Which insurance company is good to work for??

Hi,

I am currently a mortgage broker who is looking to diversify my income by getting into the insurance business. I would like to hear from those of you who are in the industry. What companies are good to work for? Does your company pay a base or is it strictly commission? What is the work culture like? Do they do a credit check? What is the commission split? Quotas? Benefits?? A friend told me about AIG and it sounded almost too good to be true, but after reading about them about them on these forums, I'm starting to form a different opinion!! There are several companies to choose from, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Allstate, etc..I am looking for a GOOD company where I can offer auto, property, life, health, etc...I would like to narrow it down to about 2-3 companies and then maybe apply for a position w/ those companies..Any advice is appreciated!

Kesha, I am a Realtor in the same boat as you. I've been doing research and thought I found the right company but I was wrong. I have finally found the right company as far as the quality of the lead system and the infrastructure. E mail me at deriktutt@yahoo.com so we can schedule a time to talk. I can also help you out as far as marketing your mortgage business online. I can show you all sorts of free tools you can begin to use immediately. Take care.

Derik Tutt in Atlanta, Georgia said: Kesha, I am a Realtor in the same boat as you. I've been doing research and thought I found the right company but I was wrong. I have finally found the right company as far as the quality of the lead system and the infrastructure. E mail me at deriktutt@yahoo.com so we can schedule a time to talk. I can also help you out as far as marketing your mortgage business online. I can show you all sorts of free tools you can begin to use immediately. Take care.

I live in SC and would love to hear more about the insurance company you found as well as marketing ideas. I have been a mortgage professional for the last 14 years and need another source of income.

jcc1991@earthlink.net

Kesha Hamilton in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi,

I am currently a mortgage broker who is looking to diversify my income by getting into the insurance business. I would like to hear from those of you who are in the industry. What companies are good to work for? Does your company pay a base or is it strictly commission? What is the work culture like? Do they do a credit check? What is the commission split? Quotas? Benefits?? A friend told me about AIG and it sounded almost too good to be true, but after reading about them about them on these forums, I'm starting to form a different opinion!! There are several companies to choose from, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Allstate, etc..I am looking for a GOOD company where I can offer auto, property, life, health, etc...I would like to narrow it down to about 2-3 companies and then maybe apply for a position w/ those companies..Any advice is appreciated!

see about my company which generates
exclusive, best leads in the industry (state farm
made $50 million, our company made $250 million,
and is # 1 in USA:

naa.tvheaven.com

call me, it will be the best phone call you made

Dali

The best leads? How?

From a fellow indeeder...

"The whole thing with NAA is a SCAM !! When are you people going to realize that? I purchased brand new A+ leads and I was getting hung up on, or told that this family had already been covered by OM or Foresters, three to four weeks ago. NAA is re-selling the leads, over and over again. It is total greed and I hope they all go to prison for fraud !!

As for the situation with OM, the new paperwork they wanted you to sign so quickly, well guess why? Because it is now a 3 year charge-back period.

The sooner you all leave NAA, the better off you are going to be. I am a MUCH happier person now, I don't have sleepless nights, I don't have skin/rash problems because I was so nervous about how I was going to make ends meet, etc....

NAA ruined my credit as well by telling me I should travel all over the country for C R A P. I was paying big bucks to travel all over the country, yet my manager and her managers were receiving commissions from those trips. Is that fair? I certainly don't think so.

Lastly, I was in one of the BIGGEST agencies, if not the LARGEST agency in Texas and the two head people running that agency are looking for a life-boat. I have a friend who was coming up with another idea for a new company, totally outside the realm of NAA and Mortgage Protection and/or insurance. When he told them about his idea, these two men, (you can figure out who they are) tried to first of all pump him for the information and/or concept about the new company he was going to form (even told him "This might be the life-boat that we are looking for") and then once he quit NAA, they have tried to start-up a similar business.

Crooks is what they all are. Buyer beware !!"

I obtained my license again after 14 years and started again with NAA and unless you have $1500-$2000 per month to throw at the business you will not make it. The leads are just not good enough any more since the mortgage business crash.

Jim in Lexington, South Carolina said: I obtained my license again after 14 years and started again with NAA and unless you have $1500-$2000 per month to throw at the business you will not make it. The leads are just not good enough any more since the mortgage business crash.

I am selling by phone after leaving them and really enjoying it. Ramp up requires some time to get prepared to do it right but has [proven to be worth it.

