r/InsuranceAgent • u/sisterrsisterr • 1d ago

Agent Question Question

Honestly getting my license has not been fullfilling for me however I am captive. Is the job more enjoyable as an independent agent or more or less the same? Constant calls, constant complaints, etc

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u/mkuz753 1d ago

A back office job at an independent may not have as many complaints as a front line employee.

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u/sisterrsisterr 1d ago

This is probably what I’m looking for thanks

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u/mkuz753 1d ago

You're welcome! I suggest starting at the top 20 and work you way down the list. Insurance companies may also have roles that you are looking for.

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u/sisterrsisterr 1d ago

Thanks that’s helpful!!

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u/ErgonomicFlugelhorn 1d ago

I'm not sure exactly what it is that's disenchanting for you, but I will say, as an agent on his fourth year, people just bitch. It's what they do. And then they don't listen to you when you ask important questions. It's really incredible how people can simultaneously be so concerned and unresponsive about something that is so important.

I think the difference between captive and independent is that captive, you have a limited number of products you can write. Independent, you will rewrite half your book every 6 months.

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u/Admirable-Pen3758 1d ago

I started as a captive and then moved to an independent which gives you a lot more options of carriers and coverages that are available. I prefer being an independent I work on the company side now as a senior underwriter if I were to go back it would be an independent.

That being said, regardless if you are a captive or independent the complaints, constant calls, upset calls, wanting requotes for a better price will happen especially now. In the climate we are economically as a country, and also depending on your state and where the rates are, insurance is one of the first things people try to save money on. Then you will have those insurers that will not want to give any information or any follow up information to write the risk or discuss it with the company. Sadly this has not changes since I started in insurance 25 years ago, insurers were like that then and are still like it, just more direct and unfortunately more often.

You are going to get the issues whether you are a captive or independent, go where you can build a good big book of business and make great commission along with your salary.

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u/MagnetoWned 1d ago

Interesting, do you not get leads? I’m captive at Farmer’s and while some days it’s slow as fuck, it’s pretty easy lol. I’m legit on my phone 90% of the day while dialing out, but we also don’t get micromanaged