business plan for an insurance agent

Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 3,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their insurance agencies. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through an insurance agency business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Insurance Business Plan Template here >

What is an Insurance Agency Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your insurance agency as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Insurance Agency

If you’re looking to start an insurance agency or grow your existing insurance agency you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your insurance agency in order to improve your chances of success. Your insurance agency business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your agency grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Insurance Agencies

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an insurance agency are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate the business.

The second most common form of funding for an insurance agency is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund an insurance agency unless it is based on a unique, scalable technology.

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How to write a business plan for an insurance agency.

Your insurance agency business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

• Company Overview

Industry Analysis

Customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of insurance agency you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have an insurance agency that you would like to grow, or are you operating multiple insurance agency locations already.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the insurance agency industry. Discuss the type of insurance agency you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target market. Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of insurance business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Direct Writer / Captive : this type of insurance agency only sells one insurance company’s products – like Allstate or State Farm
• Independent Insurance Agent : this type of insurance agency is privately-owned, and sells policies with may different insurance companies

In addition to explaining the type of insurance agency you operate, the Company Analysis section of your own business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new location openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the insurance business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the insurance industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards weather-related policy purchases, it would be helpful to ensure your plans call for flood insurance options.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your insurance company business plan:

• How big is the insurance industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key insurance carriers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your insurance agency. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

The customer analysis section of your insurance agency business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, households, businesses, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of insurance agency you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want different pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than recent college graduates.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most insurance businesses primarily serve customers living in their same geographic region, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Insurance Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Insurance Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other insurance agencies.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors. This includes self pay and public (Medicare, Medicaid in the case of health insurance) insurance or directly working with an insurance carrier. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who purchases insurance does so through an insurance agency.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other insurance agencies with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be insurance agencies located in your geographic region.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What insurance products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior insurance agency products/services?
• Will you provide insurance agency products that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your products?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For an insurance agency, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of insurance agency that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products/services you will be offering. For example, in addition to P&C insurance, will you also offer life insurance?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the menu items you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your insurance agency. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your insurance agency located next to the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a heavily populated office building, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your insurance agency marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your insurance agency’s front store extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., auto dealerships or car rental stores)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your insurance agency such as serving customers, procuring relationships with insurance carriers, negotiating with repair shops, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your 500th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

To demonstrate your insurance agency’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in an insurance agency. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in insurance agencies and/or successfully running small businesses.

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you acquire 20 new customers per month or 50? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your insurance agency location and/or website, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a successful insurance agency:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Marketing expenses
• Website development
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Free Insurance Business Plan Template

You can download our insurance business plan PDF .

Insurance Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your insurance business will improve your company’s chances of success. The process of developing your plan will help you better understand the insurance market, your competition, and your customers. You will also gain a marketing plan to better attract and serve customers, an operations plan to focus your efforts, and financial projections that give you goals to strive for and keep your company focused.

Growthink’s Ultimate Insurance Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Insurance Business Plan.  

Additional Resources for Insurance Agents

• How to Write a Marketing Plan for an Insurance Agency
• How to Start an Insurance Agency
• Association for Independent Agents
• Business License Requirements By State For Insurance Agencies

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Insurance business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to learn about Growthink’s business plan writing services .

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

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How to build an insurance agency business plan

A great business plan can guide you through every critical early step of building your company. As you start your insurance company , your plan can help you refine your vision, set objectives, and define the details of your business.

Done right, it can help you secure investors, financing, and more. Done poorly or not at all, your new agency may not get off the ground.

Let’s look at the benefits of creating a business plan and what yours should include.

Why do you need a business plan?

Before diving into the details of building a plan, let’s start with why you should write one in the first place.

After all, a good business plan requires careful research, writing, and review. But it’s worth the effort.

Companies that plan grow 30% faster than those who don’t.

A solid plan can help you make sound decisions when you’re first starting out and as you grow. Even down the road, it can help you secure funding from banks and investors. And insurance carriers often want to see your plan before they’ll partner with your agency.

Beyond these benefits and your own peace of mind, creating a business plan can help you:

• Set realistic objectives.
• Allocate resources.
• Streamline workflows.
• Improve communication.
• Grow your business.

Once your business gets off the ground, periodically reviewing your plan is a great way to clarify your goals and refine how you’ll reach them.

A Journal of Business Venturing study has shown that companies that plan grow 30% faster than those who don’t.

How do you write a business plan?

Business plans can be as different as the businesses they describe, but they generally provide highlights of your business in 5,000 words or less.

Your insurance agency plan must define your business strategy if you plan to seek financing. Essentially, your plan needs to be useful to you and intriguing to investors.

Standard business plan templates typically include these sections.

Executive summary

The executive summary is a snapshot of your insurance business.

For an established agency, this section might include its mission statement and detail its past successes. For a startup, the executive summary might highlight the experience of the business owners and their motivation for starting an insurance agency.

For both new and established businesses, you can also include your agency’s general financial information. This might be an overview of your book of business or a list of current investors.

The executive summary is usually the first impression investors have of your business. Make sure it packs a punch and provides a compelling story.

Company description

A company description gets more specific about what your business does on a day-to-day basis.

The company description explains your keys to success. These can be the value you provide to customers and what sets you apart from the competition. Sometimes they’re one and the same. Pinpoint what you bring to the local insurance market, like:

• A prime office location
• Unparalleled expertise
• Unique products

You may want to include a SWOT analysis that details your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

List of products

This section lists every insurance product that your business offers or plans to offer in the future.

Be sure to include product benefits, sales forecasts, and how you plan to acquire and manage the products.

You may also want to explain how independent agents can secure direct appointments with insurance carriers. Many investors may be unfamiliar with this process.

Market analysis

The market analysis shows your understanding of the insurance market in general. And more importantly, where your agency fits in the mix.

If you plan to fill a niche, explain why and how. Either way, describe your target market and the competition.

Potential investors may also want to see specific market goals, such as your target market share along with an explanation of how and when you’ll achieve it.

Marketing strategy

Every insurance agency needs to reach new customers to grow its business and be successful. In this section, outline how you’ll market your business to attract new customers and increase sales to current ones.

Briefly summarize your strategy, including some details like whether you plan to use traditional and/or digital marketing channels. This might also be a good place to share your sales strategy for converting leads into customers.

Organization and management

The organization and management section introduces your executive and management teams, including a summary of their unique qualifications.

Detailing your team’s experience and talent helps establish your agency’s credibility. It also builds trust in your business and leadership team.

You may also want to include an organizational chart that breaks down your business infrastructure and operations.

Financial plan

If your business is looking for funding, you’ll usually need to identify start-up costs and provide five years of prospective financial data. This typically includes:

• Balance sheets
• Income statements
• Cash-flow statements
• Capital expenditure budgets

You may want to include a break-even analysis that delves into the specific profitability of your products. Consider adding a short financial analysis of the most profitable industry trends.

Funding request

If you're seeking investors for your insurance company, add a funding request at the end of your business plan. Typically, a funding request mentions:

• The amount of funding you’re looking to secure.
• An estimate of your future funding needs.
• How you plan to use the funding.
• Your strategy for dealing with developments like a buyout.

If you’re ready to draft your business plan, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides this business plan template to help you get started.

How to present your insurance agency business plan

Once you’ve completed your business plan, give it a chance to shine in the spotlight.

Presentation matters, so make it professional. Use an easy-to-read font and clear charts and diagrams to illustrate your points. Be prepared to provide both a digital and print version to potential business partners, banks, or investors.

How you present matters, too. Whenever possible, meet in person to build more trust and rapport.

And even though your business plan is full of details, your audience will likely ask you to expand or explain. Come prepared to respond to any potential objections.

Your thorough, compelling business plan can help build the foundation for your success. If you devote the time and energy needed to create a great one, it could pay large dividends for your business.

Complete Insureon’s easy online application today to compare quotes for business insurance from top-rated U.S. carriers. Once you find the right policy for your small business, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.

Hannah Filmore-Patrick, Contributing Writer

Hannah is a contributing writer with a diverse writing and content building background. She's worked on topics from technology to insurance. She's competent with both language and SEO, and continues to work with a variety of business verticals to create engaging, optimized content.

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Launch Your New Insurance Agency With This Business Plan Template

Whether you're a brand new agent or one with several decades of experience, the idea of opening a new insurance agency probably seems daunting—where do you start?

One of the first things you’ll need to do is come up with a business plan for your insurance agency. After all, you can walk into a bank or a potential investor’s office looking for funding, but you won’t get very far unless you have a robust insurance agency business plan that proves you’re on the right track toward turning a profit in the near future.

Follow the steps below when building out your insurance business plan to maximize your chances of securing funding and getting your new agency off to a strong start.

7 Steps To Build Your Insurance Agency Business Plan

1. develop your executive and business summaries..

In business plan terms, the executive summary is the driving force behind your other decisions. It should explain why you’re starting your agency. The business summary is similar, but it should narrow down your “why” into a list of “hows.”

Ask yourself:

• Why do you want to open an agency?
• What types of insurance do you wish to sell?
• What do you hope to accomplish?
• What return on investment do you expect to receive?
• How are you going to generate demand and ensure supply for your service?

Jot your answers down so you can refer back to them as you move forward.

2. Decide whether you want to be a captive agent or an independent agent.

Many large agencies, such as Allstate and Farmers, work with captive agents who can only sell insurance for that specific provider. Independent agents, on the other hand, can sell insurance for multiple providers, but they get locked out of working with the big-name captive carriers who only work with captive agents. (Read more about captive agents here and get a seasoned agent’s POV on both types of agents here. )

Before you can nail down the details of the rest of your business plan, you’ll have to make a choice between these two options.

3. Do a market analysis.

Though it might seem like a tedious process, conducting a thorough market analysis is crucial to your success. Analyzing your local market—including the backgrounds, shopping behaviors, and preferences of your target customers—gives you the insights you’ll need to attract these folks to your business.

Your market analysis will look a little different depending on whether you prefer to be a captive or an independent agent. The state you live in is another factor that will affect your analysis—in fact, it may even influence your decision to be captive or independent.

Take a close look at the demographics of your region.

• How many homeowners live in your state?
• What’s the average insurance premium per home?
• How many people live in each home, on average?
• How many drivers live in your state?
• How many vehicles does the average household own?
• Do you live in an area with an aging population ?
• How many families live in your region?
• What insurance carriers do locals in your state gravitate toward?
• In your area, what might be some successful strategies for retaining clients (rather than just acquiring them)?

These questions are all important, but pay particular attention to the last one. If you open an agency without a plan for client retention, you’re going to struggle. And, unfortunately, this is one of the most overlooked aspects of an insurance agency business plan.

4. Identify where you’ll find your first clients.

It’s one thing to know there are X number of potential clients living in your state, but it’s quite another to have a plan that will help you reach out to those folks and land your first policy sales.

Some investors will require a list of leads before they’ll even consider funding your agency. Even if it’s not a requirement, it’s always a good idea to have a pipeline ready to go. This is where getting set-up for purchasing warm leads from EverQuote can put you in a great position for success.

Plus, tackling this step before you even open your doors will help you better understand the costs you’ll incur—and therefore how much startup funding you will need.

You might also consider other options, such as placing ads in local newspapers, going to networking events, investing in digital marketing, sponsoring local Little League teams, or asking for referrals.

5. Create a financial plan.

Many new agencies fail because their owners overlooked something critical during startup. Do your best to look at your financial plans from every angle:

• Where will you find leads, and how much will they cost?
• What is your advertising budget?
• Does this budget line up with the going rates of local newspapers, billboards, or online ads?
• Do you plan to have 1099 employees or W2 employees selling insurance for your agency?
• How will you decide on a commission and benefits structure for these employees?
• What retention and loss ratios (for clients and employees) do you expect based on the numbers of other agencies in your area?
• How will you handle the delay between policy renewals and income hitting your bank account?
• If there are X amount of people shopping for insurance in your area, what percentage of those people are in a niche you can serve?
• From that percentage of potential clients, how many do you think you can successfully land?
• If you sell policies to these customers, how much will you earn from their premiums?
• How do your projected profits compare to your expected advertising costs, the cost to buy leads, office rent, and other expenses?

Take detailed notes of your calculations, and try to run the numbers a few different ways to obtain a conservative outcome, a likely outcome, and a “best case scenario.”

6. Draw up a formal business plan using a proven format.

Your notes will be incredibly valuable as you move forward, but you’ll need a way to present them clearly and concisely in a way that looks attractive to investors.

Loan officers and investors don’t want to read long-form essays detailing your business background and your ideas for the future. Keep your format simple and straightforward, with clear sections that answer the questions investors will want to know.

We recommend a format similar to the following:

Executive Summary Overall mission Primary objectives Keys to success Financial plans Profit forecast for at least three years Business Summary Business overview Summary of startup costs Funding you’ll require Company executives/ownership Services Services you provide Market Analysis Overall business analysis Details of your competition Buying patterns of your competition Your planned buying patterns Market segmentation and analysis Target market strategies Include details for each market segment Strategy Your competitive edge Marketing strategy Sales strategy Yearly sales projections Key milestones Management Your plan for finding staff Financial Plan Funding you have accepted Funding you will need Detailed startup costs Calculations for your break-even point Projected profit Yearly profit Gross and net yearly profit Anticipated losses, if any Cash flow patterns Plans for balance sheet Calculations of important business ratios

7. Revise and adjust your plan over time.

You may not secure funding for your agency immediately. Even if you do, you’ll likely find that your real world numbers don’t match up exactly with your calculated projections. Plus, carriers frequently change their underwriting policies, and the economy itself is always in a state of flux.

Keep your business plan current by updating the information anytime circumstances change.

Start your journey with a full lead pipeline from EverQuote.

One of the scariest parts about starting a new agency is not being certain where and when you’ll be able to start making sales.

Skip the fear and the unknown and go right to making sales with warm real-time leads from EverQuote. Whether you’re still trying to find startup funding or your doors are already open, you can always boost your business and maximize your chances of a steady income by working with EverQuote.

Connect with us today.

Topics: Featured , Insurance Agency Growth

About the Author Chris Durling, VP of P&C Sales

Chris Durling is a visionary leader in P&C insurance sales and distribution, with over 10 years of experience in the industry.

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Insurance Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

• Insurance Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Insurance Agency Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your own business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their insurance companies.

Essential Components of a Business Plan For an Insurance Agency

Below we describe what should be included in each section of a business plan for a successful insurance agency and links to a sample of each section:

• Executive Summary – In the Executive Summary, you will provide a high-level overview of your business plan. It should include your agency’s mission statement, as well as information on the products or services you offer, your target market, and your insurance agency’s goals and objectives.
• Company Overview – This section provides an in-depth company description, including information on your insurance agency’s history, ownership structure, and management team.
• Industry Analysis – Also called the Market Analysis, in this section, you will provide an overview of the industry in which your insurance agency will operate. You will discuss trends affecting the insurance industry, as well as your target market’s needs and buying habits.
• Customer Analysis – In this section, you will describe your target market and explain how you intend to reach them. You will also provide information on your customers’ needs and buying habits.
• Competitive Analysis – This section will provide an overview of your competition, including their strengths and weaknesses. It will also discuss your competitive advantage and how you intend to differentiate your insurance agency from the competition.
• Marketing Plan – In this section, you will detail your marketing strategy, including your advertising and promotion plans. You will also discuss your pricing strategy and how you intend to position your insurance agency in the market.
• Operations Plan – This section will provide an overview of your agency’s operations, including your office location, hours of operation, and staff. You will also discuss your business processes and procedures.
• Management Team – In this section, you will provide information on your insurance agency’s management team, including their experience and qualifications.
• Financial Plan – This section will detail your insurance agency’s financial statements, including your profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. It will also include information on your funding requirements and how you intend to use the funds.

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Insurance Agency Business Plan FAQs

What is an insurance agency business plan.

An insurance agency business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your insurance business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your insurance agency business plan using our Insurance Agency Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Insurance Companies?

There are a few types of insurance agencies. Most companies provide life and health insurance for individuals and/or households. There are also agencies that specialize strictly in auto and home insurance. Other agencies focus strictly on businesses and provide a variety of liability insurance products to protect their operations. 

