How to Choose the Right Insurance Agency: A Guide for Independent Agents

As an independent insurance agent, choosing the right agency to partner with is one of the most important career decisions you’ll make. Your success depends on finding an agency that supports your growth, provides strong commissions, offers valuable training, and aligns with your long-term goals.

But with so many agencies out there, how do you know which one is the right fit? This guide will walk you through the key questions to ask, what to look for in an agency, and how to make the best choice for your future.

1. What to Consider When Choosing an Agency

Not all insurance agencies are the same, and finding the right one takes careful evaluation. Here are the most important factors to consider:

✅ Compensation & Commission Structure

• What percentage of commissions will you earn?

• Are commissions vested from day one, or is there a waiting period?

• Does the agency offer renewals or residual income?

💡 Tip: A great agency is transparent about its commission structure and offers fair, competitive payouts with the potential to increase as you grow.

✅ Training & Support

• Does the agency provide ongoing training and mentorship?

• Will you have access to sales scripts, marketing tools, or mentorship programs?

• How responsive is the agency when you need support?

💡 Tip: Even if you have experience, top producers never stop learning. The best agencies offer leadership training, product education, and sales coaching to help you maximize your earning potential.

✅ Lead Programs & Marketing Support

• Does the agency provide leads, or are you responsible for generating your own?

• What type of lead system is in place (aged leads, real-time, exclusive, etc.)?

• Are there marketing resources or automation tools available to help you close more deals?

💡 Tip: Agencies with a strong lead generation system and marketing support can give you an advantage in the competitive insurance market.

✅ Product Portfolio & Carrier Access

• How many insurance carriers does the agency work with?

• Do they offer a variety of products (term life, whole life, IUL, mortgage protection, annuities, Medicare, etc.)?

• Are you limited to certain products, or do you have full access to a broad range?

💡 Tip: More carrier options mean better coverage solutions for your clients—and better earning potential for you.

✅ Culture & Reputation

• What do current and former agents say about working with the agency?

• Does the leadership team prioritize agent success?

• Are agents supported as business owners, or treated like employees?

💡 Tip: A positive agency culture where agents are valued and supported makes all the difference in long-term success and career satisfaction.

2. Key Questions to Ask When Interviewing an Agency

Before committing to an agency, ask these critical questions to make sure it’s the right fit for you:

1️⃣ What does your top producer’s weekly schedule look like?

• This gives insight into the work ethic and expectations at the agency.

2️⃣ How do agents generate leads?

• Some agencies require you to buy leads, while others provide them.

3️⃣ Are there any contract restrictions or non-compete clauses?

• You don’t want to be locked into an unfair contract that limits your future opportunities.

4️⃣ What training and support do new agents receive?

• Even experienced agents benefit from strong mentorship and resources.

5️⃣ What is the agency’s reputation in the industry?

• Research reviews, testimonials, and agent experiences before making a decision.

3. How to Find the Right Agency for You

Now that you know what to look for, here’s how to start your search:

🔍 Step 1: Research & Compare

• Look up agencies online and read reviews from current agents.

• Compare commission structures, training, and support systems.

📞 Step 2: Talk to Current Agents

• Reach out to agents currently working with the agency.

• Ask about their experience, earnings, and growth opportunities.

💼 Step 3: Schedule an Interview

• Treat it like a business partnership, not just a job interview.

• Ask about long-term growth opportunities and leadership roles.

✅ Step 4: Trust Your Gut

• If something feels off, keep looking.

• A great agency will support you, invest in you, and help you succeed.

Final Thoughts: Find an Agency That Works for YOU

As an independent agent, your agency should empower you to grow, not hold you back. The right agency will provide:

✔️ Competitive commissions with growth potential
✔️ Strong training & mentorship
✔️ Quality leads & marketing support
✔️ Access to top carriers & products
✔️ A positive, agent-first culture

At The Pedone Agency, we believe agents should be treated as business partners, not just numbers. If you're looking for an agency that truly supports your success, we’d love to chat.

📞 Interested in learning more? Contact us today!

📧 Email us at [email protected]
🌐 Visit pedoneagency.com