Kesha Hamilton in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi,

I am currently a mortgage broker who is looking to diversify my income by getting into the insurance business. I would like to hear from those of you who are in the industry. What companies are good to work for? Does your company pay a base or is it strictly commission? What is the work culture like? Do they do a credit check? What is the commission split? Quotas? Benefits?? A friend told me about AIG and it sounded almost too good to be true, but after reading about them about them on these forums, I'm starting to form a different opinion!! There are several companies to choose from, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Allstate, etc..I am looking for a GOOD company where I can offer auto, property, life, health, etc...I would like to narrow it down to about 2-3 companies and then maybe apply for a position w/ those companies..Any advice is appreciated!

Stay independant. You will be glad you did. Check out selling by phone. It saves a bundle on gas and you can sell in any state from your desk. Just need non res licenses in those states.

Jim, I've heard from different people that NAA's leads are being resold over and over again. So that alarmed me when I was looking for a company to sign up with. I'm not one to bash companies but there is simply way too much negative information going around on and offline. E-mail me at deriktutt@yahoo.com if you want to take a look at what I have found. The NAA founders actually started out with this company and mimicked their business model.

STAY AWAY FROM NAA. The leads are sold to you as A leads yours for 6 weeks...false..yours and other agents. Then sign up for the AA club as we call it pay like 120 a month to a bs call and site. Oh and then your manager will get paid by you getting others signed on. Do you see the picture. Just ask the OH master how they are doing after having several managers leave.....of course they were all quitters.....so they say.

All you NAA folks please hurry last day for the LEADERSHIP DISCOUNT hahahaha what a joke and remember this conf will be the best one ever. And above all bring your check book.

Dali in North Hollywood, California said: I just recruited a lady who used to made 1 million a year
in mortgages and she choose my company after a long search:

see about my company which generates
exclusive, best leads in the industry (state farm
made $50 million, our company made $250 million,
and is # 1 in USA:

naa.tvheaven.com

call me, it will be the best phone call you made

Dali

You have to be kidding me!!!!!!! How are you doing now....NAA getts a bonus on business ummm how much of that goes to the agents? NONE turn in crap business to get a bonus....

Great thread here. I advise everyone to do their research before joining any company. Can't really give better advice than that. Get in where you fit in. Decide for yourself. So if you get burned, you can't blame anyone else.

I love how all you mortgage people think you can just start selling insurance on the side because your industry is at rock bottom!! Insurance IS HARD WORK and requires long hours. It is not a side job. Secondly, make sure you have funds to make it for several years because it takes about 5 years to get a good base of renewals to live off. There are many companies that you can join that will subsidize you for the first couple years, but be ready to sell insurance like crazy to get that money. And yes, any insurance company that will give you a contract will do a credit check. As an insurance agent you have fiduciary responsibilities to your customers. They don't want to take a chance with people that have bad credit. Not to mention if you have bad credit you wont qualify to sell the financial products as the NASD will not let you be licensed if you have financial issues on your credit. You could be an independent agent, but in order to make it you probably would have to purchase someone's book of business. Most large competative insurance companies that sell through independent agents or brokers wont let a person with no experiance sell their products. Most companies will want you to have an established agency and a proven track record before they allow you to sell their products. Other than that, good luck, it's a great industry, but you have to hang in for the long haul. It's not like the hay day of real estate where everybody and their brother could do a loan or two and make huge commissions. Insurance commissions for P&C sales are that high, unless you get into commercial or workers comp, which is difficult and not for newbies.

There is a very easy method to sell insurance and get the best rate for your clients possible. Be a broker and shop for them. My method does require an up front investment for leads and tracking software. No driving no traveling and plenty of interested people to talk to.

sasha_m00re in Hollywood Hills, California said: I am looking for Associates to join my NYSE company. It is a work-from-home opportunity for an insurance company. The potential to make the supplemental income or gain complete financial freedom is definitely there. Just an example, by closing a transaction which could take you 5 minutes of your time, you will make $35. Once you close 5 transactions, your rate will increase to $104 per transaction. Plus, you receive residuals. Message me at sasha_m00re@hotmail.com for complete info. You know what they say... Time is money!

**You will have insurance AND access to your own attorney!!

What exactly are you doing? I'm curious to know.