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for an Insurance Agency Business?

The primary source of revenue for insurance agencies are the fees and commissions paid by the client for the insurance products they choose.

The key expenses for an insurance agency business are the cost of purchasing the insurance, licensing, permitting, and payroll for the office staff. Other expenses are the overhead expenses for the business office, utilities, website maintenance, and any marketing or advertising fees. 

How Do You Get Funding for Your Insurance Agency Business Plan?

Insurance agency businesses are most likely to receive funding from banks. Typically you will find a local bank and present your business plan to them. Other options for funding are outside investors, angel investors, and crowdfunding sources. This is true for a business plan for insurance agent or an insurance company business plan.

What are the Steps To Start an Insurance Business?

Starting an insurance business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Insurance Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed insurance business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your insurance business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your insurance business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Insurance Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your insurance business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your insurance business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Insurance Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your insurance business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your insurance business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful insurance business:

• How to Start an Insurance Business

Where Can I Get an Insurance Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free insurance business plan template PDF here . This is a sample insurance business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Crafting an Effective Insurance Agency Business Plan

If you're an independent insurance agent, you know that success doesn't happen by chance. It requires strategic planning and a clear roadmap for the future. That's where an insurance agency business plan comes into play. 

In this guide, we'll explore what a business plan is, why it's essential, and how to create one tailored to your home insurance agency.

At a glance:

• Crafting a well-defined insurance agency business plan provides strategic direction and goal-setting for success.
• A comprehensive business plan allows for adaptability in an ever-evolving industry.
• Defining your brand, researching funding options, and staying compliant with regulations, are the ingredients that can transform your business plan into an effective tool for growth.

Benefits of having a business plan

Having a solid roadmap is like holding a compass in a dense forest. It not only guides you on how to become a successful insurance agency, but also ensures you stay on course.

Strategic direction

So let’s continue that analogy: you’re on a road trip without a map, compass, or GPS. You might eventually reach your destination, but it would be a long and uncertain journey. Similarly, running an insurance agency without a business plan is like traveling without a guide. A well-crafted plan provides a clear path and helps you stay focused on your goals.

Goal setting

Setting realistic and achievable goals is vital for any business. Your insurance agency business plan acts as a compass, allowing you to establish clear objectives. Whether you want to increase your client base, revenue, or expand your services, a business plan helps you chart the course.

Investor confidence

If you find yourself in a place to seek external funding, whether from investors or lenders, a comprehensive business plan is a must. It demonstrates that you've thought through your business strategy, increasing your chances of securing financial support.

Adaptability

The insurance industry is never stagnant, and as such adaptability is key. A business plan isn't set in stone; it's a living document that can be adjusted as circumstances change. If done correctly, it allows you to stay flexible and make informed decisions as market trends shift.

Key components of an insurance agency business plan

Your business plan is the document that transforms your vision into a tangible reality, ensuring your journey as an independent insurance agent is not only successful but prosperous too. 

Let’s explore the key components of an effective business plan, including the executive summary, company overview and more. 

Executive summary

The executive summary serves as the elevator pitch for your entire business plan. It's designed to capture the reader's attention and give them a quick, compelling overview of your insurance agency. You'll want to concisely highlight your agency's mission, vision, and goals. Think of it as distilling your agency's essence into a few powerful sentences. It's an invitation for the reader to learn more about your agency's journey.

Company overview

The company overview is your opportunity to introduce your insurance agency in detail. It's where you set the stage for the rest of your business plan. In this section, you’ll want to dive into the history of your agency, including its founding story, location(s), and size. You should also describe every type of insurance product you offer and provide a snapshot of what makes your agency unique.

Industry analysis

The industry analysis puts your industry knowledge to good use. It's all about understanding the broader insurance market, including its trends, challenges, and opportunities. In this section, you'll research and present data and insights into the insurance industry. Discuss market trends, regulatory changes, and any challenges that could impact your independent agency. Identifying opportunities within the industry allows you to position your agency effectively to take advantage of them.

Customer analysis

Understanding your target market is essential for tailoring your services and marketing efforts effectively. Create detailed buyer personas that encompass their needs, preferences, and pain points. This information is the foundation for developing products and services that resonate with your audience.

Competitive analysis

Knowing your competition is about gaining insights into their strengths and weaknesses. When performing your market analysis, or market research, be sure to look at factors like their market share, marketing strategy, pricing models, and customer service practices. Understanding how you stack up against the competition will help you develop a winning strategy that sets your agency apart.

Marketing plan

Your marketing plan is the strategic playbook for how you'll attract and retain clients. Specify your marketing channels, both online and offline; outline your budget and set measurable goals. Whether it's through digital advertising, content marketing, or print advertising, your marketing plan should maximize your independent insurance agency's reach and impact.

Operations plan

The operations plan is the behind-the-scenes blueprint for how your independent agency runs day-to-day. Detail your team structure, office setup, and technology requirements. It's about ensuring smooth workflow and efficient service delivery. This section gives a clear picture of how your agency operates on a daily basis.

Management team

Your management team is the engine that drives your agency. Introduce the key members of your management team and highlight their expertise. Explain how their skills and experiences contribute to the agency's success. 

Financial plan

The financial plan is the heart of your business plan. It's where you demonstrate that your agency is not just a vision but a financially viable venture. For any enterprise, including insurance agencies, it’s important to provide detailed financial projections in your business plan, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Set clear financial goals and explain how you intend to achieve them.

Tips for creating an effective insurance agency business plan

Creating an insurance agency business plan is akin to crafting that roadmap we talked about earlier. But here's the twist—this isn't just any road; it's twisting and on an ever-changing landscape. To navigate it successfully, you need more than just directions; you need insider tips and tricks.

Define your brand

Your brand is more than just a logo; it's who you are. Define your brand identity, including your mission statement, core values, and unique selling proposition. A strong brand will set you apart in a crowded market.

Research funding options

If you need capital to start or expand your agency, explore different funding options, which could include personal savings, loans, or investors. Your business plan should outline your funding needs and how you intend to secure the necessary capital.

Apply for licenses

Ensure that you comply with all regulatory requirements in your area. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance policies to operate legally. Failing to do so could jeopardize your agency's success.

Set goals and establish metrics

Your business plan should include specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Track key performance indicators to measure your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly. Regularly reviewing and updating your plan keeps you on the path to success.

A strategic roadmap for success

For an independent insurance agency, a well-crafted business plan is not simply a document; it's a dynamic tool that provides strategic direction, fosters adaptability, and instills investor confidence. By defining your brand, understanding your market, and detailing your operational and financial strategies, your insurance agency business plan becomes the compass guiding you through the complexities of the industry. 

With clear goals, a solid management team, and a proactive approach to change, your agency can navigate the insurance industry effectively, ensuring not only agency survival but also sustainable growth

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About the Author

Alyssa Little | Senior Content Strategist

Alyssa is the Senior Content Strategist at Openly, collaborating with industry thought leaders to provide insightful and informative content in the home insurance space. With over 15 years experience in content marketing strategy, copywriting, and editing, Alyssa has refined her expertise through her work at such companies as Gartner, Nike, and Trupanion. Alyssa holds a BA in History from the University of Puget Sound and an MA in Museum Studies from Newcastle University.

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How To Write an Insurance Agency Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for insurance agencies that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every insurance agency owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Insurance Business Plan Template

What is an Insurance Agency Business Plan?

An insurance agency business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write an Insurance Agency Business Plan?

An insurance agency business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Insurance Agency Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful insurance agency business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of an insurance agency business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your insurance agency
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your insurance agency business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your insurance agency firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen insurance agency business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of an insurance agency business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the insurance agency industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, customers of an insurance agency may include individuals, families and small businesses.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or insurance agency services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your insurance agency may have:

• In-depth knowledge of the insurance industry
• Broad product offering
• Customer focus and commitment to service
• Well-trained and experienced team
• Proven track record

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. 
• Or, you may promote your insurance agency via a mix of all the channels listed.  

Operations Plan

This part of your insurance agency business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for an insurance agency include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include signing up a certain number of customers, expanding to a new location, or launching a new product or service.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific insurance industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Insurance Agency

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Insurance Agency

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup insurance agency .

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Insurance Agency

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your insurance agency . It not only outlines your business vision, but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it. All in all, a business plan is a key to the success of any business.  

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Crafting a Winning Business Plan for Your Insurance Agency

Deanna deBara

Whether you have experience as a captive insurance agent or you’re an independent agent looking to branch away from working for others,  starting an insurance agency  might make sense as your next career move.

And now’s as good a time as any to start. In fact, broker and agency revenue  increased by 1.5% over the past five years —with growth expected to continue as the economy improves.

But with this growth and opportunity comes competition. The insurance industry is continuing to evolve, which means different companies—like those that use  insurtech  to blend insurance with technological innovations—are entering the fray and  competing for market share .

To give your new agency the edge over its competition and make sure your company is viable, you need a plan—an insurance agency business plan. Let’s look at why you need this document, what it should include, and other things to consider before you present your plan and launch your agency.

What Is a Business Plan—and Why Do You Need One?

A business plan is a document that outlines your approach to starting and running your agency. This document serves as a roadmap to follow at each stage of business growth, from your initial planning stages to achieving your  long-term goals . 

It can include information about how to structure and fund your agency, financial projections and goals, and guidance for how to run the agency as it evolves and grows.

There are a number of reasons you should consider creating a plan for your insurance agency, including:

• Help your agency succeed: About  20% of startups  fail within their first year. Though creating a business plan doesn’t guarantee your business will succeed, business owners who write out formal plans are  16% more likely to succeed  than entrepreneurs who wing it without one. Why? Planning helps you lay a solid foundation for your business, giving you a step-by-step guide for how to reach your goals.
• Secure funding: Many lenders require you to provide a plan for your business if you apply for a business loan or investment. The reason? A plan can reveal how viable your business is—including if you (and your leadership) are qualified to run a successful agency, what your  financial forecast  is for hitting different milestones, and what your overall objectives are for achieving success. In other words, lenders and investors want to know the likelihood of you paying off your debt and earning a profit—and, if so, how soon you’ll hit both milestones. A business plan helps them get a better idea of that likelihood—information they can use to determine if they want to lend to or invest in your business.
• Inform your decisions over time: A business plan for an insurance agency is a roadmap that defines your goals and objectives—as well as how to achieve them. But as your business grows, it’s easy to lose track of your long-term plans. Being able to refer to a document that details your plans can help you remain committed, even as your team—and agency—grows.

What To Include in Your Insurance Agency Plan 

Now that you know the importance of writing an insurance agency business plan, the next question is: what do you include in it? 

When it comes to creating a plan for your insurance agency, there aren’t any hard requirements. In fact, your plan can be in any format you’d like (including a “lean plan,” which focuses only on key elements)—though, if you’re looking for a bank loan or investment, your plan  should  be as detailed as possible.

Elements you might want to consider including in a  traditional business plan  for insurance agencies include:

Executive Summary

As its name implies, the executive summary is a brief overview of your plan. It should include general information about your insurance agency, though this information might change over time depending on how long your agency is operational. 

For example, a startup insurance agency might include a brief mention of market competition and its planned growth strategy. On the other hand, an established agency might summarize past achievements and include information about employees.

Items to include in your executive summary are:

• Your agency name
• Your mission statement
• A high-level overview of the products or services you offer or plan to offer
• Background on you  and your agency’s leadership team
• Information about your employees
• The location and market you operate or will operate in
• A brief description of your marketing plan
• Brief financial information and an overview of your growth plan, including projected costs (though you’ll expand on that later in the document)

Because your executive summary is a top-level overview of your insurance agency business plan, keep it concise and enticing. 

The idea is to encourage a reader to keep reading your business plan and learn more about your agency—especially if you’re looking for funding. 

In other words, the executive summary should be just that: a  summary  that introduces ideas you’ll expand upon later in your plan. Limit yourself to a couple of short, brief sentences for each idea and save specifics for dedicated sections of the document.

Company Description/Business Summary

The second element to include in your plan for an insurance agency is a detailed description of your company. This is your opportunity to expand upon some of the ideas you introduced in the executive summary. Here are some things to discuss:

• Legal structure of your agency: Your agency’s form of business, like a  sole proprietorship, limited liability company , partnership, or S-Corp. (Not sure which structure to choose? Make sure to read the next section.)
• Organizational chart: An organizational chart identifies your management team members and highlights their qualifications and expertise to determine who’s responsible for different aspects of running the agency. (You can attach resumes in an appendix to the business plan too).
• Target market: Who you plan to market to (such as individuals, businesses, or a mix of both).
• Business history: If your agency has already been established, what it’s achieved since it first opened.
• What sets you apart from the competition: For example, if you serve a wider (or more specific) target market or offer products other agencies don’t, or if you or your agents are uniquely qualified.
• SWOT analysis: A  SWOT analysis  identifies your core Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to give you (and your plan’s readers) an accurate and objective insight into your agency to inform future decisions, like investing in your agency startup.

What is the Best Business Structure for an Insurance Agency?

Many insurance agencies structure their business as a limited liability company (LLC), as it provides certain tax benefits and helps to protect their personal assets. 

That being said, the best structure for  your  business will depend on a variety of factors, including your goals, number of employees, and projected revenue. 

If you’re not sure how to structure your business, consider talking to a business lawyer and/or tax professional with experience in the insurance industry.

Product List

An effective insurance agency business plan should include a comprehensive list of the products and services it offers or plans to offer. Include the lines of insurance you’ll sell—like personal lines or  commercial lines —as well as the specific insurance policies you sell (or plan to), like  workers’ comp , life insurance or professional liability insurance.

And don’t skimp out on details. Mention the benefits of the insurance products you plan to offer, premiums and pricing, and your sales projections for each product. 

You should also include which insurance carriers your agency will represent—and which policies they’re responsible for underwriting. You might also want to provide a brief description of what  appointment  and representation means (or, in other words, which insurance carriers allow you to sell their products and represent their companies)—especially if you’ll be using your plan to secure funding for your agency since lenders might not be entirely familiar with the insurance industry.

Market Analysis

A major reason for creating a plan for your insurance agency is to prove that your business idea is viable. In other words, you need to demonstrate that there’s a demand for the products you offer—and that you have a competitive advantage that lets you capture enough market share to turn a profit.

And the place to do that? The market analysis section.

In this section, include detailed information about your agency’s target clients. Try to determine if there’s room for your agency. If not, look for underserved niches that you might be able to fill. At the same time, look at your market’s demographics to make sure your potential offerings meet their demands for insurance products.

For example, if you plan on selling commercial insurance, will you market specifically to construction companies and contractors or businesses in general? You might also want to limit your marketing efforts to small businesses that earn up to a certain revenue (like businesses with annual revenue between $1 million and $2.5 million).

You should also include a competitive analysis that identifies your key competitors, including their market share, target customers, and the specific products and services they offer. From there, explain how your marketing strategy will be competitive. 

For example, do you plan to  partner with an insurtech  company to attract leads and drive conversions?  Hourly  combines time tracking, payroll, and workers’ compensation insurance into one easy-to-use platform. Premiums are based on real-time payroll data, so your clients can say buh-bye to those nasty audit surprises.

Finally, include the demand for your proposed offers—and your sales strategy for how your insurance products meet the needs of your potential clients.

Financial Plan

How your agency earns money—and when you can expect it to turn a profit—is crucial for securing lending and making sure you have a stable cash flow. Your financial plan should include your:

• Projected costs: How much will it cost initially to open your agency, purchase office furniture and supplies, and hire and train agents? How much will your ongoing expenses (like rent, advertising, health insurance and other employee benefits, and salaries and commissions) cost?
• Estimated cash flow: How much money do you expect your agency to generate and spend over time—and how much of that revenue is profit?
• Break-even analysis: What is the sales forecast for how many policies you need to sell before you’ve covered the cost of opening and running your insurance agency? At what point does your agency become profitable?

Generally, your financial plan should cover at least three to five years. If your agency is already established, you should support your financial plan with  balance sheets , cash flow statements,  income statements , and other financial statements. 

If your agency is a startup, you should include detailed estimates and projections supported by industry or competitor data. 

