Back Just Starting Out...

I recently came aboard as an agent with my in-laws who primarily focus on personal P&C lines. They were captive agents, but started an ind. agency a few years ago and they have very little business insurance knowledge. That being said, I don't completely understand how these unique markets work. I've written some basic BOP policies through our standard carriers, but have passed on a lot of stuff because we don't have markets. My questions are: 1. Can I just call these brokers at will, and if so, will they work with me to write the business? 2. How (and how much) can I expect to get paid? 3. How does the relationship between the customer, agent (me) and the broker work? Any information for this rookie would be appreciated.

Sollila, Your agency should consider getting in contact with SIAA. I had the same problem and joined them a little over a year ago and now have both the capability and knowledge to write anything. www.siaa4u.net

email me and we can talk about it. Steve info@zoneinsurance.net

If you like, you can be our company's affiliate. We have all the markets you need to write ANY business you will come accross, Commercial or Personal. Email me if interested: felix@guardianspecialtyins.com

Another great way to have access to markets is to join IIABA, some call it BigI markets. There web address is www.IIABA.net. This is the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Commissions paid to you vary. Good Luck

Hi, Evolution Insurance Brokers is a full service excess and lines brokerage, and we can provide a market for hard-to-place risks and work with you as an independent agent. Give me a call at 800-456-4576, ext. 7801, and you can begin quoting and writing excess and surplus business right away! Tough Risks Made Easy!! Please contact me at 800-456-4576, 7801 or email barbaram@primeiscom.

Just starting out can be scary. I am a third generation now in the business, and with all the different types of business out there, you wonder how can I know what each individual insured needs as well as what carrier and/or Wholsaler can I submit my buisness to and protect it at the same time. If you ever want to discuss, let me know, as I found out in this business is to write what you know so you can write it right, quick, and bring more in the door faster to make the money. Lets be honest we work to make money right? The best way to do that is pick a nich - what do you like to write the most? If you are not sure, I may have a nich you may be interested in. Let me know, and if not, good luck to you in this wonderful world of Insurance! mrose@jcstevensinc.com 215-368-2900

There are tons of brokers out there and you are in a great position to choose a few to partner with. I've been on the retail side of this business for 20 years and would be happy to discuss. Feel free to email me. laura@gentryins.com

We would be very happy to work with you on getting started in Commercial lines. Please give our office a Call at: (916) 781-6000, or e-mail Infor@kzib.com

I recently came aboard as an agent with my in-laws who primarily focus on personal P&C lines. They were captive agents, but started an ind. agency a few years ago and they have very little business insurance knowledge. That being said, I don't completely understand how these unique markets work. I've written some basic BOP policies through our standard carriers, but have passed on a lot of stuff because we don't have markets. My questions are: 1. Can I just call these brokers at will, and if so, will they work with me to write the business? 2. How (and how much) can I expect to get paid? 3. How does the relationship between the customer, agent (me) and the broker work? Any information for this rookie would be appreciated.

MJ Hall is an excess and surplus lines wholsaler operating in AK, AZ, CA and NV. If you are writing in any of these states we would love to speak with you and are currently appointing new agents. Please check us out on the web at www.mjhallandcompany.com or email me at sarah@mjhallandcompany.com. We represent over 60 carriers and can place just about any type of business, and are willing to work with newer agents. Good luck with your new business.