Expert: John M. Buob - 10/14/2004

Question
Hello John,
What's the best way that one can become an independent insurance agent today? I used to sell a little life/health in early 90s for a captive company and then as a sub agent for an independent. I eventually felt I'd rather purchase my own "fresh" leads and keep my clients private. I went off into over the road trucking, but work local now and would like to sell, if possible, from my own home, but part-time as an independent agent.
Are there any good companys I could get contracts with which would not impose sales "quotas" on me? Is there a way to find a listing of them anywhere? I remember there used to be some good little hospital and cancer indemnity policys out there.
If I sell insurance again, I just want to do it part time, have some fun, slowly build things up, and not have any quotas pressing on me.
I sincerely thank you for any advise.

Sincerely,

Mike Eidson

Answer
You will have to sign up under a General Agent somewhere.  They are the field distributors of insurance policies.  There are some companies that you can deal direct with.  Most of these have no quotas, etc.  It also depends what state you are in as to what companies you write for as not all are in all states.  One of the best life companies in the country is Pioneer Mutual Life.  They used to be only in west of the Mississippi but since they were bought out, they may have expanded.  I don't know their web site but do a search for the company name and click on the web site and ask for agent information.   Someone will contact you and take it from there.  Then get some health contracts and you are on e the way.  By the way, PML is in Fargo, ND. Good luck, John.