Similarly, you might want to provide monthly or quarterly projections for your first year in business (vs. annual projections for the following years) to help explain and emphasize how viable your agency will be in its first year—as well as when you expect to break even or achieve profitability.

How Profitable are Insurance Agencies?

Insurance agencies may see a profit margin of about 10% or more, however that number can vary widely based on agency size, where you're located, what you sell, demand, and your efficiency.

Funding Request

If the purpose of your insurance agency business plan is to request funding, you need to specify how much cash you need—and what you need it  for . Start by outlining the type of funding you need—like a bank loan or investment funds—and how long you need the funding to last. You should also outline your preferred structure—like debt or equity—and any repayment terms.

Then nail down the details.  Create a budget  that stipulates how the money will be used. Make sure to also tie your request into your overall financial plan. Ideally, funding should sustain your agency until it meets its break-even point and a stable cash flow—and how you plan to do that should be clearly outlined in your business plan.

Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Creating a business plan can seem complex at first, especially if you’ve never done it before. The good news? You don’t need to start from scratch. 

This customizable template can help you get started. Just use it as an outline, fill it in with details about your business, and voila! You’ve got your plan.

Easy-to-Use Outline

Text Copied to Clipboard

Agency name

Mission statement

Products and services

Management team background

Employee information

Location/market information

Brief marketing plan description

Brief financial information:

Projected costs

• Growth plan

Company Description

Legal structure

Organizational chart

• Target market

Business history

Competitive advantage(s)

SWOT analysis

Product #1: Description, price, sales projections

Product #2: Description, price, sales projections

Competitive analysis: Competitor #1

• Market share
• Products offered

Competitor #2

Marketing strategy

Product demand

Sales strategy

Estimated cash flow

Break-even analysis

Financial statements

• Balance sheet/projections
• Cash flow statement/projections
• Income statement/projections
• Other financial documentation

Amount of funding required

Reason(s) for funding

Type of funding requested

How long of a period funds needs to cover

Preferred funding structure

Repayment terms

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Other Things to Do When Creating Your Plan

Now that you understand the importance and benefits of a business plan for your insurance agency, let’s jump into a few things to keep in mind while creating your plan to ensure that it sets the stage for launching a successful insurance agency: 

• Define your brand identity: Your agency’s brand—its name, purpose, and values—helps it stand out from your competition and draw in new customers. Defining and committing to your agency’s identity helps you establish trustworthiness and reliability.
• Apply for licenses and permits: Small businesses are subject to local and state laws that might require you to obtain a business license, insurance coverage, and other types of licenses and permits. And because the insurance industry is so heavily regulated, check with your state’s  insurance department  to learn if you require any additional licenses or permits.
• Research potential funding options: When it comes to funding, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Compare and contrast different funding options—like self-funding, taking out a loan, looking for investors, or even crowdfunding—and choose what makes the most sense for your agency.
• Identify potential insurance companies to represent: Before you launch your agency, research potential insurance carrier partners to find those that align with your goals and values. Partner with insurance companies that offer the types of insurance products your ideal clients want—at the prices they’re willing to pay—and don’t dismiss the importance of exceptional customer service.

Tips for Presenting Your Business Plan

After you’ve drafted your business plan, the final step is to present it to interested lenders and investors. But how do you successfully present your plan for an insurance agency with confidence?

• Set up an in-person meeting: A face-to-face meeting helps humanize the people behind your plan—you and your management team. It also gives you a chance to establish and build credibility, field any questions, and demonstrate your excitement and passion for launching your new business. If meeting in person isn’t doable, set up a video conference to recreate the face-to-face experience.
• Use a clean, detailed, and professional layout: Your business plan should be legible, concise, and direct. Make sure it appears professional by proofreading it to correct any typos or misspellings. Include clear charts that support your claims and statements. Finally, make both digital and physical copies to distribute (and print extras—just in case!).
• Practice and rehearse your presentation: Come prepared to answer any questions that your business plan might not have covered or that a lender needs extra clarification about. That doesn’t mean you need to memorize your presentation word-for-word, but you should have a solid idea of your plan’s specifics and certain important details, like your break-even point or the amount of funding you’re requesting.

Plan to Set Yourself Up for Success 

Starting a small business is hard. And in the competitive insurance space, you need every competitive advantage you can get to set yourself up for success when launching an insurance agency. 

Writing an insurance agency business plan can help you outline—and commit to—your goals and objectives, giving you a clearly-defined path to success.

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Home > Business Plan Templates > Insurance Agency Business Plan Template With Examples

Insurance Agency Business Plan Template With Examples

Apr 7, 2024 | Business Plan Templates

As you navigate through this insurance agency business plan template, remember that the primary goal is to thoroughly represent your business concept, operational plans, and financial projections for your insurance agency.

This template is merely a guide; it’s essential to tailor it to fit your agency’s unique attributes and market positioning, ensuring your ideas and strategic direction are communicated effectively. Because every insurance agency is different in its own way, it is okay to modify this business plan to suit your specific situation better.

Always back up your findings with solid data wherever possible and provide clear, concise explanations. Insurance can be a complex field for many individuals.

Your ability to simplify these complexities into understandable terms will serve you well in your plan and in the agency’s overall operations.

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary provides a brief, comprehensive synopsis of your insurance agency. While it appears at the beginning of your plan, it is often written last to ensure that it encapsulates all critical points from the rest of the sections.

Introduction and Agency Overview

Start by succinctly introducing your insurance agency—its name, the types of insurance it covers (auto, health, home, life, etc.), and why it stands out in the market.

Example: SecureNow Insurance Agency is a customer-centric firm that provides holistic, efficient, and tailored insurance solutions. Its primary focus is on auto, home, health, and comprehensive business insurance packages.

Mission and Vision Statement

Your mission and vision should communicate the agency’s core principles, strategic goals, and commitment to its clientele.

Example: Our mission is to ensure our clients have peace of mind by offering personalised insurance coverage that adequately caters to their particular needs. Our vision is to be the leading insurance agency known for its exceptional customer service and innovative insurance solutions.

Geographic Area and Accessibility

Detail the area where your insurance agency primarily operates. Discuss where you have a significant market presence and the main demographic in these regions.

Example: SecureNow operates within the tri-state area, serving thousands of individuals, families, and businesses within these regions, offering them convenience and quicker claim processing.

Type of Insurance Services Offered

Briefly describe the kind of insurance services you provide.

Example: SecureNow offers a multitude of comprehensive insurance products – auto insurance for various vehicle classes, home insurance covering homeowners and rentals, health insurance with personalised plans, and business insurance covering liability, worker’s compensation, and commercial property.

Key Goals and Objectives

Outline your key short-term and long-term goals. These should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals.

Example: Our primary goal for the next year is to grow our customer base by 25% and increase our policy renewal rate to 85%. Over the next five years, we aim to expand into two additional states and to be rated among the top 5 most trusted insurance agencies in our operating regions.

2. Services Overview

This section offers an in-depth understanding of your insurance agency’s offerings, their relevance, and their potential impact on your customers’ lives.

Service Definition and Themes

Describe in detail the insurance products and services your agency provides. Explain the guiding principles for each type of insurance policy.

Example: SecureNow Insurance Agency provides a range of insurance services, each framed to offer our customers maximum protection and peace of mind. They encompass Auto Insurance, accommodating a range of vehicles and drivers; Home Insurance, offering comprehensive coverage for homeowners and renters; Health Insurance, aligning with varying needs and budgets; and Business Insurance, offering tailored solutions from liability to commercial asset protection.

Range of Insurance Services

List and highlight the main features of the services under each insurance type.

Example: Our Auto Insurance includes liability coverage, collision, comprehensive, and personalised bundles. Our Home Insurance provides coverage for the structure, personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses. Health Insurance varies from basic coverage options to more comprehensive plans, including specific disease policies. Business Insurance delivers solutions for property damage, worker’s compensation, liability protections, and more.

Target Customer Analysis

Detail who benefits most from your policies, indicating how they are targeted and why they are the principal focus of your services.

Example: Our target customers range from young drivers seeking auto insurance, homeowners and renters needing property protection, individuals and families requiring health coverage, and large and small businesses seeking to mitigate their operational risks. Our focus remains on these groups as they represent a broad segment of the population most in need of reliable, affordable, and customizable insurance solutions.

3. Agency History and Organisation

This section provides a historical background of your insurance agency and insight into its organisational structure.

Legal Status and Structure

Specify your agency’s legal status—is it a limited liability company (LLC) , a partnership , a corporation, or a sole proprietorship ? Discuss why the particular business structure was chosen.

Example: SecureNow operates as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), chosen for its protective attributes and flexibility. This structure offers protection against personal liability and provides operational and management flexibilities akin to a partnership.

Owners and Management Team

Briefly introduce your agency’s owners and management, outlining their experience and contributions.

Example: SecureNow is owned and managed by John Doe and Jane Smith. John, a seasoned insurance professional with over 20 years in the industry, manages strategic decisions and partnerships. With an extensive background in customer service and operations, Jane oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring top-notch customer service and smooth agency functioning.

Key Milestones

Highlight key milestones in your agency’s history to demonstrate growth and impact over time.

Example: SecureNow was established in 2010 as a two-person firm, initially only offering auto insurance. In 2012, we expanded our services to include home insurance, followed by health insurance in 2015. We introduced our comprehensive business insurance solutions in 2018. Today, we serve over 10,000 clients across the tri-state area, thanks to our continuously expanding product portfolio and customer-centric approach.

4. Business Model

This section will depict how your agency operates, generates revenue, and strives towards financial sustainability.

Primary Revenue Sources

Describe your insurance agency’s main sources of income; this could include commissions, contingency bonuses, and fee-based services.

Example: SecureNow’s primary revenue stream comes from commissions on each policy sold and renewed. We also earn contingency bonuses based on reaching certain targets set by the insurance carriers and fee-based income from consulting services for complex business insurance needs.

Planned Partnerships and Collaborations

Consider any partnerships or collaborations you intend to establish, including partnerships with other businesses, insurance carriers, and influential organisations.

Example: SecureNow is looking to form partnerships with major auto retailers and real estate agencies to provide insurance services to their customers, broadening our customer reach. We are also planning to collaborate with niche insurance carriers, expanding our range of specialised insurance products.

Special Projects

If any special initiatives are planned that can boost agency income or offer significant benefits to your agency, explain them here.

Example: One of our major upcoming initiatives is the launch of a comprehensive mobile app aimed at streamlining claim processes, making it easier for customers to buy, manage, and claim insurance. This app will not only help in customer retention but, with features like refer-a-friend, it will also help attract new customers .

5. Market Analysis

This section offers a deep dive into the market in which your insurance agency operates, including existing market needs, target demographics, and competitive environment.

Current Market Needs

Describe the insurance-related needs currently observed in your market. Use data and real examples to illustrate these needs.

Example: The tri-state area where we operate has a high concentration of small businesses (over 200,000), representing a significant demand for reliable business insurance solutions. Additionally, with an average of 5 million registered vehicles and a high homeownership rate, there is a substantial need for auto and home insurance packages.

Target Market Analysis

Detail the demographic, socioeconomic, and other relevant characteristics of the customers your agency aims to serve.

Example: Our target market encompasses small business owners in need of robust business insurance, drivers requiring comprehensive, affordable auto insurance, homeowners and renters seeking varying degrees of home insurance, and individuals/families at different life stages seeking health coverage. Our customer base is diverse and spans demographics, posing unique insurance needs, which we aim to cover comprehensively.

Competitive Analysis

Assess other insurance agencies operating in the same space, explore their approach, and underscore how your services differentiate.

Example: While other agencies in the region primarily deal with one or two types of insurance, SecureNow sets itself apart by providing a comprehensive roster of insurance services – auto, home, health, and business. Coupled with our personalised approach and excellent customer service, we offer a one-stop solution for varied insurance needs.

Positioning and Strategy

Explain how your agency is positioned to cater to market needs, target demographics, and competitive landscape. Detail your strategy to meet these needs.

Example: SecureNow positions itself as a full-service insurance agency, offering a wide range of products that cater to diverse customer segments under one roof. Our strategy involves educating our customers about their insurance needs and providing them with personalised solutions. We leverage our strong relationships with various insurance carriers to offer competitive rates and comprehensive coverage.

6. Marketing and Acquisition Strategy

This section outlines how you plan to attract new clients to your insurance agency, generate awareness about your range of services, and retain existing customers.

Marketing Strategy

Outline your approach to increase visibility and generate leads.

Example: SecureNow’s marketing strategy leverages both online and offline channels. We use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid search advertising to increase our online visibility on popular search engines. Simultaneously, we utilise direct mail campaigns, local radio advertisements, and community events to broaden our reach within the local community.

Acquisition Plan

Describe your plan to acquire new customers. This plan may incorporate strategies like referral incentives, partnerships with other businesses, and lead-generation methods.

Example: We focus on customer referrals, offering incentives for every successful referral. SecureNow also plans to collaborate with local automobile dealerships and real estate agencies, providing insurance services to their customers to garner new clients.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Discuss your initiatives to engage with the community beyond the provision of insurance services.

Example: SecureNow regularly holds free insurance education seminars and financial planning workshops for the local community. We sponsor local events and sports teams, contributing to our brand visibility and showcasing our commitment to the community.

7. Operations

This section will cover how your insurance agency functions on a day-to-day basis, detailing staff recruitment, technology needs, and the agency’s operational structure.

Team Recruitment and Roles

Define how you plan to staff your insurance agency—the roles required, standards for each position, hiring plans, and recruitment strategies.

Example: SecureNow intends to recruit a mix of experienced professionals and new talent for roles including Insurance Agents, Customer Service Representatives, and Claims Handlers. We will also employ digital marketing experts to oversee our online presence and a strong management team to lead the agency. We aim to recruit from local colleges and also via online job portals to find individuals passionate about the insurance sector.

Office Structure and Management

Discuss the composition and function of your office. What roles do your employees play, and how are tasks divided among them?

Example: Our office operates with a hierarchy of Management, Sales, Customer Service, and Claims. While the management team oversees agency operations and strategic partnerships, the sales team focuses on acquiring new business and maintaining relationships with existing customers. The customer service team handles customer queries and escalations, and the claims team oversees the smooth processing of insurance claims.

Technology Requirements

Discuss the technology you need for smooth operation. This might include CRM for client management, digital tools for online marketing, or efficient hardware/software for everyday tasks.

Example: SecureNow utilises a CRM system to manage our client database, policy renewals, and marketing campaign data. We also employ digital tools like Google Analytics for online marketing efforts and use secure data servers to store sensitive data.

Office Space Requirements

Outline your requirements in terms of physical location. Do you need office spaces, meeting rooms, or parking lots?

Example: SecureNow currently operates from a commercial office building with spaces allocated for customer interactions, staff operations, and a meeting room. As a part of our five-year plan, we aim to open two more branch offices within the tri-state area.

8. Sales Strategy and Customer Retention

This section covers how your insurance agency plans to sell its services to potential customers and retain current clients.

Sales Tactics

Outline your strategy to sell insurance policies.

Example: SecureNow’s sales approach is primarily consultative, focusing on understanding customer needs and providing tailored insurance solutions. Our sales team is well-trained to communicate the benefits of our policies effectively and clarify any potential questions or doubts.

Website and Social Media

Discuss your agency’s online presence and how it would be used for customer communication and selling policies.

Example: SecureNow maintains an intuitive website where customers can learn about various insurance products, get quotes, and contact us for further assistance. We also run social media profiles on major platforms, sharing information on insurance basics, updates about our services, and customer success stories.

Customer Engagement and Retention

Explain how you plan to retain customers and enhance their satisfaction.

Example: SecureNow emphasises customer retention through personalised service, timely claim settlements, and regular communication. Our devoted customer service team efficiently handles policy inquiries and claim requests. We also run a loyalty rewards program that offers discounts on policy renewals and additional services for long-term customers.

9. Financial Projections

This section focuses on your agency’s financial aspects, detailing how funds will be generated and utilised.

Current/Projected Budget

Detail out whether you’re presenting your current budget or projecting a budget for the next financial year, including income and expenses.

Example: SecureNow’s projected income for the upcoming financial year is $1 million, taking into account commissions, fee-based incomes, and other sources. Operating expenses (office rent, staff salaries, marketing spending) are expected to amount to around $650,000, with profit expected to stand at $350,000 post-tax.

