Whether you are a new insurance agent, or an established one, getting an appointment with a direct carrier is critical to your success. Getting an insurance carrier appointment, or being appointed by a direct carrier, means that you have authorization from the insurance company to act on its behalf. It allows you to have access to the carrier’s products, discounts, and other exclusive deals. It is pretty much everything you need in order to grow your business and revenue. It definitely takes effort on your part to secure an appointment with an established carrier, but we’ve got some advice for getting you there as quickly and as easily as possible.
You Need a Business Plan
In order to show carriers that you’re serious about selling, you need a solid business plan that shows how you plan to progress over time. Showing carriers that you have goals – and ways to attain them – is a great way to make you stand out from the crowd. Use a template or other online resource to write your plan if you’re not sure where to begin, and keep revising it if need be.
You Need Good Marketing
Most carriers want to see that agencies and agents have a solid business plan, but they also want to see that you have a proven track record, experience, and good marketing. They are looking for agents who will generate more business for them, and not simply move one or two customers over to them, so you need to show promise, growth, and profitability. Make sure you are able to produce records to back everything up. Remember, priority is given to those who can demonstrate long-term profitable alliances with carriers – the more appointments you get with direct carriers, the more desirable you will look, so keep trying to build on your successes.
You Should Consider Joining A Network
As the saying goes, “there is strength in numbers,”. This saying holds true for agents. It can be easier to get an appointment with a carrier when you’re part of a large network, so joining one is worth looking into. Joining a network is a great option for new agents who may be worried that they don’t have the proven track record to attract carriers.
You Should Look Into Wholesale
If you do have problems getting an appointment with a direct carrier, then you should consider a wholesale carrier. Wholesale carriers are more open to working with inexperienced or new agents. Once you get some experience, and you have built up your business with a wholesale carrier, then major carriers will begin to consider working with you.
You Should Research The Carrier
Most carriers will provide a list of requirements on their website that they expect you to meet in order to obtain an appointment with them. Do your research and make sure that you meet all of the carrier’s requirements before beginning the process. 
Getting an appointment with a direct carrier can be a long and sometimes difficult process, but it’s a necessary step for growing your business. Securing an appointment with a direct carrier will open up many doors for your business, and lead you towards success and profit.
