When a licensed insurance professional is considering starting their own agency and joining a network or aggregator, several priorities usually stand out. These typically fall into four main categories:
1. Market Access & Carrier Appointments
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Breadth of Markets – They want access to a variety of personal and commercial carriers so they can serve a broad client base.
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Ease of Appointment – Streamlined onboarding to carriers without long, drawn-out approval processes.
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Balance of Standard & Non-Standard Lines – Ability to write both competitive preferred risk business and harder-to-place risks.
2. Financial Structure & Independence
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Commission Splits – Fair splits that allow for profitability while still benefiting from the network’s resources.
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Low Fees & Minimal Long-Term Contracts – Avoiding heavy monthly fees, high buy-in costs, or multi-year lock-ins.
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Ownership of Book – Retaining 100% ownership of their book of business in case they leave the network.
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Agency Branding – Freedom to operate under their own agency name and brand.
3. Support, Training & Resources
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Quoting & Technology Tools – Access to comparative raters, CRM/AMS platforms, and download capabilities.
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Marketing Support – Lead generation programs, SEO/websites, and marketing materials.
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Training & Compliance – Guidance on carrier appetite, underwriting, compliance, and sales best practices.
4. Growth Potential & Culture
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Lead Opportunities – Real, exclusive leads (not oversold lists) that match their niche.
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Mentorship – Networking with experienced agents for advice and sharing best practices.
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Transparent Communication – Clear terms and expectations with no hidden clauses.
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Reputation of the Network – Joining a group with credibility in the industry to help attract clients and carriers.
The Bottom Line:
The decision usually comes down to freedom, profitability, market access, and support. They want a partnership that gives them the tools to compete with larger agencies while preserving their independence.