Proposed Financing

Discuss your proposed financing options, such as loans, investors, etc.

Example : At the moment, SecureNow operates on revenue earned through commissions and fee-based services. However, we are considering inviting investors for future expansion plans and exploring low-interest business loan options for immediate cash flow support.

Key Financial Assumptions and Justifications

Detail underlying assumptions in your financial plan, justifying why these assumptions have been made.

Example: Our projected revenue assumes a 15% increase in new policies and a 90% customer renewal rate based on the previous year’s growth. We believe this is achievable given our aggressive marketing plan and the introduction of new insurance products. We have also accounted for a 5% contingency fund in our budget to cover unexpected expenses.

10. Appendices

This section includes any additional documents or supporting material related to your agency’s business plan.

Organisational Chart

Include a visual representation of your insurance agency’s structure.

Example: An organisational chart highlighting the hierarchy from management to sales, customer service, and the claims department will make the agency structure clearer to stakeholders.

Resumes of Key Staff

Attach resumes or brief bios of key members of your management and staff to assure potential investors, partners, or even customers of their qualifications and expertise.

Example: We have included the resume of our Agency Manager, who has extensive insurance sector experience and has led SecureNow to become one of the most preferred insurance agencies in the area.

Detailed Budget

Provide a detailed budget if your financial plan references an annual budget with a breakdown of income and expenditures.

Example: An exhaustive breakdown of our annual budget shows our judicious allocation of resources, justifying operational expenses and projected revenues.

Related Market Research

Include any market research or customer data analysis that supports your business plan and gives weight to the strategies presented.

Example: Data from a Recent Customer Survey indicates high satisfaction levels with our services, validating our customer-centric approach. Similarly, results from a Market Analysis show a steady demand for comprehensive and personalised insurance solutions in our operating area, supporting our expansion plans.

Wrapping Up Our Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Remember, an effective business plan doubles as a roadmap for your agency and an instrument of engagement for potential investors, partners, and high-ranking personnel you may seek to attract to your organisation.

Taking the time to complete this process will help you better understand your market, operational, and financial goals, which will help you navigate your insurance agency to success. Good luck!

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Insurance Agent Business Plan Template

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
• Get started in seconds

Starting an insurance business can be daunting, especially without a clear roadmap. Luckily, ClickUp's Insurance Agent Business Plan Template is here to guide you every step of the way. This template is designed to help insurance agents and brokers outline their goals, strategies, and financial projections, ensuring a solid foundation for success. With ClickUp's template, you can:

• Define your business objectives and strategies for growth
• Create detailed financial projections to attract investors and lenders
• Develop a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the competitive insurance industry

Take the first step towards building a successful insurance business with ClickUp's Insurance Agent Business Plan Template today!

Insurance Agent Business Plan Template Benefits

Here are some key benefits of using the insurance agent business plan template:.

• Strategic Roadmap : Clearly outline your business goals and strategies for growth.
• Financial Projections : Create detailed financial forecasts to track and manage your finances effectively.
• Investor Attraction : Present a professional and organized plan to attract potential investors or lenders.
• Goal Setting : Set specific targets to measure the success and growth of your insurance business.

Main Elements of Insurance Agent Business Plan Template

To create a comprehensive business plan for your insurance agency, utilize ClickUp’s Insurance Agent Business Plan Template featuring:

• Custom Statuses: Track progress with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do for each section of your business plan
• Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to include specific details and updates within your business plan
• Custom Views: Access different perspectives with views like Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide to effectively organize and visualize your business plan
• Collaboration Tools: Use features like Docs for detailed documentation, Goals for setting objectives, and Automations for streamlining processes and notifications

How To Use Insurance Agent Business Plan Template

Creating a solid business plan as an insurance agent is crucial for success. Follow these steps to effectively use the Insurance Agent Business Plan Template in ClickUp:

1. Define your business objectives

Start by clearly outlining your business objectives. Determine what you aim to achieve as an insurance agent, whether it's increasing your client base, expanding into new markets, or launching new insurance products.

Utilize Goals in ClickUp to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives for your insurance agency.

2. Analyze your target market

Understand your target market by conducting thorough research. Identify your ideal clients, their demographics, needs, and preferences. This analysis will help you tailor your insurance products and services to meet their specific requirements.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to organize and analyze market research data, including customer segments, competition analysis, and market trends.

3. Develop your marketing strategy

Create a detailed marketing strategy to reach and attract potential clients. Determine the best channels to promote your insurance services, such as digital marketing, networking events, or referrals. Also, outline how you plan to differentiate your agency from competitors.

Utilize Automations in ClickUp to automate marketing tasks, such as sending follow-up emails to leads or scheduling social media posts to promote your insurance services.

4. Set financial goals and projections

Establish financial goals for your insurance agency, including revenue targets, profit margins, and expense budgets. Develop financial projections based on your market analysis and marketing strategy to ensure your business plan is financially viable.

Use Dashboards in ClickUp to track key financial metrics, monitor progress towards your financial goals, and make informed decisions to optimize your insurance agency's performance.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Insurance Agent Business Plan Template

Insurance agents and brokers can utilize the Insurance Agent Business Plan Template in ClickUp to strategically plan and grow their business while attracting potential investors or lenders.

To get started, add the template to your Workspace and specify the location where you want it applied.

Invite relevant team members or stakeholders to collaborate on the business plan.

Here are the steps to effectively use the template:

• Utilize the Topics view to categorize different aspects of your business plan
• Track progress by using the Status view to monitor tasks under different statuses
• Create a detailed timeline using the Timeline view to visualize deadlines and milestones
• Develop the core of your business plan in the dedicated Business Plan view
• Refer to the Getting Started Guide view for tips and instructions on using the template
• Implement the four custom fields: Reference, Approved, Section to add specific details to your plan
• Organize tasks into four statuses: Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, To Do to manage progress effectively
• Update statuses and custom fields as needed to keep stakeholders informed and ensure alignment with goals and strategies.

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Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Writing a Successful Business Plan For Your Insurance Agency + Template

If you’re looking to start or grow an insurance agency , you need a business plan. Your plan will outline your business goals and strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. It will also detail the amount of funding you need, and if needed, present a case to investors and lenders regarding why they should invest in your business.

In this article, we’ll explain why you should invest the time and energy into creating an insurance agency business plan, and provide you with an insurance agency business plan template that includes an overview of what should be included in each section. Download the Ultimate Insurance Agency Business Plan Template here >

Why Write a Business Plan For an Insurance Agency ?

There are many reasons to write a business plan for an insurance agency , even if you’re not looking for funding. A business plan can help you see potential pitfalls in your business strategy, as well as identify opportunities you may not have considered. It can also help you track your progress and adjust your plans as needed.

That said, if you are looking for funding, a business plan is essential. Investors and lenders want to see that you have a solid understanding of your industry, your customers, and your competition. They also want to know that you have a realistic view of your financial situation and how much money you’ll need to get started.

How To Write a Business Plan For an Insurance Agency  

While every business plan is different, there are 10 essential components that all insurance agency business plans should include:

Executive Summary

Company description, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitor analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to tailor this information to your specific type of insurance agency , but these 10 components should be included in every plan.

The executive summary is the first section of your business plan, but it’s often written last. This is because it provides an overview of the entire document.

In the executive summary, briefly explain what your business does, your business goals, and how you plan on achieving them. You should also include a brief overview of your financial situation, including how much money you’ll need to get started.

For organizational purposes, you could create headings for each main section of your business plan to highlight the key takeaways.

For example, your insurance agency executive summary might look something like this:

Company Overview

[Insert Company Introduction / Short Summary]

Business Goals

[Insert Business Goals & How You Plan To Achieve Them]

Industry Overview

[Insert Industry Statistics on the Size of Your Market]

Competition

[Insert Overview of Competitors & Your Competitive Advantage]

[Insert Information About The Marketing Strategies You Will Use To Attract Clients/Customers]

Financial Overview

You can add and/or remove sections as needed, but these are the basics that should be included in every executive summary.

The next section of your insurance agency business plan is the company description, where you’ll provide an overview of your business.

Include information about your:

• Company History & Accomplishments To Date

Mission Statement and/or Company Values

With regards to the company overview, here you will document the type of insurance agency you operate. For example, there are several types of insurance agencies such as:

• Life insurance agency
• Health insurance agency
• Auto insurance agency
• Homeowners insurance agency
• Commercial Insurance Agency

For example, an insurance agency company description might look something like this:

We are an X type of insurance agency .

Company History

If an existing company: Since launching, our team has served X customers and generated $Y in revenue.

If startup: I conceived [company name] on this date. Since that time, we have developed the company logo, found potential space, etc. 

This is just an example, but your company description should give potential investors a clear idea of who you are, what you do, and why you’re the best at what you do.

The next section of your business plan is the industry analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of the industry you’re in, as well as any trends or changes that might impact your business.

Questions you will want to answer include:

• What is the overall size of the insurance industry?
• How is the industry growing or changing?
• What are the major trends affecting the insurance industry?
• Who are the major players in the insurance industry?

For example, your industry analysis might look something like this:

The size of the insurance industry is $XX billion.

It is currently growing at an annual rate of XX% and is expected to reach $XX billion by the year 20XX. The insurance industry has been booming in recent years.

Major trends affecting the industry are larger companies consolidating and the rise of digital marketing and e-commerce.

How We Fit Into The Industry

This is just an example, but your industry analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of the overall industry, and how your company fits into that industry.

The next section of your insurance agency business plan is the customer analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your target customers are and what their needs are.

• Who are your target customers?
• What are their needs?
• How do they interact with your industry?
• How do they make purchasing decisions?

You want a thorough understanding of your target customers to provide them with the best possible products and/or services. Oftentimes, you will want to include the specific demographics of your target market, such as age, gender, income, etc., but you’ll also want to highlight the psychographics, such as their interests, lifestyles, and values.

This information will help you better understand your target market and how to reach them.

For example, your customer analysis might look something like this:

Target Market & Demographics

The demographic (age, gender, location, income, etc.) profile of our target insurance agency customer is as follows: 

– Age: 25-60

– Gender: Male/Female

– Location: Anywhere in the United States

– Income: $50,000-$250,000

– Education: College degree or higher

Psychographics

Our core customer interests are as follows: 

– Saving money: They are always looking for ways to save money, whether it’s on their insurance premiums or other household expenses.

– Convenience: They value convenience and want to be able to do business with companies that make their lives easier.

In summary, your customer analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of who your target market is and how you reach them.

The next section of your business plan is the competitor analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your major competitors are and their strengths and weaknesses.

• Who are your major competitors?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• How do they compare to you?

You want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your competition so that you can position yourself in the market. Creating a SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) for each of your major competitors helps you do this. 

For example, your competitor analysis might look something like this:

Major Competitors

XYZ Company is our major competitor. Its offerings include this, this and this. Its strengths include XYZ, and its weaknesses include XYZ.

Competitive Advantage

Your competitor analysis should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who your major competitors are and how you compare to them.

The next section of your business plan is the marketing plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your marketing strategy and how you plan on executing it.

Specifically, you will document your “4 Ps” as follows:

• Products/Services : Here is where you’ll document your product/service offerings.
• Price : Detail your pricing strategy here.
• Place : Document where customers will find you and whether you will use distribution channels (e.g., partnerships) to reach them.
• Promotion : Here you will document how you will reach your target customers. For instance, insurance agencies often reach new customers via promotional tactics including online advertising, direct mail, and personal selling.

For example, your marketing plan might look something like this:

Products/Services

We offer the following products/services: 

We will use a premium pricing strategy to establish ourselves as the highest quality brand.

We will serve customers directly and through a partnership with XYZ company.

As you can see, your marketing plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics.

The next section of your business plan is the operations plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they will be structured.

• What are your company’s daily operations?
• How are your company’s operations structured?
• Who is responsible for each task?

Your operations plan should be detailed and concise. You want to make sure that potential investors have a clear understanding of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they are structured.

You will also include information regarding your long-term goals for your operations and how you plan on achieving them.

For example, your operations plan might look something like this:

Daily Operations

Our company’s daily operations include XYZ.

Operational Structure

Our company is structured as follows:

• Department 1
• Department 2
• Department 3

Each department is responsible for XYZ tasks.

Long-Term Goals

Our long-term goals for our operations are to achieve the following over the next five years.

Date 1: Goal 1

Date 2: Goal 2

Date 3: Goal 3

Date 4: Goal 4

Your operations plan should give readers a clear idea of your company’s day-to-day operations, how they are structured, and your long-term goals for the company.

The next section of your business plan is the management team. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your management team and their experience.

• Who is on your management team?
• What are their qualifications?
• What is their experience?

Your management team ideally includes individuals who are experts in their respective fields. You want to make sure that lenders and investors have a clear understanding of your management team’s qualifications and experience, and feel they can execute on your plan.

For example, your management team might look something like this:

Our management team is comprised of the following X individuals with the following experience.

Team Member 1: 

Team member 1’s qualifications and experience include XYZ.

Team Member 2: 

Your management team should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who is on your team and how their qualifications and experience will help your company succeed.

The final core section of your business plan is the financial plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s financials.

• What are your company’s projected revenues?
• What are your company’s projected expenses?
• What is your company’s projected growth rate?
• How much funding do you need and for what purposes? For example, most startup insurance agencies need outside funding for pre-launch activities such as licenses, office space, and marketing initiatives.

Your financial plan should give potential investors a clear understanding of your company’s financials. While you may include a summary of this information in this section, you will include full financial statements in the appendix of your business plan.

For example, your financial plan might look something like this:

Our company’s projected revenues over the next five years are $XYZ.

Expenses & Net Income

Our company’s projected expenses and net income over the next five years are $XYZ.

Uses of Funding

This is just an example, but your financial plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your company’s financial projections.

The final section of your business plan is the appendix. In this section, you’ll need to provide any additional information that was not included in the previous sections.

This may include items such as:

• Full financial statements
• Resumes of key management team members
• Letters of reference
• Articles or press releases
• Marketing materials
• Product information
• Any other relevant information

By including this information in the appendix, you are allowing potential investors and lenders to learn more about your company.

In summary, writing an insurance agency business plan is a vital step in the process of starting and/or growing your own business.

A business plan will give you a roadmap to follow. It can also help you attract investors and partners.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can be sure that your business plan will be effective and help you achieve your goals.  

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How to Create a Business Plan for an Insurance Agency

If the adage is true that even the greatest enthusiasm is no substitute for planning, independent insurance agents know that both are required in order for an agency to succeed.

An insurance agency business plan is therefore essential, especially for brand-new agencies in addition to established firms. A thoughtfully developed plan provides you direction for your efforts and structure for ongoing business development.

Without a plan, all you have is good intentions – and those won’t get you where you want to go. A map, on the other hand, will.

With this in mind, let’s dive into how to create a business plan for insurance agents and the things you’ll need to do to set your agency on the path to success.

Why is an agency business plan important?

A well-constructed insurance agency business plan helps you to set realistic goals, define your needs for specific resources, and focus your attention on the essential must-dos for accelerating your business.

As the principal, you must continually refine your vision for what you ultimately want to achieve: the type of business you want to run, its operations, its cash flow, its culture, and its workflows. Then, you can list the necessary steps to reverse-engineer the ideal agency that you’ve pictured.

Not only will the business plan for your insurance agency serve as a tool for internal management and decision-making, but it’s also extremely useful in conveying the vision for your business to other parties. Among these are investors, lenders, and potential partners – and new insurance carriers will often want to review your agency’s business plan before they’ll partner with you.

It’s worth noting that over time, the business plan for an insurance agency can and will change, and the agency owner must be flexible in both thought and execution as a new agency is forged. For example, you may envision writing a large portion of your agency’s book of business in a certain line, and later discover that market conditions or intense competition will encourage you to pivot to other lines that may also prove profitable.

What should be included in the business plan for an insurance agency

Agency principals will create a comprehensive summary that mindfully considers everything from the agency’s location and target markets to the products it will offer.

To get started, let’s review the various sections that make up a comprehensive business plan, and how each section contributes to the overall plan’s effectiveness.