Sean in Elk Grove, California said: I love how all you mortgage people think you can just start selling insurance on the side because your industry is at rock bottom!! Insurance IS HARD WORK and requires long hours. It is not a side job. Secondly, make sure you have funds to make it for several years because it takes about 5 years to get a good base of renewals to live off. There are many companies that you can join that will subsidize you for the first couple years, but be ready to sell insurance like crazy to get that money. And yes, any insurance company that will give you a contract will do a credit check. As an insurance agent you have fiduciary responsibilities to your customers. They don't want to take a chance with people that have bad credit. Not to mention if you have bad credit you wont qualify to sell the financial products as the NASD will not let you be licensed if you have financial issues on your credit. You could be an independent agent, but in order to make it you probably would have to purchase someone's book of business. Most large competative insurance companies that sell through independent agents or brokers wont let a person with no experiance sell their products....

"You mortgage people"??? First of all, the insurance business CAN be part time, full time or whatever I choose to make it...I know several people doing it PT if they have other things going on, on the side...Trust me, I'm no stranger to hard word or long hours!! And I've checked around and there are plenty of companies that will also hire you as an unexperienced agent as long as you've met licensing req'ts...What company do you work for??

Kesha Hamilton in Memphis, Tennessee said: "You mortgage people"??? First of all, the insurance business CAN be part time, full time or whatever I choose to make it...I know several people doing it PT if they have other things going on, on the side...Trust me, I'm no stranger to hard word or long hours!! And I've checked around and there are plenty of companies that will also hire you as an unexperienced agent as long as you've met licensing req'ts...What company do you work for??

I'm a Farmers Agent by the way.

Sean in Sacramento, California said: Of course you can make insurance full time or part time or WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE. Thats pretty obvious. If you want to be successfull, you better make damn sure you are doing it full time, and have money in reserves. Instead of getting combative, you should listen to people that have been doing it for years and knows what to expect, unlike yourself.

Sean, I take in and appreciate the information that is of VALUE, but don't need comments like "I love how you mortgage people "think" you can start doing insurance one the side"...Yeah, that comment had such a negative tone..Anyway, thx for the bits of info that were helpful, other than that..I did pick up something helpful from your post.

I'm working in getting my license. Do they all do credit check? for what purpose. That is vey personal. can any one provide information?..

Thank you

So if you had a bad experience like a divorce or loss of job/income adn your bills got behind, they penalize you for that and not give you a job......???????Doesnt make since when there are already about 80-90% of the ones who do get the job fail......

That's where you're wrong. Its not a job, it's a business opportunity. If you can't pay your bills and run your personal finances, how can you run a sucessful business? There's a lot to this business that you will not understand until you are in it. They are mainly looking at if you have things like a bankruptcy, judgements or collections debts. If all you have some dings on your credit, you should be just fine.

agent in Phoenix, Arizona said: There is a very easy method to sell insurance and get the best rate for your clients possible. Be a broker and shop for them. My method does require an up front investment for leads and tracking software. No driving no traveling and plenty of interested people to talk to.

Agent from Phoenix, AZ

Could you share with me what opportunity you are involved with that allows you to work from home?

NJagent

JSILVA0711@gmail.com

Termchoice in Newbury Park, California said: I work from home selling life insurance making use of the internet and phone.I am very please to share the details if you send me an email with you phone number.
termchoice@aol.com

Chris Manns

Interested in your lead system

Thanks

insurance career in your PJs in Indianapolis, Indiana said: Marild,

you can watch me online this Tuesday night sell life insurance from the comforts of my home in my PJs

send me a quick email osjllc@gmail.com

Are you a broker?

Termchoice in Newbury Park, California said: I do the same I work from my home, run a real agency and sell on the phone using a piece of software that manages my entire business and it is FREE to all agents. I save that $720 each and every year.

Hey there, I'd love to hear more about how you do this. Please e-mail me when possible. I currently work for a GA for Guardian in a client services role, but am licensed by both Berkshire Life and Guardian. My goal is to work from home selling health and life. Want to hear more about this agency management software. Thanks. fchump@bellsouth.net

I am a realtor in Virginia and I am looking to diversify and get into insurance sales. I have tried to look for insurance schools in the area with no luck. Does anyone know of schools in my area of via internet that I could get my license. Once I have obtained my license- Can anyone recommend what company/broker is best to work for/learn the ropes from.

My credit is shabby because of my divorce a few years ago- is that going to hinder me in getting hired?

