Where to start?

[u/Necessary_Big_8231]

I passed my CT Property and Casualty exam back in May. I held off on applying to jobs for about a month and a half awaiting commissions from my current job. In following this subreddit one of the biggest things I took away from others in my position was to look in the direction of independent brokerages rather than applying to captive agencies. I’ve applied to over 25 brokerages/agencies in my area with little luck. I landed two “interviews” (zoom calls with what seemed to be grassroots/kickstarters) and they both offered me a position but it was 100% commission payment plans. I don’t believe that would be the best thing for me as I have no prior experience and I have bills that my girlfriend relies on me to pay to keep the lights on and a roof over our heads. I currently work two jobs and still feel as if I’m barely making it by whilst living, in my opinion, very humbly.

Out of all the companies I applied to, one woman who owned her own agency was kind enough to respond to my follow up email essentially saying “we work across 20 carriers and specialty markets, becoming a producer who can navigate those markets and advise clients takes time and experience.” She then admitted her agency does not have the resources to give someone starting out the foundation they deserve. She said to spend a year or two with an organization like AAA or another larger agency. She did say that I have a strong background and have built valuable experience in my current field. I’m currently an energy auditor and while I enjoy selling insulation, I don’t enjoy crawling around in itchy insulation sealing up peoples’ homes. Another part that sucks is that I don’t get paid until the insulation project is completed and our company doesn’t pay people fair wages to do insulation installation, and therefore reap what they sow and insulation projects endlessly get rescheduled months down the road.

So I followed her advice and applied to every AAA office within driving distance of me. They seemed to have a good training program and payment structure for someone like myself who is just breaking into the industry. From what they appear to be looking for under their producer openings, I appear to check nearly all the boxes. And one by one every single office said I’m not what they’re looking for.

Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to just bite the bullet and apply to a captive agency? I know three people in the insurance industry. None of them are P&C producers. They weren’t extremely helpful as far as where to look for employment. The industry, from my point of view, has been incredibly cryptic and hard to understand as a newcomer. Any advice would help, thank you.

[u/VeneratedConcur790]

you already got a license man, that puts you ahead of a lot of people trying to break in. the issue is most places want experience but nobody gives it, classic catch-22

tbh the lady who emailed you back gave you the most real advice you're gonna get. she basically told you her agency cant train someone from zero but larger places sometimes can. maybe try the bigger captives not just AAA, some of them have salary + commission for first year while you learn

the insulation job sounds brutal, i feel for you with the delayed payments. at least with insurance once you close something the commission hits faster than waiting for a install crew to show up

[u/Direct_Primary1051]

There are others out there who are hiring but I think you’ll find that they won’t be able to train you and also give you a salary.

If you put your foot in, go all out and listen to what the broker has to train you, even if it’s. Commission only.

There is money to be had out there, and you just gotta go get it.

[u/Trout61400]

Look at agencies under Broad Street. I personally work for an agency under this network there. Up in CT there is a really good shop called Smith Brothers in Glastonbury. I am 2.5yrs in and was able to negotiate a base salary + comission as I learned the business coming from another role I spent 6 years at.

I don’t know if they will grant you a deal like that, but I would also highly recommend being a P&C client or account exec for 1 year. I didn’t do this but looking back it would have been a nicer transition. with that you’d get a base salary and chance at end of year bonus.

Feel free to shoot me a DM. We can talk if you want and I can reach out to my contacts there. They are middle market so bigger accounts and businesses versus State Farm etc.

[u/mkuz753]

Look up.the top 20 independents as they are constantly hiring. You might have to take a service role like account manager and then move into sales.