Your insurance agency business plan should run about 5,000 words, outlining the following in detail:

• An executive summary detailing your “vision” for your agency
• Description of your company
• List of the insurance products your agency plans to offer
• Business analysis of your market
• Your agency’s marketing strategy
• Organizational structure
• Your agency’s financial plan
• Agency funding needs

If you’re already thinking, “I’m not a writer; I can’t do this,” fear not. You’re summarizing what you’re setting out to achieve and how you plan to get there – not writing a sonnet. Once you start writing, you’ll be surprised how far you’ll get.

The aforementioned word count, while a solid goal, isn’t set in stone. Don’t pad what you’re writing; stick to the facts. In the end, your business plan should be thorough, useful to you, and appealing to investors.

Let’s break down each of these sections one by one.

Executive summary

Think of this section as a concise overview of the overall business plan for your agency – your mission statement. Include highlights of your agency’s mission, goals, and its competitive advantage. Highlight your agency’s projected growth and potential profitability.

Be realistic and truthful in your assessments. It’s good to be optimistic, but not pie-in-the-sky level, especially for new agencies. Remember, you could find yourself answering to an investor sometime in the future.

Company description

Here’s where you explain what makes your agency special. Tell your story powerfully. What’s your vision for your organization? How would you describe your company culture ? How do you recruit new talent ?

What is your target market? What are your customer demographics? Who will be selling, and what are their strengths? How do you manage your relationships with your insurance carrier partners? What types of agency technology do you leverage in your customer service efforts?

Offer details on what you consider your unique selling proposition. Do you offer specialization in certain lines of business? If so, explain the inherent value in the expertise you possess.

Keep this question in mind as you write: What makes your firm exceptional, and why would someone want to invest in it?

List of products

The composition of your agency’s book of business is critical , and here you’ll lay out exactly what products you’re selling (or plan to sell). Provide a detailed breakdown of the insurance products and services offered by your agency, including a brief explanation of each product’s features and benefits.

In addition, include ideas for expanding your product lineup in years to come.

Market analysis

Investors and carriers alike want to know that you possess comprehensive knowledge of both your local insurance market and the forces influencing the wider industry. Offer analysis of your agency’s target market, including the demographics of your potential clients.

Then, provide a thorough analysis of the insurance industry’s current challenges and evolving exposures, with emphasis on how those trends affect the types of clients you serve. (This section doesn’t need to be exhaustive – again, don’t pad it – but it should reflect your macro perspective on the P&C market as well as how market forces will factor into your pricing and risk selection.)

Marketing strategy

How do you market your agency to prospects? Do you utilize digital marketing, social media, or create content that will resonate with potential customers? Community engagement is key in endearing your business to local prospects, as are networking events.

Detail your marketing strategy, and explain which types of outreach you’ve found most effective.

Note: As an agency owner it’s especially important to be flexible with your plans in this area, as certain approaches may prove less effective over time. When they do, you’ll need to pivot.

Organization and management

Effective leadership and a clear organizational chart will contribute greatly to your agency’s success. In this section, lay out your agency’s organizational structure – the hierarchy of your leaders. Include profiles of key team members, highlighting their various expertise.

Financial plan

Here’s where you begin to get more detailed on dollars and cents. Offer your realistic financial projections for your agency, taking into account expenses, revenue, and projected profitability.

Your projections should include a breakdown of any and all financial forecasts and possible variables taken into consideration. Contingency plans to address potential financial challenges should likewise be included.

Agency funding

Your agency’s financial needs are assessed in detail here. Apply your knowledge of what you want your agency to achieve, versus what it will cost. This includes (but is not limited to) rent, payroll, utilities, phone service, and business insurance.

Include the purpose behind each expenditure, and demonstrate how funding for your firm will be used to cultivate growth.

By the time this section is complete, you’ll have an informed understanding of exactly what it will cost to fund your organization – and how much you may need to borrow to manifest your vision. Provide an outline of potential sources of funding, including personal investments, loans, or investors.

What is the Best Business Structure for an Insurance Agency?

There are several business structures you can consider for your agency, each with various benefits. These include:

• Sole proprietorship
• Partnership
• Corporation

There are various legal, financial, and operational factors to consider in selecting the structure that’s best for you, which we’ll explore in greater detail in a future blog.

How your insurance agency business plan will evolve

As your agency evolves over time, so too will your firm’s business plan. It’s best to revisit and refine your overall plan at least every seven to 12 months, in order to chart your progress and adopt new strategies that will help to continuously drive revenue.

The path to agency success is long and at times extremely difficult, but thoughtful planning will aid your firm’s execution and growth for years to come.

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Insurance Company Business Plan

An insurance agency can become a profitable business if done right. After all, insurance companies as a business help people deal with uncertainties, and that is something all of us want.

And if you have good negotiation skills, are brilliant at planning, and have a thorough knowledge of how insurance works then you might have thought of having your insurance agency.

If yes, then what are you waiting for?

Get started because now is a time as good as any. All you need is a little industry information and an insurance company business plan to help you have a thriving business.

Industry Overview

The global insurance industry stands at a whopping value of 5.3 trillion US dollars in 2022 and is expected to grow at a rapid pace going forward too.

The major reason for the growth of the insurance sector comes from the increasing uncertainty of life, property, and everything else that concerns people.

The increase in disposable income amongst people has also contributed significantly to the growth of the sector.

But as everything good attracts competition, the insurance industry attracts a lot of competition too. And if you want to stand out amongst all of it, you’ll need to be brilliant at what you do. Proper steps to set up your business and planning can help you with that.

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Things to Consider Before Writing Your Insurance Company Business Plan

Know the industry.

The first step towards having a successful business is to research the industry and know what you are getting yourself into. It helps you understand the ins and outs of the business and what steps you should take to help your business succeed. It also helps you stay updated with the latest trends and use them to your advantage.

Get the necessary licenses and permits

As insurance companies are prone to lawsuits, fraud, and other such problems, having all the necessary documents can help you stay on the right side of the law. The licenses and permits act as an assurance for both your clients and your business that you’ll be able to deal with any legal hassle that comes your way. And as you don’t need to worry about the legalities you can focus on what really matters.

Know your audience

Knowing your target audience, their fears, motivations, and preferences can give you the required edge over your competitors. As you know your customers you’re able to serve them better. This eventually makes them return to you and build long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with your customers.

Promote your business

Promoting your business is foundational to success because for your business to work you need to let people know that your business exists. Hence, once you get to know your target audience, it is important to promote your business in a way that speaks to your target audience.

Chalking out Your Business Plan

If you are planning to start a new insurance company, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our sample insurance company business plan created using Upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing your business plan for your new insurance business, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of  insurance-related business plans .

Reading sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for and also it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample insurance company business plan for you to get a good idea about what a perfect insurance business plan should look like and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Insurance Company Business Plan Outline

This is the standard insurance company business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Keys to Success
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Startup cost
• Funding Required
• Company Ownership
• Company Locations and Facilities
• Service Description
• Competitive Comparison
• Sales Literature
• Fulfillment
• Future Services
• Market Analysis
• Competition and Buying Patterns
• Business Participants
• Distributing a Service
• Cal Roberts, Patrick C. Johnson, Rob Champlain
• Agents (such as Co-operators)
• Mass Markets
• Group Plans – teachers, public employees
• Promotion Strategy
• Distribution Strategy
• Positioning Statement
• Pricing Strategy
• Sales Programs
• Sales Forecast
• Sales Yearly
• Strategic Alliances
• Service and Support
• Organizational Structure
• Startup Funding
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

After getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample business plan into your business plan and modify the required information and download your insurance company business plan pdf or doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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Download a sample insurance company business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free insurance company plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your insurance company business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

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Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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April 20, 2020

How to create a business plan for your insurance agency, 12 min read.

Topic: Insurance Marketing Insurance Agency Management sales Start an Agency Grow an Agency

“What’s the plan?”

That’s the question my wife and I ask each other every day about 3:00 in the afternoon. We have pretty busy lives with multiple businesses, children, hobbies, and activities to manage. So, probably just like you, we need a plan to get it all done!

If a plan is important for getting a family through the day, how much more important is a plan for an insurance agency with customers to serve, sales to make, companies to satisfy, and employees to manage?

It’s critical.

But who has time to plan with all that going on?

That’s a great and valid question. The other one for the typical Type A insurance business owner is, “Can I get someone else to do it for me?” and, “What’s the minimum planning that will yield the most impact?” 

Assuming you have goals to meet and would like every day to be something other than crisis management, let’s take a look at this from a high level. 

Getting Started With Your Business Plan

Creating a business plan sounds like work, doesn’t it? It doesn’t have to be. Really, this process is as simple as putting on paper your three-to-five-year goals and general means to achieve them. 

For example, this is a super-simple plan template:

What are sales going to be each year for 3 years?

Net profits? What do you want your balance sheet to look like? 

What is your ideal business mix? What products and services do you want to sell the most of?

What kind of customers do you want to serve? What do they look like demographically (i.e. target market)?

How many employees does it take to get this done? 

A plan can be a whole lot more complicated, and potentially more valuable, but if you have lots to do, this takes a couple of minutes and it’s a great start.

Consider This Question To Help You Focus:

During lunch with a successful entrepreneur in a business completely unrelated to mine, he asked me this wonderful and powerful question during our meal.

“What are the best opportunities in front of you right now?”

That question really focuses the mind.

I was able to give him an immediate answer and listed for him four priorities for myself and my team. We have more than four opportunities in front of us, so I was interested in my own immediate reaction. You see, like most entrepreneurs and small business owners, I am constantly seeing opportunities and weighing my capabilities and interests.

I answered my friend with four things and a quick note as to why they were important and valuable for our business. It didn’t take a lengthy market analysis or sales forecasting - the question really helped me to focus, prioritize, and verbalize what I want to capitalize on out of many choices. It happened in an instant and will now guide us as we plan for the next year or two - this is the simplest version of an executive summary and it will guide our sales strategy.

Most successful business owners are highly focused people, who don’t pursue every single business idea that runs through their heads. They understand that resources like time, capital, and people are limited. Regardless of their relative level of optimism (an absolute requirement and one of the main keys to success opportunities, but the more successful they become, the more realistic actual opportunities are for them.

So, as they go about building a bigger and bigger future, choosing which opportunities to pursue every year of operation becomes an ever more important task.

As we face the future and the demands of many others who want us to focus on their priorities (opportunities!), choosing which things we will concentrate our efforts on becomes a critical decision for every insurance agent and businessperson.

What about you? What are the best opportunities in front of you right now? Those are the ones to focus your planning.

Let’s Do Some Thinking

Everyone, and every business, is different. I start planning for the next year in the fourth quarter of the year before. Your timing may be different than mine. But you do set aside time to think about the business and plan for the coming year, don’t you? Or do you just let it happen?

This is a great time to be honest with ourselves about this! Let me suggest that if you don’t do annual thinking that you consider it. It’s not hard. It doesn’t have to take a long time but is really important in sustaining growth .

Here are some of the things I think about.

What can we accomplish?

What is a revenue goal that is achievable within our current capabilities? As I think about this I ponder the knowns about what the market is doing and which insurance products are more likely to sell.

Are rates up or down? Has the weather this year been good or bad?

What can we expect from Profit Sharing and PMSF (you do get PMSF, don’t you?)

What kind of activity and results are our current marketing efforts producing? How is our market share?

What is going to happen to overhead next year? 

Do we have rent increases, automation increases, or other overhead cost increases coming?

What about employee benefits and payroll?

Do we need additional employees to manage the expected normal growth?

Do we have a place for them to work? Equipment to use?

When do we need them?

Now comes the fun part! 

What could we do if we really stretched ourselves? 

If we are to do that, what else must we do?

Do we need to increase marketing investment?

Are there any potential investors we should talk to?

Hire additional people? Modify compensation strategies?

Open another office or expand this one?

Add a CRM program?

These and endless other things can and should be considered.

We can’t develop a plan for our business until we spend time thinking about it. Perhaps you do this ad hoc from time to time, but now is the time to organize your thinking and your thoughts and start putting things in written form, even if it’s just a few paragraphs. It’s time to think!

Now, Let’s Do Some Planning

I’ve described the thinking process that I use during the early fall to begin to get ready for a productive, growing period in the coming year. The results of the current year are beginning to take shape and the business environment is more clearly understood. After the thinking process comes planning.

Relax! This doesn’t have to be, nor should it be, complicated or time-consuming for a growing agency. Let me encourage you to make a plan that can be put on one sheet of paper. Two at the most. 

If you can’t describe your plans for a year in that space you probably can’t do it all either.

How I Do It

What I do is take the things I’ve uncovered in my thinking process and first use them to create a simple budget:

I increase current year results by what I think is the “steady as she goes” growth and expected rate, profit sharing, PMSF and other revenue changes should produce and put that in a month by month spreadsheet.

Then I take the overhead thinking I’ve done and put that into the expense ledger. Now I’ve got a simple budget. Is the result of that budget what I want it to be based on my goal setting? Or not? If not, I begin to tweak.

Once the budget is all tweaked up I turn to the thinking about the growth goals I want. What does that do to income? What expense increases are required? Those go down on paper and I work on this until I’m satisfied.

This is still not planning! This is budgeting. Now comes the plan:

• What will be required to get the results we are forecasting? (See the next section!)
• When and how will we market ?
• What changes to our website, social media , phone program, referral program, etc. do we need to make?
• Do we need more employees , insurance companies, cell phones, or other tools? When and where do we plan to acquire them?
• What else do we need to schedule to do to make the budget work out?

This is planning! See, it’s not hard. It’s really easy when you think about it first!

Now that you’ve done the thinking and planning, next year will be easy. And if you execute on the simple plan you’ve built, tweaking as you go, you’ll get wherever it is you want to go!

More Things to Consider for Your Business Plan

How much activity do you need to get the results you want.

The “Silver Bullet” to agency growth is activity. One of the natural questions is how much? How much activity will it take to get x results? Really, the question is what do I need to do? What do I need to plan for? 

Great questions!

To answer your questions I need a little more information. So, here are my questions to you:

What is your growth goal?

What is your average sale?

What is your closing ratio?

How do you get prospects?

Let’s assume I want to add $25,000 in commission revenue to my agency (growth goal). And let’s assume my average sale nets me $450 (note: this is commission, not premium). 

Let’s also assume I’m an average salesperson and my closing ratio is 35%. Lastly, let’s assume I get my prospects from a direct mail campaign and my response rate is 1.5% of pieces mailed. 

From these assumptions “how much” becomes very clear. 

• I need 56 sales! ($25,000 goal divided by $450 average sale).
• I need 160 prospects! (56 sales divided by 35%).
• I need to mail 10,650 mail pieces (160 prospects divided by 1.5%)

Don’t get hung up on whether you think direct mail is the best way to advertise, or whether you think my closing ratio is good or bad. That’s not the point. The point is, if you know some very basic numbers, you can figure out very easily how much activity you need to reach your goal!

Everyone has a different idea about the best way to sell insurance. We all have different goals, talents, resources, and abilities. But we can all achieve our goals with the appropriate amount of activity. 

Success is simple. Figure out “how much”. Then go do it!

Pay the Business First

One of our Agency Development team recently met with one of our agencies to work with them on business planning. This is a great thing, because without a plan it is virtually impossible to grow rapidly. This particular agent is my favorite kind of person: a dreamer with big dreams! They are ambitious, hard-working, and highly motivated

In their discussions, the agent and our Development Specialist talked about the agent's desire to hire producers and to build their own office building. Both are potentially great ideas. However, there is a small problem: money.

Our agent owner didn't have any…

When we start our businesses, we entrepreneurs usually need every nickel we can find, right? Every dollar that isn't nailed down often finds its way into gasoline, rent, or shoes for the kids. This is normal. But as the business begins to prosper there is a choice to be made: buy nicer stuff, or feed the business.

We often see agencies with little or no working capital, and without working capital, you simply can't expand, because you can't fund a producer. What bank is going to lend you money on a building when you haven't got any? None. Those days are gone forever.

My partner and I started our agency in 1996, and we didn't take a profit out of the business - not even to pay taxes - until 2003! We were reinvesting all our money in the business.

