How to Choose the Right Insurance Network: Executive Summary
Not all insurance networks are the same. Some insurance networks limit control, career goals, and earnings, while other networks provide revenue growth strategies, top carrier access, and opportunities to expand a broader range customer base.
Read below for answers to 7 important questions about finances, network size, time, agreements, peer reviews, resources, and your instincts. It helps you choose a insurance agency network that truly supports your career path, professional development, and future success. Independent insurance agents face a critical decision when considering which insurance company or network to join.
Following Smart Choice’s recommendations helps select a network that truly supports your career growth and long-term success.
7 Questions Independent Agents Ask Before Joining an Insurance Agency Network
by: Luke Royal, Smart Choice Midwest Regional Director
Since joining Smart Choice® in 2015, Luke Royal has led agency growth and carrier partnerships across the Midwest. Named Rookie Director of the Year in 2018, he has been a member of the Smart Choice® Leadership Club every year since its inception in 2022. With a proven record of recruiting, mentoring, and scaling independent agencies, Luke is recognized for driving performance and long-term success.
Unlock Growth without Sacrificing Control: How to Pick the Right Independent Insurance Agency Network
As an independent agent, you can leverage the valuable support of an insurance network to help you build a successful and profitable book of business.
But be careful – not all insurance networks are the same. While some give you access to top insurance carriers and lucrative commissions, others take control of your book while charging you burdensome fees.
While concerns may discourage some agents from joining networks entirely, that approach risks overlooking the potential benefits they can offer. Some networks might provide smoke and mirrors, but others can empower you to take your agency to new levels.
The trick is to separate the agent-friendly networks from the not-so-friendly networks.
Good Network or Good Marketing? How Insurance Agents Tell the Difference
Every network will present itself in the best possible light to encourage you to join. That’s normal—unless the pitch overlooks critical issues.
Consider the analogy of buying a used car: some salespeople are persuasive, promoting vehicles as the best deal, but not all of them deliver on that promise. Just as careful research protects a car buyer, due diligence protects your career.
Choosing an agency network carries high stakes. This decision isn’t temporary—your entire career is affected. Don’t rely solely on the network’s claims; ask questions, conduct thorough research, and carefully evaluate all your options.
What are the 7 Questions to Ask Before Joining an Insurance Agency Network?
When comparing networks, it can be hard to know where to begin. The following seven questions are a good starting point.
1. What will your finances actually look like?
Don't focus solely on the commission division – consider the entire financial scenario. Fees can add quickly, and you could get stuck paying them even when you’re not earning revenue, so think twice.
Also, pay attention to whether the commission split is capped. An uncapped commission split may seem attractive when you’re starting, but as your income grows, you may prefer a structure that limits the network’s cut at a certain point, enabling your earnings to scale more freely.
Sit down, break out the calculator, and run some short-term and long-term scenarios under their business model. The right network should grow with you, rather than limiting your true earnings.
2. How big is the network?
Many agents typically want gain access to as many high-quality carrier relationships as possible, including carriers in different lines of business and in the excess & surplus market. More markets mean more choices for your new and existing clients– and more closed sales.
How many independent insurance agencies in the network?
Carries aren't the sole factor that counts. Also consider the number of independent agencies in the network. A smaller network may have limited bargaining power to leverage with major carriers, which can undermine the benefits of joining. You might also stop to wonder WHY the network is small – what’s preventing other agents from joining?
3. How long has the network been around?
A network’s longevity and stability can tell you a lot about its ability to follow through on promises.
You want to avoid being misled by a start-up style business. You also want to avoid being part of an experiment. Most networks might have good intentions, but if they don’t have the experience and industry connections needed to realize their goals, they’re not going to be much help to you.
This is your future, so you need to be protective of it. Learn when the network was founded, and if it’s recent, look elsewhere.
4. What’s in the fine print?
Do you tend to agree to a company’s terms of service without actually thinking about the implications? You’re not alone. Many people find that their eyes glaze over when they try to read the fine print – and that’s assuming they even bother.
But you’re not downloading an app or creating an account for an online store. You’re entering into a contract that will shape your career for years to come. You need to read each word.
Two critical issues deserve extra attention:
- First, does that network claim a stake in your agency?
- Second, if you decide to leave the network, will you lose your book or be charged fines?
5. What do other agents say?
Examine the evidence, not just the presentation. Agent reviews, testimonials, case studies, and industry recognition can all help you determine if a network delivers on its promises.
You’re considering a network because you want to succeed, so ask the most important question: Has the network helped other agents succeed? Determine whether member agents are achieving business growth and higher earnings, and assess whether they feel adequately supported by the network.
Be cautious, as it’s easy for reviews to be fabricated. Verify their credibility: Are they posted on reputable sites? Are the agents and individual agencies clearly identified and verifiable?
6. What else does the network offer insurance agencies?
Agency growth requires more than access to great markets. You may also need help structuring coverage, placing challenging accounts, marketing your business, opening a second office, acquiring other member agencies, or retiring. Numerous upcoming actions are currently not within your awareness. Does the network offer the level of support you will need in the future?
