Securing Insurance Carrier Appointments: Boost Your Career
Are you ready to expand your agency’s offerings and strengthen your client base? Securing carrier appointments is a key step for independent agents looking to access a wider range of insurance products. Even with industry experience, navigating carrier appointments can be challenging—especially for agents building a new independent agency.
That’s where a partner like First Connect Insurance can make a difference. With access to multiple carriers, First Connect Insurance simplifies the process, helping agents secure crucial appointments more efficiently. In this article, we’ll break down the steps to securing carrier appointments and share expert tips to streamline your approach.
Key takeaways
- As an independent agent, you must secure an official appointment with insurance carriers to sell policies.
- The process of getting carrier appointments can be tricky, take several months, and require thorough preparation, such as researching potential insurers, understanding requirements, and more.
- You should choose financially stable and reputable carriers that offer a wide range of products, agent support, and a positive client experience.
- Agents need to build their network, explore less common insurance types, and gain experience to strengthen their position before seeking direct appointments.
What is an insurance carrier appointment?
You can’t sell products from an insurance company without getting official authorization, known as an appointment. With it, you gain the right to market and sell products (insurance policies) from the insurer to your clients and earn commissions.
This carrier appointment is one of the most effective insurance agency growth strategies, as it helps open doors for your agency’s growth. However, there’s a catch—the appointments are only valid in the states where you’re licensed, and for the types of insurance the company offers.
As an agent, you’ll need an individual insurance appointment from each carrier you wish to represent and sometimes separate ones for each state. While it may seem challenging, once you get appointed with insurance companies, you can enjoy various benefits.
Why are appointments in insurance important?
Insurance company appointments are vital for independent agents for various reasons. These carrier appointments let you build a formal and legal relationship with an insurance provider, allowing you to sell their products.
But selling is just one of the many benefits. Let’s look at other important reasons why appointments in insurance are so valuable.
More product options
Every client is different, as are insurance providers.
Independent agents can offer a wide range of insurance products by securing appointments with multiple carriers.
This allows them to meet clients’ changing needs and provide personalized solutions, attracting clients who want more choices and flexibility.
Access to markets
Insurance providers often have an established market presence and strong brand recognition.
When independent agents partner with competitive and reputable carriers in their state, they benefit from increased leads, marketing efforts, and an enhanced reputation.
This can increase the agency’s visibility and credibility with potential clients.
Support and resources
Insurance carriers value their appointed agents and often provide them with helpful support.
This can include training programs, marketing materials, and underwriting expertise, all of which help agents grow and succeed.
Choosing the right insurance carrier to get appointed with
Before we jump to know how to get insurance appointments, it’s important to determine how to choose the right one.
Finding the right way to get appointed as an insurance agent is crucial for independent agents as it impacts how effectively they can serve their clients, maintain their reputation, and achieve financial success.
Here are a few factors you need to consider to identify the best and easiest insurance companies to get appointed with.
Financial stability and reputation
If you want to know how to get appointed with insurance carriers, the first thing to remember is that only a financially stable insurance company can pay out claims. So, it’s important to avoid getting appointed with insurance carriers that could leave your clients stranded.
To ensure this, check the ratings and reviews of the company you consider. Agencies such as A.M. Best, Demotech, BBB, or Moody’s can help you find a stable carrier.
A reputable and financially strong carrier with a proven track record will also help you attract more clients.
Type of products sold
Choose an insurance provider that offers a wide variety of insurance products. This will help meet the needs of your current and future clients.
Look for companies that provide multiple lines of insurance so you can offer more options and keep your operations simple. Make sure the products also match your area of expertise.
Resources for agents
Most insurance agency appointments often provide great resources for agents. These may include marketing materials, training, or support to help you grow your business.
Carriers with tools like mobile apps, CRM integration, or user-friendly online portals can help streamline operations and manage client relationships more effectively.
It’s best to look for insurance companies that offer the necessary resources to succeed.
Client experience
Partner with companies that help create a smooth client experience.
Choose insurers with easy-to-use online platforms, responsive customer service, and automated processes. These features not only make your clients happier but also strengthen your relationships with them.
How to get appointed with insurance companies
If you want to know how to get appointed with life, auto, or property and casualty insurance companies, the process can be challenging, time-consuming, and requires careful preparation.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to get appointments with insurance companies.
Research your options
It can be tricky to get an insurance company appointment. Therefore, before you fill out any applications, take some time to research potential carriers.
Make a list of insurance providers you wish to partner with. Then, find out as much as you can about how each company works.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
- Do these insurers enable you to have carrier appointments with various companies, or do you have to stick with just one?
- Are they currently accepting new agents, or do you need to wait?
- What is the company’s financial strength?
- What quota requirements do they have?
Know your potential carrier’s requirements
Next, find out what each insurance company wants from its agents. You can check their application and website. You can also call the insurance carrier and ask to speak with someone in charge, such as the Business Development Manager.
Here are some common requirements:
- A valid license to sell insurance
- A successful history of selling insurance
- A strong business plan that you review regularly
- Motivation and readiness to succeed
- The ability to meet or exceed production requirements
- A good online presence and marketing skills
- Excellent customer service skills
Basically, insurance providers want to see that you are a licensed agent who can sell their products and attract new clients.
They also want to ensure you will treat policyholders well, so they keep renewing their policies. Having experience in these areas will improve your chances of getting an appointment.
Once you narrow your options, focus on the insurance carriers most likely to give you an appointment.