This is what you must do if you want to keep growing. That doesn't mean you can't take money to improve your family's situation - you can. Do that by increasing your salary over time.

But if you want to keep growing, give the business a raise before you give yourself one. 

Our method was to decide each year what the business was going to make in net profits. Until that number was satisfied we didn't get paid and we didn't get a raise either. This method allowed the business to have the money - its lifeblood! - that it needed to keep expanding.

Look around at the successful people you know. The businesses you admire. Very few of them got where they are except by following this little principle:

Pay The Business First!

Make sure your hours match your business plan .

The world is changing. Technology is taking customers away from us. The new world demands a higher level of service and availability from anyone who wants to sell anything.

If, as an independent agent, personal service is the competitive advantage that will help you reach your goals, why aren’t you open more?

I was at the office on a Saturday morning, and I received a nice note from one of our new members about one of our great team members (thanks Natalie!). I fired off a quick “thank you” to the member and said, “Glad to see another entrepreneur working on a Saturday!”

What was interesting was his response, which I quote verbatim:

“Yep. Many can only come in on Saturday. Plus set up apt to sign two Travelers app issued via Access Plus. And doing an auto and home app for Safeco.”

Why was he working on a Saturday?

Because that was the only time prospects and customers can come to see him.

It seems obvious that anyone trying to sell anything would go where the customers are when they are there.

So, why are almost all insurance agencies only open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm? By now, even banks have figured out for a couple of decades now that they need to be open past 5 o’clock and be open on Saturday. 

Mom and Pop businesses all across America have wrung their hands while they went bankrupt when Walmart came to town. They complained they couldn’t compete on price.

I think it’s much more than that. They refused to compete on service. They weren’t there when the customer needed them.

When will insurance agencies get the message? Before for or after bankruptcy?

Build Your Business Plan for the Long Term

“you must prepare for the future if you want one.”.

Plant acorns.

Tyler Asher, President of Safeco Insurance Company, made this headline statement in a speech to an SIAA semi-annual meeting in Boston. His comment was made in the context of a list of things his company is working on to sustain their growth and prepare for a future insurance market, much different from today’s.

If you just take the statement at face value it makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? Of course, we must all prepare for a bigger future if we want one, and oak is a great symbol of strength and stability. I was immediately captivated by the idea.

But, where the analogy breaks down for me is that it takes a long time to grow oak trees, and the future is coming upon us with breathtaking speed. Do we really have time to grow oak trees?

Then I thought again about a Jeff Bezos quote I wrote about where he says he is more concerned about what stays the same in the next 10 years than about what changes. 

I’ve decided that it’s the intersection of Asher and Bezos where we, as independent agency owners, need to focus.

For example, it’s estimated that 60% of the employees in our industry will retire in the next seven years, and if you believe “Outliers” author, Malcolm Gladwell, it takes at least five years (10,000 hours) to train an expert in anything. 

I believe, channeling Bezos, that customer service and person-to-person selling will be as important to agency success in the future as it is now. So, how are we going to replace the oak trees (people) in our industry fast enough to secure our future?

I don’t have an answer. But, it’s an incredibly important question for anyone who plans to continue to make this industry their career in the decade ahead.

In our organization, we are creating a streamlined training curriculum, coupled with third party courses and old fashioned apprenticeship, to meet our needs for new blood. Frankly, it’s expensive to do this. But the only other options are to hire other’s problems (which is getting harder and more expensive to do) or go out of business.

The need to invest in new people comes while commission compression and new competition (in the form of online sellers) are beginning to stress some agency income statements. As Tyler Asher points out, you must prepare for the future if you want one. 

Viewed in this way, spending on new employees is an investment, not a cost, and the promise of the future is a profitable business built for the long term.

Tony Caldwell

Tony Caldwell is a modern “renaissance man,” who is not only immensely successful in the field of insurance, but is also a writer, children’s advocate, mentor and even a licensed pilot. Always keen on helping others make their dreams come true, Tony and his team have helped independent agents grow into more than 250 independent agencies. This has made OAA the number one ranked Strategic Master Agency of SIAA for the last 5 years, and one of Oklahoma's 25 Best Companies to Work for. Tony loves to share his knowledge, insight and wisdom through his bestselling books as well as in free mediums including podcasts and blogs. Tony and his family are members of Crossings Community Church, and he is very active in community initiatives: he’s chairman of It’s My Community Initiative, Inc., a nonprofit working with disadvantaged people in Oklahoma City; and chairman of the Oklahoma Board of Juvenile Affairs., and he has served through many other organizations including the Salvation Army, Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Rotary Club. In his spare time, Tony enjoys time with his family. He’s also an active outdoorsman and instrument-rated commercial pilot.

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Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Unlock the potential of your insurance agency with our comprehensive Insurance Agency Business Plan template. Whether you're starting a new agency or looking to enhance your existing one, this free template provides the tools and guidance you need to develop a compelling and strategic plan. From market analysis to financial projections, our template equips you with the essential components for success in the insurance industry. Download now and embark on a journey to insurance agency excellence!

Download the template today!

In today's world, insurance plays a crucial role in providing individuals and businesses with financial security and peace of mind. As an insurance agency, it's essential to have a clear plan in place to navigate the competitive landscape and effectively serve your clients. That's why we're thrilled to offer our free Insurance Agency Business Plan template, designed to streamline and enhance your business planning process.

Features of the Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Our Insurance Agency Business Plan template includes key features to help you build a solid plan:

• Market Analysis - Understand the insurance market, identify target segments, and analyze industry trends to position your agency strategically. Our template provides a structured approach to conducting market analysis specific to the insurance industry.
• Service Offerings - Define your insurance products and specialties to differentiate your agency and attract the right clients. Our template offers guidance on identifying your service offerings, showcasing your expertise, and tailoring solutions to meet client needs.
• Financial Projections - Estimate your revenue streams, expenses, and profitability with our comprehensive financial projections section. This helps you make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and ensure the financial sustainability of your insurance agency.
• Marketing Strategy - Develop an effective marketing plan that reaches your target audience, builds brand awareness, and generates leads. Our template assists you in creating a comprehensive marketing strategy, including online marketing, networking, partnerships, and referral programs.

Benefits of Using Our Template

Utilizing our Insurance Agency Business Plan template provides several advantages:

• Provides a Professional Structure : Our template provides a professional structure for your business plan, ensuring that all essential components are covered. It helps you organize your ideas, goals, and strategies in a clear and concise manner, making your plan more impactful and professional.
• Guides Decision Making : A well-crafted business plan acts as a guide for decision-making in your insurance agency. It helps you make informed choices about target markets, service offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies. With our template, you can effectively analyze different scenarios and make strategic decisions that align with your agency's goals.
• Demonstrates Financial Viability: The financial projections section of our template helps you estimate your agency's revenue streams, expenses, and profitability. This information is crucial for understanding the financial viability of your business and setting realistic goals. It also serves as a valuable tool for attracting investors or securing financing.
• Attracts Stakeholders: A comprehensive and well-presented business plan instills confidence in potential stakeholders, such as clients, partners, and investors. It showcases your agency's professionalism, expertise, and commitment to providing excellent service. With our template, you can create a compelling narrative that attracts and engages stakeholders.

Insurance Agency Business Plan  Frequently Asked Questions

Q: why do i need an insurance agency business plan.

A: An insurance agency business plan is crucial for outlining your agency's goals, strategies, and financial projections. It serves as a roadmap for your agency's success, helping you stay focused and make informed decisions. Additionally, a well-crafted business plan is often required by lenders, investors, and partners to assess the viability of your agency and its potential for growth.

Q: How can an insurance agency business plan help attract clients?

A: A well-crafted business plan demonstrates your agency's expertise, unique value proposition, and commitment to providing exceptional service. It outlines your target market, identifies their insurance needs, and showcases how your agency can meet those needs effectively. Sharing your business plan with potential clients helps build trust and confidence in your agency's capabilities, increasing the likelihood of attracting and retaining clients.

Q: How can an Insurance Agency Business Plan help secure funding?

A: By developing a comprehensive Insurance Agency Business Plan, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing funding for your venture. The business plan serves as a roadmap, showcasing your understanding of the insurance industry, your proposed business model, and your strategies for profitability. It provides potential investors or lenders with the necessary information to evaluate the viability and potential return on investment of your insurance agency. Additionally, to simplify the process, consider utilizing a Financial Projection Template that can help you create accurate and professional financial forecasts.

We Know a Good Business Plan When we See One

Collectively, our team has reviewed thousands of business plans and has nearly 20 years of experience making SBA loans. We've also helped more than 50,000 businesses create financial projections across many industries and geographies.

Adam served as Executive Director for a SBA microlender in Indiana for over 10 years helping businesses and reviewing thousands of business plans.

Grace has built hundreds of custom financial models for businesses as well as our projection templates which are used by thousands of businesses every year.

Kyle served as an SBA loan officer for 7 years working directly with startups and business owners to review their business plans, projections, and prepare their loan package.

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Agency Performance Partners

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Camille Maraguinot

What is your insurance agency business plan ? Do you have one? Of course you do, but do you know how to execute it? Most agency owners have a plan, but does that include the execution stage? The part where you have assigned tasks for your employees to complete to help retain and grow your business? 

Imagine you have a front door and a back door. The goal is that the front door stays wide open, but the back door stays shut. Closed tight. 

Many agents focus on keeping the front door open and forget that the back door is open too. Sometimes they are losing more business than what is coming in, so your growth plan must include BOTH! 

So when you hear the word GROWTH and   Insurance Agency Business Plan you should be thinking of both. Service is ALWAYS easier than sales, and if you don’t force the sales, no one will ever step out of their comfort zone to sell. How do we get there? A lot of questions should be rolling around in your head. Here is how!

Outbound Call Guidelines

Outbound calls are an important aspect of agency growth. But to do outbound calls, they have to be planned. Talk to your team about strategies for outbound calling. What time of day is best? 

Adjust it to where it works best for each team member. Block times according to availability. Have someone take an hour in the morning while the other answers service calls and the other in the afternoon, and switch it the next day, so a different person is calling in the morning. 

Make it a requirement, not an option. It doesn’t always just have to be the salespeople, either. There was an agency that had their service team do this as well, and when they got a lead, they just passed it to the sales team (but you should give them an incentive for a lead passed or sold, as they got them on the phone and passed the call.) 

Leave an open day for a catch-up, and allow them to use the day they prefer, BUT the team has to agree as the schedule is team-based.

“You will never find time for anything. You must make it.” – Charles Buxton

Time Blocking Example: Note Mondays and Fridays may need to be off days!!

YOUR BIGGEST ASSET is your CUSTOMERS. So WHY are we cold calling or paying for leads????? 

Use the book you have to grow, these calls are warm calls to people you already have a relationship with. Use it. Call and build MORE rapport and get all of their business, not just some of it!

Cross Selling

First, run lists for Cross Sales. There are an extensive amount of cross-sales you can do from your current book of business. THIS IS WHERE YOU START! 

• Auto no Home
• Home no Auto
• Home and Auto no Umbrella
• Commercial policy with no personal lines policies

With these, you may have plenty of outbound calls for staff. Use time blocking to do these outbound calls, ask staff to keep track and report the number of calls they are doing per week (don’t do it per day, some days they may not do any), but in a week, they should be able to do quite a few. 

Make a certain number of outbound calls required per week. Let’s say you decide 5 a day is fair. Making 25 calls a week is required.

Require staff to set dates for ALL quotes they do not sell. Set this for 5 months (for 6-month auto) and 11 months for 1-year auto or home policies) from the date, it was originally quoted. 

Call the customer to see if they are still happy with the current carrier/agent/agency. Let them know you know the renewal may be coming up. They need to know you care about them and their policy and that you did not forget about them.  

This is WOW Customer service and a perfect way to win over new clients.

Script:   Agent: Hello Jane, this is XXX from XYZ Agency. We currently have your auto policy here at the agency, and I reviewed it for discounts. Do you rent or own your home? 

• Answer A: Own, that is great; where is the home insurance? I just wanted to make you aware you can save $XXX a year by having your auto and home together with our agency. It will also give you peace of mind that all your insurance is in one place. I would love to quote it, and any other policy needs you to have to see if we can find more discounts and save you money. I would like to ask you a couple of questions. (Ask only the necessary, use websites like Zillow for house info.)
• Answer B: Rent, that’s great. Where is your renter’s insurance? I just wanted you to know that we can save you money by having those together. It will also give you peace of mind that you can call one place for questions and concerns. We have a great customer service team that is always here to help!

Sometimes clients leave. It happens, but are they expecting you to call them and invite them back? Probably not, so why not start now? 

Run a list of those policies that were canceled in the last year. Use that list to call customers 5 months or 9 months after they leave (depending on the policy.) 

Script: Agent: Hello Jane, this is XXXX from XYZ Agency. We used to have your insurance, I wanted to call and make sure you are satisfied with your new agent. I hope they are taking great care of you! We have changed some of our processes, and we wanted to follow up and update you with those changes and see if we can requote your insurance and “win you back”! We would love to redeem ourselves and show you our Wow customer service.

• Answer A: If NO, I understand now is not a good time. Can I set up a time that would work better for you?
• Answer B: Sure, Great I will just take a few minutes of your time, ask questions, thank the client, and give an expectation of when you will reach back out with a quote, even better set up an appointment

“Life is Growth and Growth Demands Change” -Virend Singh/Verusha Singh

Are leads worth the money? It depends. Are you starting in the right place? Once cross-sells, xdates, and winbacks are handled, and you have someone in your office doing outbound calls on those, then you can purchase leads. 

Keep track of the leads! A lot of lead companies send leads to more than one agency. There is a strategy to those leads. You MUST call the lead immediately to even have a chance to bind.  

Even if it is to call and introduce yourself, you have to build trust and rapport. 

Script: Hello, my name is XXX from XYZ agency. I see that you are interested in XXX insurance. Let me ask you a couple of questions, it will take about 5 minutes. OR TEXT them. This is a new strategy and one that WORKS! Text Script: Hi, I am XXX from XYZ Agency. I see you are looking for XXX insurance. I am texting so I can get the information I need from you at YOUR convenience. Can I call you now? 

• Answer A: If NO, say great, when would be a good time, you may need to call after hours, but if it gets the sale you need to make sure you mention that you are doing a one-time thing calling after hours because you want to take care of the client, but in the future, there will be self-service options they can use. (Determine whether your staff will do this. Usually, the producer will
• Answer B: Sure, Great I will just take a few minutes of your time, ask questions, thank the client and give an expectation of when you will reach back out with a quote. Even better, set up an appointment

How does retention work in your Insurance Agency Business Plan ? If you do not have a team member or a team focused on retention alone, you are missing out. Your clients need to know your agency cares and that they aren’t just a number. Do birthday calls, claims follow-up calls, and, most importantly, policy review calls.

Birthday Call Script: Hello, this is XXX from XYZ Agency. I was calling you today to say “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”, We hope you are having a wonderful day!

Claims call script:  hello, this is xxx from xyz agency. i was calling you today to, first and foremost, make sure you are ok. i see in the system that you had an accident yesterday. is everyone ok listen  i was just calling to check-in. has the insurance company reached out to you yet if they have not, they will be soon. if you don’t hear from them by 3 pm give me a call back at xxx-xxx-xxxx..

You can find way more ideas, retention, and content in our agency school .

Yearly Retention Review Calls

Retention calls are a bit more difficult. You must review the policy BEFORE calling. APP has a checklist you can use to review those policies and have everything ready before you call. A courtesy call is always a popular item for clients. 

How many insurance companies actually call? I know that sparks fear in many agents, but we have had huge success with agencies making these calls. A once-a-year call from your agent may put them at ease and make them want to stay because no one else is doing it. 

You don’t always have to call at the renewal if you are worried about them shopping. You can do it 90 days before. You are not trying to discuss price as much as trying to look for discounts and accuracy. Since the pandemic, many things have changed, and we need to ensure our clients’ insurance keeps up with their lifestyles. 

Your insurance agency business plan needs to have many aspects to promote growth in your agency. It isn’t all just about those purchased leads and your producers, it encompasses ALL of your staff. 