Thanks
Cristina

Cristina in Yorktown, Virginia said: I am a realtor in Virginia and I am looking to diversify and get into insurance sales. I have tried to look for insurance schools in the area with no luck. Does anyone know of schools in my area of via internet that I could get my license. Once I have obtained my license- Can anyone recommend what company/broker is best to work for/learn the ropes from.

My credit is shabby because of my divorce a few years ago- is that going to hinder me in getting hired?

Thanks
Cristina

With poor credit you likely will have a hard time finding a job with a captive carrier. Without prior insurance experience you likely cannot open your own independent insurance agency either. The answer? Contact local independent agents in your area and ask if you can write insurance through their agency. You'll need to agree to some commission split. Work into any agreement the option for you to take your book of business with you after three years if you want to open your own agency.

As far as insurance schools, you should be able to google for insurance schools in your area or contact your state department of insurance.

Good Luck!
www.lowcostaffordableinsurance.com/low_cost_auto_insurance.php

Most of us are in the "Bad Credit Boat"! I'm an experienced agent with $65,000 worth of credit card debt! Not because I went wild...I had no choice and I did make bad investments and choices. I just lost my car and the collection agencies and calling me everyday. Being in Michigan and self employed (Insurance) it always seems like that I'm walking in MUD! It'll get better....

Anyways....The reason I'm posting this is beacuse even with my Financial problems, I'm still able to contract with big Insurance companies. My old collegue told me few months back that the big boys only really care about bankruptcies and felonies.

:-) "if u fall down....get up, clean yourself and try again"

when someone ask tou to you one of their carriers, does that mean you can be appointed with one broker but still do business through another?

As an independent insurance agent you can contract with multiple carriers and write insurance with any of them. That's the beauty of being independent. Carriers like MetLife, Travelers, Hartford, Unitrin, Progressive and many others.
www.nationwidedr.com

Just so i understand you clearly:

I am going to work for a broker/ not by myself. As i am working for this broker who already contracts with many insurance companies. I was trying to make sure that i can contract certain deals through an outside insurance compny if it is not already in the brokers network of insurance companies or is that allowed?

Chris,

This seems to be a question that needs posed to your broker. Are you signing a contract? If yes, it should be spelled out in that. If it's not mentioned, it would seem to open the door for you to use other carriers. Are they paying a salary or are you on total commission?
www.lowcostaffordableinsurance.com/low_cost_health_insurance.php

total commission
the broker is in another state.....i will be working from home

It sounds like you have freedom to do what you wish. But I would not go around advertising it. However, it may be prudent to approach your broker with the idea of being able to use some carriers outside their ability on cases you are unable to place with them. That way they are not caught totally off guard.
www.lowcostaffordableinsurance.com/low_cost_insurance.php

ok

thanks

how do you become totally independent?

I worked for a captive carrier (similar to an Allstate/State Farm/Farmers type company) for over 7 years. I tired of the increasingly heavier corporate hand and oversight. They required you to hit numbers on products you didn't necessarily want to spend your time focusing on.

So I left, signed contracts with numerous large carriers like MetLife, Travelers and Hartford.

It's been a pretty good ride since.

You pretty much need experience and a track record to sign your own contracts to go independent, at least in the area I work. I mostly do auto/home. That may be different if you are selling health or commercial.
www.phoenix-life-insurance.com

I tried working for as a captive agent for about a year and stopped because the competition was so rough. I felt very limited with working with one insurance company (ie. complaints about high rates). Plus, my district manager really didn't guide me on sales techniques. So for the last year I have been searching for the right company. I want to go independent but I feel I need some guidance in this area. I wish there was some company that offer training in insurance sales but from what I hear it is something you have to do by just jumping in. I agree insurance is really hard work and I am willing to do it.

As I mentioned in my previous message. I am wanting to transition from real estate to the insurance business however I want to be independent. I know that would be very hard because I would be new however I am a quick learner. Once I have obtained my licensed- Would anyone be willing to take me on and show me the ropes?

Cristina
cristinaandsons@gmail.com

Cristina in Yorktown, Virginia said: As I mentioned in my previous message. I am wanting to transition from real estate to the insurance business however I want to be independent. I know that would be very hard because I would be new however I am a quick learner. Once I have obtained my licensed- Would anyone be willing to take me on and show me the ropes?