In addition to thinking about the types of resources and networking opportunities you’ll have, also consider whether there’s someone you can reach out to whenever you need help.
PROFESSIONAL TIP: If it’s difficult to reach someone before joining, it may be even harder once you’ve signed on.
7. What is your gut telling you?
Are you confident that the network is the right fit for your needs, or do you have reservations you’re trying to overlook?
Listen to your gut. Choosing a network is a significant decision—one that can shape your career—so don’t commit unless you’re certain.
It can be difficult to fully assess a network based solely on its website. Schedule a call with a representative, or, if possible, meet in person. Ask all your questions and be sure you feel confident in the answers before making a decision.
These seven questions are a great starting point, but to compare networks thoroughly, you need to be methodical.
How Independent Insurance Agents Choose an Insurance Network
At Smart Choice, we’re committed to helping you select the right network for your agency. Our "How to Choose an Insurance Network" guide for independent insurance agencies provides actionable insights and checklists to compare networks based on the factors that truly matter.
Download "How to Choose an Insurance Network" Now >
7 Important Steps to Evaluate an Insurance Network
- Check finances – Review fees, splits, sustainable growth potential, and all customer acquisition costs involved.
- Size matters – More carriers, broader insurance products and services, and stronger leverage.
- Longevity counts – Avoid brand-new networks lacking proven revenue growth rates.
- Read the fine print – Contracts impact your career goals, job titles, and rights over your product or service offerings.
- Agent feedback – Reviews, testimonials, and case studies reveal how the network supports professional development and career paths.
- Extra support – Look for sales and marketing support, social media, mentorship, and growth guidance to maximize calculate revenue growth potential.
- Trust your gut – Make sure the network aligns with your skills and knowledge, career goals, and desired customer service standards.
Questions People Also Ask Before Joining an Insurance Network
Before joining an insurance network: check finances, size, longevity, and fine print. Review agent experiences, resources, and support. Above all, follow your instincts.
How much can you make if you own an insurance agency?
Access to top carriers, competitive commissions, and marketing helps independent agency owners scale their book of business and increase profitability while maintaining full control. Joining an insurance agency network like Smart Choice can boost earnings.
How do insurance aggregators make money?
Aggregators earn by sharing commissions or fees from partnered insurance agencies. By joining an insurance agency network such as Smart Choice, agents access multiple carriers, marketing guidance, and operational support, maximizing revenue opportunities while staying independent.
How do capped vs. uncapped commission splits affect my earnings?
Capped splits limit growth once you reach a threshold, while uncapped splits continue indefinitely. Evaluate your revenue growth rates and long-term career goals to choose a structure that maximizes revenue growth without restricting your customer base or bottom line. Smart Choice provides clarity on commission structures.
How important is the age of an insurance network?
Longevity signals stability, industry connections, and reliability. Established networks reduce risk, provide better human resources support, and maintain robust customer service, while new networks may lack resources, experience, or credibility to help agents grow sustainably.
What should I look for in the right insurance agency network contract?
Focus on ownership claims, exit penalties, and recurring monthly fees. Understand your job titles, obligations, and financial commitments to protect your career path and be sure the network aligns with long-term career goals.
How do I know if a network actually helps agents succeed?
Verify the authenticity of agent testimonials, case studies, and industry accolades. Evaluate clear results like revenue growth rates, customer acquisition cost, and customer service quality to confirm the network helps agents build and retain a successful customer base.
Why do most insurance agents quit?
Many agents leave the industry due to limited carrier access, lack of support, or administrative burdens. Joining an insurance agency network like Smart Choice addresses these challenges by providing access to multiple carriers, advanced technology, training programs, and operational support, helping agents stay engaged, productive, and profitable long-term.
What extra resources should the right agency network provide?
Look for sales and marketing, social media, training, mentorship, and business development support. Networks facilitating professional development, succession planning, and insurance products and services expansion enable agents to scale efficiently while maintaining control over their career path and agency's success.
Can an independent insurance agent work for multiple agencies?
While some states allow agents to work with multiple agencies, managing multiple affiliations can be challenging. Joining an insurance agency network such as Smart Choice simplifies this by providing a centralized platform, enabling agents to gain access multiple carriers and opportunities efficiently while staying compliant and growing their business.
Key Terms for Evaluating Insurance Networks
Seasoned insurance agents evaluating networks should consider structure, control, and support. Key factors include commission splits, fine print, access to excess & surplus markets, available resources to build long-term growth and profitability, and agency valuation.
- Insurance Network: Group providing carrier access, markets, and resources. Check structure, control, and long-term growth potential.
- Commission Split (Capped vs. Uncapped): Understand and calculate revenue growth and earning limits to protect bottom line.
- Excess & Surplus Market: Access to specialized products and services for high-risk or unique clients to expand your customer base.
- Fine Print / Contract Terms: Watch for ownership clauses, exit fees, and hidden obligations affecting job titles, career path, and agency autonomy.
- Network Support & Harness Resources: Evaluate sales and marketing, social media, professional development, and operational guidance to boost skills and knowledge, career goals, and long-term growth.