They all play a very big role in your insurance agency business plan designed for growth, but it isn’t only growing from new sales but it also grows by retaining as many policies as possible. Remember to keep the back door closed and the front door open. 

Have staff that specializes in the front door (new sales) and have other staff members focused on keeping the back door shut (retention.) Work on making processes and procedures to accomplish your goal have processes everyone follows so your agency does everything the same way. I

It will make the agency look more professional even to clients. Be on the lookout, APP will have 10 processes agencies can’t live without, these will help get you started on your way to a ridiculously amazing agency!

Find our course on Retention here . Retention is a very important aspect of the insurance agency’s business plan and growth. Don’t leave it out!

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Insurance agency business plan template + PDF

This guide introduces an AI Business Plan Generator template, meticulously designed for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their insurance agency. It's crucial to highlight that the names and financial projections included in this example are purely hypothetical, aimed at showcasing the strategic planning process. These examples are specifically crafted to demonstrate how you can tailor your own AI-generated Insurance Agency Business Plan to navigate the unique challenges and leverage the opportunities within your insurance venture.

To ensure easy customization, we provide an 'Insurance Agency Business Plan PDF' for download. This document is essential for entrepreneurs committed to developing a robust and successful strategy for initiating or expanding their insurance agency. The 'AI Business Plan Generator' serves as a comprehensive resource, offering critical insights into the insurance industry. It equips you with the necessary tools for the effective management and growth of your insurance agency business.

How this insurance agency business plan sample was created

Develop your personalized insurance agency business plan effortlessly with our AI Business Plan Generator. Just click 'Generate your business plan' and answer a series of specific questions about your insurance agency venture. Our advanced AI technology will process your information to create a business plan that aligns perfectly with your insurance agency's objectives and requirements. This efficient and fast procedure typically concludes in just 5-10 minutes, producing a comprehensive and neatly structured plan. Our system allows you to customize and perfect your strategy, ensuring the final plan accurately reflects your unique vision for your insurance agency. Upon completion, your plan is ready for download, providing a clear, concise blueprint for initiating and expanding your insurance agency. Utilize our AI business plan generator, designed specifically for insurance agency businesses, to enhance your strategic planning.

Insurance agency business plan sample

Executive summary, business description, market research and analysis, swot analysis.

• Organizational Structure and Management Team

Products or Services

Marketing and sales strategy, operations plan, financial projections, risk analysis.

TrustShield Insurance Agency, situated in the heart of Texas' burgeoning economy, emerges as a dynamic force within the insurance industry, poised to deliver personalized risk management solutions to individuals, families, and small to medium-sized businesses. Our diverse offering encompassing auto, home, life, business, health, and liability insurance is carefully tailored to meet the multifaceted needs of our clients, ensuring a broad marketplace appeal and a robust growth trajectory.

Since our inception in 2018, we have consistently strived to build a service-driven agency, one that transcends traditional transactional interactions in favor of fostering enduring client relationships. Our mission— "To shield your tomorrow, today" , is embodied in every facet of our operations, committing us to the financial security of our customers and their peace of mind.

Our strategic positioning within the vibrant Austin area, notable for its economic growth and demographic diversity, offers us a significant advantage. The entrepreneurial spirit of the locale presents us with a steady stream of burgeoning enterprises requiring commercial insurance, while the residential community forms a bedrock for our personal insurance lines.

TrustShield operates as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), offering the benefit of reduced individual liability while allowing us to remain nimble and responsive to market shifts. Our experienced management team, helmed by CEO John Harper, is our most crucial asset, bringing over 15 years of rich insurance expertise to the agency. With the support of CFO Alicia Meyers, COO Samantha Clark, CMO Raj Patel, and Director of Sales Emma Thompson, we're spearheading a fresh approach to insurance—one that's driven by both professional insight and technological innovation.

The competitive landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. Despite the presence of well-established players like SecureHorizon Insurance Brokers and SafeguardRisk Insurance Partners, TrustShield distinguishes itself through exceptional customer service, an advanced digital footprint, and a profound understanding of modern risks including the ascent of digital threats and environmental considerations.

Our operational workflow thrives on efficiency and quality control, ensuring service delivery issues are swiftly identified and rectified. Backed by state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, TrustShield is well-placed to satisfy current operational requirements and expand according to planned growth. Advanced cybersecurity measures and diligent regulatory compliance underscore our commitment to operational excellence and client trust.

From a financial perspective, we exhibit a promising outlook, with our sales forecast projecting an increase from $500,000 in Year 1 to $1,300,000 by Year 5. This steady growth is supported by our prudent financial management practices and a clear-eyed approach to risk assessment and mitigation. Our break-even analysis, conservative cash flow strategies, and robust asset management plans indicate not just financial health but a keen readiness for forthcoming opportunities.

Marketing and sales strategies remain aggressive yet discerning, leveraging digital campaigns, community networking, and strategic partnerships to reach target markets. We understand the value of an interconnected approach, utilizing every tool from SEO to local sponsorships to cast a wide net for client acquisition.

Risk is an ever-present element in business, and TrustShield is well-versed in its identification, mitigation, and contingency planning. Our proactive stance—bolstered by comprehensive insurance coverage and strict legal adherence—serves as both a safeguard and a strategic advantage.

In conclusion, TrustShield Insurance Agency is on a clear path to cementing its presence and expanding its influence within the insurance arena. Our agile structure, comprehensive offerings, and dedicated team are perfectly aligned to capitalize on market dynamics and drive the business to new heights of success and customer satisfaction.

TrustShield Insurance Agency, proudly based in the vibrant and economically diverse city of Austin, Texas, stands as a beacon of reliability and assurance in the ever-evolving insurance industry. Our business operates within a sector that is crucial for providing individuals and organizations with financial protection against the range of risks that can arise in both personal and commercial spheres. As modern life becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, the demand for comprehensive and tailored insurance solutions continues to grow. TrustShield Insurance Agency is poised to meet this demand with expertise, innovation, and a commitment to customer service.

Established in 2018, TrustShield was born out of a recognized need for more personalized insurance experiences. Our founders, a group of industry specialists with combined decades of expertise, observed a gap in the market for an agency that not only offered a broad array of insurance products but also delivered them with a human touch that only a dedicated local agency can provide. TrustShield was created to bridge this gap, aiming to develop long-lasting relationships with clients through unwavering trust and impeccable service.

Our mission, "To shield your tomorrow, today," encapsulates our purpose and our promise. We are dedicated to empowering our clients by offering protection for their assets, businesses, and livelihoods against unforeseen circumstances. We remain steadfast in our resolve to provide peace of mind through custom-tailored insurance policies that are as unique as the individuals and businesses we serve.

Legally organized as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), TrustShield offers the flexibility and protection that best suits our operations and growth plans. This structure allows us to combine the operational advantages of a partnership with the liability protections of a corporation. It ensures that we can focus on expansion and service excellence without the undue burden of excessive personal liability on our members.

The long-term potential of TrustShield Insurance Agency is substantial. The insurance industry is not only resilient in the face of economic fluctuations but also continuously expanding due to new laws, technologies, and evolving risks that require novel forms of protection. As cyber threats become more common, and as society grapples with the consequences of climate change and other modern challenges, the scope of insurance offerings continues to broaden. TrustShield is strategically positioned to evolve alongside these industry trends, integrating cutting-edge technology and data analysis to enhance risk assessment, product development, and customer service.

The burgeoning population and economic growth of Texas provide a fertile environment for the expansion of our client base. Our focus on forging partnerships with local businesses, real estate agents, and mortgage brokers, coupled with our active engagement in the community, further potentiates our growth. Additionally, the scalability of our business model, centered around a diverse range of insurance products and a profound understanding of our clients' needs, indicates a clear path for regional and potentially national expansion.

TrustShield's commitment to continuous professional development, staying ahead of regulatory changes, and investing in the wellbeing and education of our team ensures that we remain at the forefront of industry best practices. As we look to the future, we envision TrustShield not only as a trusted provider of insurance solutions but also as a thought leader and innovator in risk management strategies for the ever-changing world.

Therefore, TrustShield Insurance Agency is more than just an agency; it is a client-centric, forward-thinking organization primed for enduring growth. We are driven by the belief that an insurance agency should act as the ultimate guardian of our clients' aspirations, achievements, and hard-won stability. With this belief, TrustShield stands ready to usher in a new standard for excellence in personalized insurance services.

The insurance industry is a multifaceted sector characterized by its resilience and adaptability in meeting the evolving needs of consumers and businesses alike. As of the latest trends, the industry is experiencing digital transformation, which is changing how insurance providers interact with customers, assess risks, and process claims. Insurtech, the integration of technology into insurance models, is a burgeoning trend, with telematics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics reshaping the landscape. Moreover, there is a growing demand for policies covering cyber security, reflecting the rising digital risks faced by businesses and individuals in our increasingly online world.

The industry is substantial in terms of size, reaching a market value of trillions of dollars globally. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is projected to remain positive, aligning with the economic expansion and the emerging need for various types of insurance. The U.S. insurance industry alone has experienced consistent growth year-over-year, with forecasts indicating sustained upward trajectories.

TrustShield Insurance Agency's target market encompasses a dual-focus demographic. On one end, individual clients and families are targeted for personal insurance solutions such as auto, home, and life insurance. This demographic is extensive and includes adults in the 25-60 age range, across diverse income levels seeking financial protection and security. On the other end, small to medium-sized businesses within the region that require commercial insurance policies represent a lucrative segment with immense growth potential, particularly as the local economy expands and new businesses emerge.

Market needs and demands within our target demographic center on the desire for personalized insurance services that offer comprehensive coverage, competitive rates, and a seamless customer experience. Clients are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about insurance products and services, seeking out agencies that can provide tailored advice and support in line with their unique circumstances. Furthermore, there is a growing preference for using digital channels to manage insurance matters, from policy comparisons to claim submissions, which is raising expectations for insurers to provide online interfaces and tools.

Trends in the market show that customers are looking for flexibility, such as adjustable policy terms and premiums. The increased interest in sustainability also translates into a demand for insurance policies that support environmentally responsible behavior, especially amongst younger demographics.

In considering the competitive landscape, TrustShield must acknowledge several key players within the region, including SecureHorizon Insurance Brokers, SafeguardRisk Insurance Partners, UnityCoverage Insurance Solutions, ReliableProtector Insurance Group, and PremierTrust Insurance Associates. Analysis shows these competitors vary in their market share, with strengths often residing in their branding, established customer bases, and comprehensive product ranges. Weaknesses may include less personal customer service due to larger sizes or limited digital presence. TrustShield's market share is poised for growth as we emphasize personalized service and digital innovation.

Potential barriers to entry in this industry include the significant regulatory requirements and capital needed to ensure solvency and compliance. New entrants face challenges in establishing trust and reputation within a market that relies heavily on customer perception of reliability. Moreover, established relationships between competitors and insurance carriers can serve as an obstacle for newcomers seeking favorable underwriting terms.

TrustShield's detailed market research and analysis has identified clear opportunities to differentiate itself in a competitive market by leveraging technology, sustaining high-quality customer service, and responding effectively to the latest industry trends. These factors will be critical in facilitating TrustShield's market penetration and long-term growth within the insurance sector.

Organizational Structure and Management

TrustShield Insurance Agency is regimented in a hierarchical yet fluid organizational structure that balances both traditional role divisions and modern management practices, ensuring agility and effective governance. At the apex of the structure is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), steering the overarching strategic direction of the agency. Reporting directly to the CEO are the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and the Director of Sales. Each of these executive roles oversees specific departments, with managers and team members aligned beneath them in the hierarchy. Our organizational chart, available for inspection, visually represents these reporting lines and functional departments, showcasing a clear demarcation of responsibilities and a streamlined chain of command.

The strength of TrustShield’s organizational structure is amplified by the seasoned experts helming its management team. CEO John Harper brings over 15 years of experience in insurance to the table, coupled with his CPCU designation which is gold standard in property-casualty insurance. Alicia Meyers, as the CFO, wields her CPA credential and a decade-long track record in financial management within the insurance field to maintain the fiscal integrity and health of the agency. The operational aspects of the agency are dynamically managed by COO Samantha Clark, whose MBA and 12-year tenure in insurance operations translate to unparalleled efficiency and productivity. Marketing initiatives are spearheaded by CMO Raj Patel, whose forte in digital marketing revolutionizes our client engagement and brand development. Lastly, the sales team is driven by Emma Thompson, whose 8 years of insurance sales experience ensures a robust clientele and consistent growth revenue streams.

Addressing our staffing needs, TrustShield currently staffs a robust team that includes account managers, claims handlers, underwriters, and customer service representatives, who form the backbone of our day-to-day operations. As we project our growth over the next five years, there is an anticipated requirement to expand particularly in the areas of customer support and claims processing to accommodate an increasing number of policies under our management. Furthermore, we plan to invest in professional development for our sales team to refine their skills in line with evolving market dynamics.

Our human resources policies are crafted to foster a culture of respect, diversity, and professionalism. We practice an equitable recruitment policy, offering competitive compensation and benefits to attract and retain top talent. Regular performance evaluations, coupled with a clear avenue for professional advancement, ensure that each team member feels valued and motivated. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on work-life balance with flexible working arrangements when possible.

TrustShield also believes in the strategic utilization of external advisors and consultants. We regularly consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with the latest regulations, and we retain a risk management consultant to advise on our insurance products and corporate insurance policies. Industry consultants too are brought in semi-annually to provide insights on industry trends and competitive analysis, ensuring that TrustShield remains at the leading edge of the insurance market.

In conclusion, TrustShield Insurance Agency’s organizational structure and management are intentionally designed to support a client-centered approach to insurance, while promoting internal efficiency and expert leadership. Our staffing strategies, HR policies, and usage of external consultants all serve to ensure that as we grow, we do so with a robust foundation capable of delivering excellent service and continuing to build upon our strong industry reputation.

TrustShield Insurance Agency offers a comprehensive array of insurance products tailored to safeguard the assets and interests of our individual and commercial clients. Our portfolio includes:

- Auto Insurance: Coverage extends to accidents, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, with options for liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. We also offer specialty vehicle insurance for motorcycles, boats, and RVs.

- Home Insurance: Our policies protect homeowners and renters against damage to dwellings, loss of personal property, and personal liability. We offer additional riders for high-value items and natural disaster coverage.

- Life Insurance: TrustShield provides term life, whole life, and universal life insurance options to meet varying client needs for financial security and estate planning.

- Business Insurance: Customized solutions are offered to protect against property damage, liability, business interruption, workers' compensation, and professional liability, addressing the unique challenges faced by businesses.

- Health Insurance: Plans include individual health coverage, group plans for businesses, and supplemental policies like dental and vision insurance.

- Liability Insurance: This includes general liability, professional liability, and umbrella policies, protecting clients from legal and financial exposures.

Our unique selling points lie in our approach to providing personalized services that cater to our clients' unique needs. We distinguish ourselves with a consultative approach to policy selection and a quick response to claims. Our in-depth risk assessments and comprehensive policy reviews ensure clients have the coverage they need with transparent pricing structures.

Currently, TrustShield is in the growth stage of business development. We have established a strong product foundation and are actively seeking to expand our market reach and introduce additional insurance products. Future plans include venturing into niche insurance markets, such as cyber liability insurance and environmental policies that address emerging customer concerns.

Our intellectual property assets primarily consist of our brand and proprietary analytical tools, both of which are crucial to our identity and operations. The "TrustShield" name is trademarked, offering legal protection and market recognition. The analytical software we use for risk assessment and underwriting is continually refined, ensuring it remains a potent asset in our service delivery.

The production process in the insurance industry involves risk evaluation, policy creation, underwriting, and claims management. Each step of the process is handled by our trained professionals who use both technology and industry standards to ensure the integrity of our offerings. Our underwriting process is comprehensive, utilizing both traditional evaluation methods and advanced analytics to determine the optimal coverage levels and premiums for our clients.

As an insurance agency, supplier relations entail maintaining strong partnerships with a multitude of insurance carriers to offer a full spectrum of insurance products. Our supplier selection criteria are stringent, requiring our partners to have solid financial stability, favorable claims histories, and excellent customer service records. These partnerships are regularly reviewed and assessed to align with our commitment to providing the best insurance solutions to our clients.

