Like many agents who took the time to respond, I would like to see some details and specifics as to who the good and not-so-good performers are, and in what areas. Maybe if (some) the underperformers see their name on the board, there would be some incentive to improve. Otherwise this survey is a waste of time.
You’re right, the survey is worthless. As always, the Independent Agent can’t be honest with the public – or themselves. Price is No. 1. Agents sell whatever they can sell cheap. No. 2 is commission – or whatever deal lines their pockets. Give ’em a 10% bonus to move a book from a carrier with great claim service to a carrier that is cheap, and they’ll grab the 10% every time! (speaking from experience)
Disbelief has hit it on the head. I see a lot of my fellow agents moving books of business to carriers that are regularly in and out of the market. No credibility. I know an agent who put $2 million with Indiana Insurance last year, and does nothing but complain about their systems, their service, and their claims people. I don’t think he ranked claim handling number one when he moved all of that business to Liberty Mutual. Oh, and he relly got mad when Lib Mutual came in this year and took two of his biggest accounts away from him!
As an agent who completed the survey, I agree with the results and strongly disagree with those who believe that all agents simply cry “Show me the money!” What good does an additional few points of commission do if you are spending that amount and more to deal with inefficient company systems and claims complaints from clients. Give me a quality product (meaning claims are paid promptly & fairly), decent communication with underwriters, and fair compensation and I’ll be a content & happy agency principal.
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Like many agents who took the time to respond, I would like to see some details and specifics as to who the good and not-so-good performers are, and in what areas. Maybe if (some) the underperformers see their name on the board, there would be some incentive to improve. Otherwise this survey is a waste of time.
I would think Financial Stability would be #1 today.
Commision is always number 1
You’re right, the survey is worthless. As always, the Independent Agent can’t be honest with the public – or themselves. Price is No. 1. Agents sell whatever they can sell cheap. No. 2 is commission – or whatever deal lines their pockets. Give ’em a 10% bonus to move a book from a carrier with great claim service to a carrier that is cheap, and they’ll grab the 10% every time! (speaking from experience)
Disbelief has hit it on the head. I see a lot of my fellow agents moving books of business to carriers that are regularly in and out of the market. No credibility. I know an agent who put $2 million with Indiana Insurance last year, and does nothing but complain about their systems, their service, and their claims people. I don’t think he ranked claim handling number one when he moved all of that business to Liberty Mutual. Oh, and he relly got mad when Lib Mutual came in this year and took two of his biggest accounts away from him!
As an agent who completed the survey, I agree with the results and strongly disagree with those who believe that all agents simply cry “Show me the money!” What good does an additional few points of commission do if you are spending that amount and more to deal with inefficient company systems and claims complaints from clients. Give me a quality product (meaning claims are paid promptly & fairly), decent communication with underwriters, and fair compensation and I’ll be a content & happy agency principal.