One way to do this is by checking their ratings on websites like AM Best or Standard & Poor's. 4. Customer Service: An insurance agent may seem friendly during the sales process, but how they behave after you've become their customer matters more. Check online reviews or ask your friends and family about their experiences with the insurance providers that you're considering.
When it comes to safeguarding your future and protecting the things you hold dear, the choice of an insurance agency can be a critical decision. In a world filled with uncertainties, The Allen Thomas Group emerges as a beacon of trust and reliability, ready to guide you through the complex landscape of insurance. As an independent insurance agency located in Akron, Ohio, we are dedicated to serving individuals and businesses across the United States. Allow us to illuminate the path to financial security, offering tailored solutions that fit your unique needs.
Here's why you should make us your first choice: 1. Tailored Solutions for Your Peace of Mind We are not just another insurance agency; we are your partners in securing your future. Our dedicated insurance agents take the time to understand your specific needs and financial goals. We then craft customized insurance packages that provide the coverage you require without unnecessary expenses. 2. Expertise You Can Rely On Our team of experienced insurance agents possesses in-depth knowledge of the insurance landscape. We stay updated on the latest industry trends and regulations to provide you with the most relevant advice and coverage options. With The Allen Thomas Group, you have the assurance of working with seasoned professionals who have your best interests at heart. 3. Independent Agency Advantage Being an independent insurance agency sets us apart. We are not bound to any single insurance provider, which means we can shop the market to find you the best rates and coverage options available. This independence allows us to act solely in your best interest, not the interests of a particular insurance company. 4. A Wide Range of Insurance Services Whether you are seeking car insurance to protect your vehicle, home insurance to safeguard your property, or comprehensive business insurance to secure your livelihood, The Allen Thomas Group has you covered. Our extensive range of insurance services ensures that you get all the coverage you need under one roof. 5. Local Roots, National Reach While we call Akron, Ohio, home, our services extend far beyond state lines. No matter where you are in the United States, The Allen Thomas Group can cater to your insurance needs. We are your local insurance agency with a national presence. 6. Personalized Service Our commitment to you goes beyond policies and paperwork.
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.
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.
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.
Local agents get to know their clients and can learn about changes they have experienced over the years. They offer advice, and they learn which companies provided satisfactory service to you in the past. Local insurance agents also have knowledge of specific risks in the area.
Insurance agents represent one or more insurance companies, and they sell their policies for a commission. An insurance agent will first work with you to determine your insurance needs and budget.
Both insurance agents and brokers can help you purchase an insurance policy. Insurance agents, however, represent the insurer that employs them. They help to sell policies from this single provider. Insurance brokers can assist consumers in shopping for multiple insurance providers.
A six-month term policy is cheaper than a 12-month one, even though your average premium (or base price) does not change. This is because you pay for the coverage over a shorter time period.
A local agent is a valuable asset when it comes to insurance. Local agents can provide individualized advice, assist you in navigating complicated insurance policies and give you peace of mind knowing that you or your business are adequately covered in case of accident or disaster.