Cristina
cristinaandsons@gmail.com

YOu almost need to find a broker in Virginia to help you. I have to imagine there are lots of independent agents/brokers who would love to bring along a new agent to grow their agency. To find an independent agent in your area go to to IIABA website: www.iiaba.net/na/default?ContentPreference=NA&ActiveTab=NA&ActiveState=0#SlideFrame_2

www.lowcostaffordableinsurance.com

insurance career in your PJs in Indianapolis, Indiana said: I am willing to recruit and train you. I started on my own less than 3 yrs ago and now run my own agency, work out of my home, sell over the phone, I am a trued broker that represents all the carriers.

its easy to get started if you a a quick study!

hello, can you please name the companies that you sell for? and what kind of product do you sell, thanks, volga.

Marild in Culver City, California said: I tried working for as a captive agent for about a year and stopped because the competition was so rough. I felt very limited with working with one insurance company (ie. complaints about high rates). Plus, my district manager really didn't guide me on sales techniques. So for the last year I have been searching for the right company. I want to go independent but I feel I need some guidance in this area. I wish there was some company that offer training in insurance sales but from what I hear it is something you have to do by just jumping in. I agree insurance is really hard work and I am willing to do it.[/Q
i am working as a health club gm making 56k/yr. not very enjoyable but pays the bills. i owned my own business 20 years before that, i sold bait and tackle, and had a convenience store and the bldg that i owned. i cashed out in '05 and did very well. i have a very good friend who is
an american family distict manager in ohio, were i live. we are in talks about me becoming an agent. i have seen many comments on the web good and bad about amfam. i also think a good way to start in insurance is captive. anyone out there want to give me some input.
thanx

chris said:

American Family is a good company, but you are going to run into the same issue as you mention before about competition. I think you need to talk with some independent agents in your area to get other view points.

Chris in Orlando, Florida said: total commission
the broker is in another state.....i will be working from home

Chris,
We're an indpendent agency, with access to nearly every market out there. Are you selling personal lines? You may want to weigh your options before signing with an agency that doesn't offer a lot of carrier options. I'd be happy to discuss it further with you and explain our current opportunities. You can reach me at Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk - susann@setnorbyer.com. Thanks.

when you are independent,m do you have to e&o insurance?How much is it generally

Kesha Hamilton in Memphis, Tennessee said: Hi,

I am currently a mortgage broker who is looking to diversify my income by getting into the insurance business. I would like to hear from those of you who are in the industry. What companies are good to work for? Does your company pay a base or is it strictly commission? What is the work culture like? Do they do a credit check? What is the commission split? Quotas? Benefits?? A friend told me about AIG and it sounded almost too good to be true, but after reading about them about them on these forums, I'm starting to form a different opinion!! There are several companies to choose from, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Allstate, etc..I am looking for a GOOD company where I can offer auto, property, life, health, etc...I would like to narrow it down to about 2-3 companies and then maybe apply for a position w/ those companies..Any advice is appreciated!

I have recently signed up with UIWIN - they are an IMO providing various lines of insurance such as life, health, med. supps, etc. Current companies they carry are American Community, Golden Rule, Assurant, AIG, Banner Life, WC Life, Old Mutual & Foresters to name a few. They have a unique compensation structure that allows agents to earn income 6 different ways with street level commissions. This system is designed to help 'average' agents to earn a significant income through the use of leverage. Feel free to contact me and I'll provide additional information for review and show you the numerous benefits of coming aboard. I'm looking to add agents that conduct their business with integrity, honesty and are results oriented. Should you decide to join the team, I will provide all the support you need. I look forward to hearing from those agents who are interested, I believe you'll find it very interesting. Contact me at:

matth@hamiltoncom.net.

Slap...

What about leads? You could've the best product in the world but it means nothing if you cannot discuss it with people. What do you have beside cold calling, door to door, business to business, etc. All three ways aren't working anymore!

Jay in Westland, Michigan said: Slap...

What about leads? You could've the best product in the world but it means nothing if you cannot discuss it with people. What do you have beside cold calling, door to door, business to business, etc. All three ways aren't working anymore!

----------------------------------------

Everyone in insurance needs to be reading about SEO (search engine optimization) and getting ranked on Google when people search for insurance. That's the way alot of people search for insurance today and that trend is not going away.

For my best search term my website is # 1 or # 2 on page one of google (it varies day to day). I receive traffic every day - in other words FREE leads from people seeking insurance quotes. They come to me. My website probably has 50 keyword/phrases that are on page 1 of google.

I've never worked as a consultant and charged to teach someone SEO but I am open to it if anyone is interested. You would have to be located in a state different from me however so we are not competing.
www.choicearizona.com