The Secret to Success for Start-up Insurance Agencies

Starting up an insurance agency in North Carolina can be a daunting task. You need to establish yourself as a credible and trustworthy provider of insurance services in a crowded market. This is where membership in a professional insurance association can be beneficial. Here are the top five reasons why start-up agencies join the Independent Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) in their journey toward success:

1. Networking Opportunities
   One of the most significant benefits of membership in a professional insurance association is the opportunity to network with industry experts, company representatives, experienced insurance agents, and other start-up insurance agencies. Networking can help you build relationships, gain industry knowledge, and stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the insurance industry.

    

2. Access to Industry-Specific Education and Training
   Agency Activate was created specifically for start-up agencies. This program is a 12-video module series that will walk you through the options you have available to you, as well as some do’s and don’ts when preparing to start your agency. The program is free to members and can be viewed in any order, as often as you like! Additionally, IIANC’s professional development offerings will help you learn about new products, services, technologies, and stay up to date with changing regulations and policies.

    

3. Insuring Your New Agency
   Work with a team of knowledgeable professionals that will guide you through the whole process when exploring insurance options for your new agency: errors & omissions, cyber liability and employee benefits.

    

4. Market Access
   As a brand new agency, it’s not always easy to obtain direct appointments with property and casualty companies. Because of this, IIANC partnered with 16 other state associations to create Independent Market Solutions (IMS). This is a market access program exclusively for state association members offering access to standard personal and commercial lines coverages, including monoline HO and an auto/home package. There are little to no volume commitments with IMS and participants receive a very competitive commission. There is an application process to gain access to IMS carriers. Our team will be glad to help walk you through every step of the way!

    

5. Marketing and Promotion
   Membership with your state association grants you access to the Trusted Choice brand. Trusted Choice is the national marketing brand used exclusively by Big "I" members to help consumers understand the value that an independent insurance agent offers choice, customization and advocacy. Trusted Choice is designed to enhance your agency's branding efforts and advertising, not take the place of it. Co-branding with the nationally recognized Trusted Choice logo positions you as a premier agent and conveys a level of integrity, trust and expertise.
   

So, who is eligible to join IIANC and when should a start-up agency come on board? Any agency who has a physical location and/or a resident licensed agent in North Carolina is eligible for membership with IIANC. An agency is welcome to join as soon as the business is established with the North Carolina Secretary of State. There are many benefits that can be utilized prior to opening your doors, so let us help! It’s an exciting time and our team looks forward to being your trusted resource along your journey!