New Study of Independent Agents Reveals Real World Methods Applied to Achieve Breakthrough Success

Whitepaper details surprising statistics on success measures including close ratios based on national interviews conducted with agents

GREENSBORO, NC—July 7, 2021— A new study of independent agents reveals real-world methods applied to achieve breakthrough success. The whitepaper details surprising statistics on success measures including close ratios based on national interviews conducted with agents. Independent agents were surveyed and interviewed with the goal of understanding the hurdles they face, the partnerships they have engaged, and how these strategies have affected their businesses. The research explores the options they chose to overcome income and growth barriers while remaining independent.

“It is always encouraging feedback for our independent agent audience to gain positive insights from peer studies such as this.” comments Pam Simpson, Senior Strategist, Branded Content and Research with Insurance Journal. “For captive agents considering a move to becoming an independent agent, this study offers a roadmap for success.”

The agents that were included in the research have a partnership with Smart Choice Agents Network. The services and tools they have selected vary, but all utilize at least the basic network offerings to gain access to quality insurance markets, agency business tools, training, and support. They were asked about their experiences before and after they formed that partnership.

Close to 80% of the participants in the study were former captive agents and almost all of them transitioned directly from a dedicated agent role to an independent that is partnered with a network. There is a common understanding in the industry that the greatest challenge for unaffiliated independent agents is getting access to top-rated markets. Former captive agents are typically also seeking new methodologies for supporting their clients – one that often has greater flexibility.

“Like so many others, I worked in the captive agency world before going independent. When I opened my own agency, I did not want to go-it-alone”, said Michelle Lunsford of Michelle Lunsford Insurance. “Partnering with Smart Choice gave me access to all the markets that my clients needed plus I saw my former close ratio of 15-20% blossom into a close ratio of 75-80% now that I am with Smart Choice.”

To review the whitepaper, click HERE

The Smart Choice® Agents Program is a wholly owned program of Worldwide Insurance Network, Inc. (WIN), headquartered in High Point, North Carolina. They currently serve 8,600 agency partners in 45 states. For more information, visit www.smartchoiceagents.com.

Media Contact:

Katie Wilmoth, Smart Choice | 336.217.4650 x3042 | katiewilmoth@smarthoiceagents.com

Topics Agencies