Apply for an appointment
Once you choose which insurer to apply, it’s time to learn more about them. Most insurance companies have websites that provide information for potential applicants, so start your search there.
You’ll find details about the steps to get an appointment and the benefits of working with them.
Fill out the application
Many insurance providers allow agents to submit the initial application online. You will be required to answer queries about yourself and your agency.
Ensure you complete each part of the application honestly and to the best of your ability. Remember, it isn’t the time to exaggerate your experience or pretend you have more clients than you do.
The interview
After you submit your online application, the next stage might be a discussion with a company sales manager. If that goes well, you might need to complete another, more formal application and have a deeper interview. The company will review your paperwork and portfolio to decide whether to approve your appointment.
The next steps
The process for how to get an appointment with an insurance company can vary, so it’s best to ask about the next steps.
For example, if you want to know how to get appointed with health insurance companies such as Aetna, you’ll need to get certified through their training program. Similarly, property and casualty (P&C) carriers may have their own requirements. No matter what, always check what is needed so you’re not caught off guard.
Remember, getting a direct appointment with an insurance carrier isn’t a quick process. Many independent agents report that it can take several months to finalize everything. Although there can be multiple reasons, one potential reason is that the insurance company has to register your appointment at the state level.
Start as a captive agent
If you’re eager to start selling and want to speed up the appointment process, consider becoming a captive agent first. This means you only work with one insurance company and sell its products.
This way, you can gain experience and learn more about the insurance business before becoming an independent agent with other carriers.
Tips on preparing for an insurance carrier appointment
Now that you know the insurance agent appointment process a bit better, here are some actionable tips to help improve your chances of getting appointed by insurers.
Network
Attend industry events, connect with other agents on LinkedIn, and build relationships with carrier reps during insurance classes.
While the individual you interact with may not decide on your insurance carrier appointment, a positive relationship won’t do any harm.
Even if they don’t work for your target company, they might know someone who does. Once you build that connection, you can ask for an introduction or even a recommendation.
Explore less common types of insurance
Wondering, “How to get appointed as an independent insurance agent?”
Getting independent insurance agent appointments for common personal lines such as life or auto insurance can be tough if you have just started. Many insurers often look for experienced agents with a solid client base.
However, you can reduce competition and be at good odds if you explore less common types of insurance.
For instance, consider selling commercial insurance, such as Errors and Omissions (E&O) policies, or unusual insurance, like a food truck or salvage car insurance.
When you reach different client bases, it can help you stand out to carriers.
Gain experience firsts
Getting a direct insurance agent appointment as an independent agent can be a lengthy process. However, if you get experience first, it can give you an edge over the competition.
Starting out? Use First Connect Insurance to transform your agency’s insurance operations and connect with carriers effortlessly. This digital platform helps independent agents access unique coverage for clients, offering a seamless appointment process that gets you access to carriers within days, if not instantly. You’ll also benefit from direct quoting and binding for immediate access, as well as timely and direct deposit commissions, so you never have to chase your payments. Plus, the proprietary appetite finder and rater make it easier to place business efficiently. With access to over 100+ carriers, no sign-up fees, and no production requirements, First Connect allows you to focus on selling and growing your business. The skills you develop, along with the detailed records of your performance, will be valuable when you’re ready to pursue direct appointments later.
Bonus tips
To help you secure insurance agency appointments, here are a few bonus tips:
- Make a strong business plan: Write a detailed business plan that explains the markets you want to serve, your goals, how you plan to get clients and realistic financial projections. This shows carriers that you have a solid plan to make profits.
- Prepare a professional resume: Create a resume that includes all your skills and experience in business management, customer service, or sales. Make sure to add a profile showing your target market, value, and business strategy.
- Build an online presence: Create your own website and active social media profiles to demonstrate your services, experience, and skills.
- Collect testimonials and references: Gather positive feedback from satisfied clients to show your skills as a salesperson. Also, collect references from past employers, industry contacts, or mentors who can support your potential.
Final thoughts
You can use insurance carrier appointments to grow your business as an insurance agent. Not only does it allow you to sell insurance products legally, but it also helps expand your product offerings and improves your credibility with clients.
Choose the right carriers, prepare thoroughly, and follow the appointment process to the T. This will help you position yourself for long-term success in the insurance industry. Remember, each appointment you secure helps boost your career and provide exceptional service to your clients.
FAQ
Is it possible to secure insurance company appointments from multiple companies?
Yes, it is possible to secure appointments with multiple insurance companies. Many agents work with several carriers to offer their clients a diverse range of products.
However, it’s important to manage each carrier relationship carefully and ensure you meet all their individual sales and compliance requirements.
Do insurance carrier appointment requirements vary by state?
Yes, insurance carrier appointment requirements can vary by state. Each state has its own licensing and regulatory requirements that agents must comply with.
For instance, some states may require additional certifications or background checks, so it’s important to check with your state’s insurance department or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) for specific guidelines.
What is a Just-In-Time appointment in insurance?
A Just-In-Time (JIT) appointment is a process where an insurance carrier only formally appoints an agent when they have a pending policy application to process.
In other words, instead of being appointed upfront, the agent is only appointed once they submit business. This can help streamline the onboarding process and reduce administrative burden for both the carrier and the agent.
What does producer mean on an insurance application?
In the insurance industry, the term “producer” refers to the insurance agent or broker facilitating the sale of an insurance policy. The producer helps advise the client, recommend appropriate coverage, and complete the necessary paperwork for the policy.
