This is good advice that you have just been given. The last thing that you would want to do - especially for any extended period of time - is to get stuck being captive to just one car insurance company. Bad for you and bad for the client.

I agree, I would advise against going the captive route (AllState). You will be thankful later if you go the independent agent route (just my opinion).

15% or 20% is getting to be the norm in the tougher areas like LA and San Francisco

How long is this anticipated to last?