To conclude, TrustShield Insurance Agency’s range of products and services cater to the varied needs of the markets we serve, with an emphasis on personalization and client support. Our competitive advantages lie in our consultative approach and rapid claims service. We are strategically positioned to expand our offering, maintaining essential relationships with reputable suppliers and protecting our intellectual property, all of which serves to solidify TrustShield's standing as a premier choice among insurance agencies.

TrustShield Insurance Agency’s marketing and sales strategy is crafted to effectively position our products and services in the market, attract a diverse client base, and consistently drive revenue growth. The approach is multifaceted, combining traditional and digital marketing methods to reach potential customers wherever they are.

Marketing Strategy:

To effectively market our insurance products, TrustShield employs a variety of targeted strategies to connect with individuals and businesses alike. Our digital marketing efforts are robust, embracing search engine optimization (SEO) to improve our online visibility, and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising to reach customers searching for insurance solutions. We maintain an active social media presence across multiple platforms to engage with community members and provide valuable content related to insurance and risk management.

Our user-friendly, intuitive website is central to our online strategy, featuring instant quote functionality and educational resources that help demystify insurance topics. Offline, we network within local business associations and chambers of commerce to establish B2B connections. We encourage word-of-mouth through a customer referral program, rewarding clients who recommend our services to others. In alignment with our community-centric values, we sponsor and participate in local events, raising brand awareness and demonstrating our commitment to local causes.

Sales Strategy:

Sales at TrustShield are driven by a customer-centric philosophy. Our sales team consists of seasoned insurance professionals who provide personalized consultations, understanding the client's unique requirements to recommend suitable policies. Sales tactics involve a mix of in-person and telesales activities, supported by our online platform that allows for direct purchases.

To support our sales strategy, we offer regular training for our sales representatives, ensuring they are up to date with the latest insurance products and sales techniques. We also maintain a CRM system that provides lead tracking and sales funnel management to enhance the effectiveness of our sales processes.

Pricing Strategy:

Pricing in the insurance market is complex and highly competitive. TrustShield adheres to a value-based pricing strategy, setting premiums that reflect the depth and breadth of coverage offered, while remaining competitive within the market. We conduct regular price reviews to ensure alignment with the industry and provide various discounts and bundled packages to incentivize customers.

Distribution Channels:

TrustShield utilizes several distribution channels for our insurance products. Direct sales are conducted through our online platform and over the phone, providing convenience for customers who prefer digital transactions. For clients seeking a more personal touch, our agents conduct in-person consultations and policy sales. Additionally, we are exploring partnerships with local businesses to widen our distribution network and reach a larger audience.

Promotion and Advertising Plans:

Our promotion and advertising efforts include local print and radio adverts, strategically placed online advertisements on relevant websites, and regular participation in community events. Direct mail campaigns target potential customers based on demographics, and our email marketing keeps us engaged with existing clients through newsletters and personalized communications.

Customer Service Policies:

Customer service is a cornerstone of TrustShield’s client relations. We operate a dedicated customer service department that handles inquiries, claims, and policy renewals with speed and compassion. Our policies ensure transparency in all interactions and a commitment to resolving client issues efficiently. We solicit feedback through surveys to continually improve service delivery and maintain client satisfaction.

In sum, TrustShield Insurance Agency’s marketing and sales strategy is designed to provide a seamless and integrated experience to our customers, combining effective marketing methods with strong sales tactics and exceptional customer service. Our comprehensive approach aims to build and maintain a loyal customer base while attracting new clients in a competitive insurance industry landscape.

TrustShield Insurance Agency's operations plan underpins our strategic goals and serves as the blueprint for our daily business operations, ensuring service excellence and operational efficiency. The carefully designed operational workflow and systematic processes are central to delivering the high-quality insurance products and services our clients expect from us.

Operational Workflow:

The daily operations of the agency rotate around client interaction, policy management, claims processing, and risk assessment. Each business day starts with a team briefing to review outstanding tasks, set daily goals, and discuss any significant issues that may affect our clients or operations. Clients are at the heart of our workflow, and as such, significant portions of the day are devoted to consultations, renewals, and claims handling. Our risk assessment team works extensively with underwriters to ensure that each policy is accurately tailored to meet a client's needs.

Production or Service Delivery Processes:

As a provider of insurance services, our service delivery process involves a series of defined steps: client needs analysis, risk assessment, policy recommendation, underwriting, policy issuance, and ongoing client support including claims management. We use a consultative sales process to first understand the client's requirements. We then match these needs to appropriate insurance products, drawing from our extensive carrier network. Post-purchase, we remain the point of contact for any customer inquiries, advocating for clients in the event of claims and conducting periodic policy reviews.

Quality Control Measures:

Quality control is paramount in the insurance services we offer. All client interactions are documented and reviewed to ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal standards. We conduct regular audits of our processes, from initial client engagement to claims processing, to maintain high-quality service standards. Client satisfaction surveys are used to gather feedback, which forms part of our continuous improvement program.

Inventory Management:

Being a service-based agency, inventory management manifests differently from traditional product-oriented businesses. Our 'inventory' involves maintaining accurate client records, policy documentation, and ensuring that we have adequate access to insurance products. We leverage electronic document management systems to keep track of all client interactions and policy documentation.

Supply Chain Management:

TrustShield's supply chain management entails cultivating and maintaining relationships with diverse insurance carriers. Our key objective is ensuring that these partnerships are robust and enable us to offer our clients a comprehensive suite of insurance options. We evaluate our carriers based on underwriting efficiency, claims handling, financial stability, and breadth of products. Regular performance assessments ensure that the carriers we partner with continue to meet our stringent criteria and client needs.

Facilities and Equipment Needs:

Our physical operations are housed within a modern, accessible office space conducive to both client meetings and employee collaboration. Our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems to protect client data, which is a critical aspect of our operations. The office is furnished with reliable communication systems, high-speed internet, and industry-standard software for policy management and CRM. As our company grows, future facility expansion and upgrades in technological infrastructure will be evaluated and implemented to support increased operational capacity.

In summary, TrustShield Insurance Agency's operations plan is built around robust workflows, client-centric service delivery, stringent quality control, and effective supplier management. Our ability to execute on this operations plan is supported by our diligent attention to facilities and equipment needs, ensuring that we have the right resources to deliver exceptional service to our clients day after day.

TrustShield Insurance Agency's financial projections are prepared with a conservative yet optimistic approach, reflecting our strategic marketing initiatives, growth strategies, and market research insights. The aim of this financial forecast is to provide stakeholders with a clear and quantifiable outlook on the company's financial performance and prospects over the next three to five years. Our financial projections are rooted in our belief that a meticulously crafted plan, combined with excellent service delivery and prudent financial management, will lead to sustainable growth.

Sales Forecast:

Our sales forecast is based on market analysis, which suggests a significant opportunity for growth through increased market penetration and expanding our product offerings. We anticipate steady growth in sales revenue, which is projected to increase annually as follows:

- Year 1: $500,000 - Year 2: $650,000 - Year 3: $850,000 - Year 4: $1,050,000 - Year 5: $1,300,000

These figures are based on factors including expected market growth, the expansion of our client base, and the anticipated upsell of additional products to existing customers.

Profit and Loss Projection:

Our profit and loss projection accounts for all expected revenues and costs. Gross margins are anticipated to improve incrementally as we scale operations. We project that operating expenses, including marketing, staffing, and office expenditures, will increase in line with revenue growth. However, operational efficiencies realized through strategic management will keep the growth of these expenses proportionally less than the growth of revenue. Net profit is expected to rise following this trajectory:

- Year 1: 5% of sales - Year 2: 8% of sales - Year 3: 10% of sales - Year 4: 12% of sales - Year 5: 15% of sales

Cash Flow Projection:

In our cash flow projections, we demonstrate the company's ability to manage obligations and finance operations from our revenue generation. The cash inflows comprise premium collections and fees, offset by the outflows of claims payouts, commissions, and operating expenses. We aim to maintain a cash balance that supports business operations, with additional liquidity set aside for contingencies and reinvestment into the company.

Balance Sheet Projection:

The balance sheet projection shows the company's expected assets, liabilities, and equity over the forecast period. We anticipate sustained growth in assets, primarily driven by increased premiums and commissions. Liabilities will primarily consist of account payables and accrued expenses. The owner's equity is expected to grow commensurate with the retention of net profits, as we plan to reinvest a significant portion of the earnings to support business expansion.

Break-Even Analysis:

Our break-even analysis identifies the point at which our total revenues will equal our total costs, indicating the sales needed to cover all expenses. We predict that the break-even point will be reached within the first two years of operation, as we invest heavily in marketing and infrastructure to establish our market presence.

Financial Assumptions and Considerations:

Our financial projections are based on several key assumptions, including the steady growth of the local economy, no severe negative regulatory changes affecting the insurance industry, and the successful execution of our marketing and sales strategy. Considerations also include our ability to maintain favorable underwriting arrangements with our carriers, which significantly influence the profitability of insurance products offered.

The financial projections of TrustShield Insurance Agency are formulated with due diligence and attention to market trends and our business growth plan. We maintain a prudent approach to risk and are prepared to adjust our strategies in response to financial performance and market conditions. Our financial roadmap is based on realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the insurance industry, which we believe will guide TrustShield to a profitable future.

In executing a comprehensive business strategy, it is crucial for TrustShield Insurance Agency to recognize and prepare for potential risks that could impact operations and financial stability. Identifying potential risks and establishing appropriate mitigation and contingency plans are fundamental to the agency's long-term success.

Identification of Potential Risks:

Market Risks: - Market risks include changes in industry regulations that could impact our product offerings, shifts in consumer behavior, and economic downturns which may decrease demand for insurance policies. - Competitive risks arise from new entrants to the market and existing competitors expanding their service offerings or engaging in aggressive pricing tactics.

Operational Risks: - Operational risks encompass the potential for systemic failures that could disrupt service delivery, such as IT system downtime, data breaches, or loss of critical staff. - Compliance risks relate to the possibility of inadvertently violating insurance regulations, leading to fines or legal action.

Financial Risks: - Financial risks involve credit risk from clients defaulting on payments, interest rate fluctuations affecting investment returns, and liquidity issues that could impact operational funding. - We also face underwriting risks if our actuarial assumptions prove inaccurate, potentially leading to financial shortfalls in claims coverage.

Risk Mitigation Strategies:

To mitigate these risks, TrustShield Insurance Agency has developed a series of strategies:

Market Risks: - We continually analyze market trends and engage with clients to understand their changing needs, allowing us to adapt our product offerings and marketing strategies. - Competitive research is ongoing, and we differentiate ourselves through servicing excellence and a focus on personalized customer relationships.

Operational Risks: - Our IT systems are fortified with advanced cybersecurity measures, and we carry out regular disaster recovery drills to reduce the threat of disruptions. - Compliance is maintained through regular training for staff on the latest regulatory requirements, and we hire experienced compliance officers to navigate the complex insurance legal landscape.

Financial Risks: - Credit checks and a rigorous client onboarding process minimize credit risk, and we diversify our investment portfolio to hedge against interest rate movements. - Prudent financial management, including reserves for claims and a diversified revenue stream, helps to navigate underwriting risks and ensure liquidity.

Contingency Plans:

In addition to these proactive strategies, TrustShield maintains a set of contingency plans to quickly and effectively address risks should they materialize:

- If shifts in market trends impact demand, we will adjust our product portfolio and increase marketing efforts toward emerging sectors. - Any operational disruption will be managed with backups and alternative operations centers, ensuring minimal service interruption. - Should financial stability be threatened, contingency funds can be accessed, and we will enact cost-saving measures to preserve operational viability.

Insurance and Legal Considerations:

Insurance is not only our business but also our safeguard. TrustShield carries comprehensive liability insurance, including errors and omissions, and cybersecurity policies to protect against potential claims and data breaches. Legal considerations are guided by regular consultations with legal counsel specializing in insurance law, to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.

By acknowledging and addressing these risks, TrustShield Insurance Agency ensures that it is positioned for resilience in the face of challenges, safeguarding our operations, reputation, and financial strength now and into the future.

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Insurance Agency Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Financial Service Industry » Insurance Agency

Are you about starting an insurance agency ? If YES, here is a complete sample insurance agency business plan template & feasibility study you can use for FREE .

To become an Independent insurance agent means that you have an insurance agency. The agents are also known as insurance sales agents.

These folks are involved in the sale of a variety of insurance and financial products; some of the products they deal in include; property insurance and casualty insurance, life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance.

Insurance agencies sell insurance policies that defend individuals and businesses from financial loss that is brought about as a result of automobile accidents, fire, theft, storms, and other events that can damage property.

This is one of the reasons why many people have become so inclined to insurance that they dare not live without it. Therefore, this is one of the areas where having an insurance agency comes in handy.

A Sample Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Industry overview.

The insurance industry is wide and global in nature; there are numerous aspects anyone interested in starting an insurance agency could choose to specialize in.

For instance; in the United States of America and even in Canada, pet insurance is one aspect of insurance that is gradually opening up and it is interesting to state that it is a very promising market.

Anyone looking towards starting an insurance agency has the option to choose an area of insurance to specialize in or they could choose to start a general insurance company; an insurance company that is involved in the selling of life insurance policies, health insurance policies, auto/car insurance policy and liability insurance amongst others.

The united states of America have the largest insurance market in the world as indicated by the volume of premium payments.

Statistics show that in 2013 alone, out of the total sum of 4.640 trillion US dollars of gross premiums written on a global scale, 1.274 trillion US dollars which translates to 27% were actually written in the United States of America.

This goes to show how big the insurance industry is in the United States of America. Independent insurance agents characteristically show a lot about insurance companies that meet the needs of their clients.

Running an insurance agency means that insurance agents have to be very well trained and knowledgeable about the difficulties of the insurance market and insurance law.

Getting a hang of this means that an insurance agent is able to advise their clients about appropriate amounts of insurance and insurance coverage for their particular needs.

More often than not, independent insurance agents work hand in hand with insurance mediators, in getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and then they go ahead to license them off to the independent agents.

Working with an insurance intermediary service allows the independent agent to appraise many quotes and offer their clients the best policy options ever.

There are a good number of major trade organizations that back the interests and needs of the independent insurance agent; some of them are Agents for Change, The National Organization of Life and Health Agents (NOLHA), the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, amongst many others.

Starting an insurance agency is a wonderful idea, but a whole lot has to be in place and it includes; getting an insurance license from the organization regulating the insurance industry like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners that regulates the industry.

No doubt, the process of obtaining an insurance agency license might not come too easy, because of the laid down criteria in which the whole process entails an insurance licensure examination is required if you want to start an insurance agency.

If you are serious and determined, you could write and pass the exam in one sitting, but if not, then you should be ready to take the exams over and over again. The bottom line is that these exams do not come cheap; so you must prove your worth before you can be issued a license.

In some countries trust is one of the key factors that may want to slow down the growth of the insurance agencies. Apart from that, then the insurance agencies just like insurance companies are really growing. The industry is a very profitable one with a lot of room for more prospects.

Executive Summary

May Flora brokers is a general insurance agency and were incorporated under United States law as a private Limited Liability Company. It has plans in the nearest future to transform into a public limited liability company. This is so that we can get listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

We will launch the business in heart of New York City – New York where we will have our headquarters and later spread to other major cities in the United States of America.

May Flora Insurance brokers were established with the sole directive of conducting insurance businesses in a highly professional, ethical, and customer-driven approach. We are aware that businesses these days require diverse and sophisticated approaches, which is why we will offer our clients the very best of deals at all times, and all around the year.

We are glad to find ourselves in a hub like the New York insurance market and this is why we have decided to kick start by dealing in various insurance policy covers such as:

Life and Annuities Insurance, Health/Medical Insurance, Car / Vehicle Insurance, Pet Insurance, Agricultural Insurance, Aviation Insurance, Financial Reinsurance, Guaranteed Asset Protection Insurance, Group Insurance, Inland Marine Insurance/Marine Insurance/Shipping Insurance, Travel Insurance, Liability Insurance/ Professional Liability Insurance and Property and Casualty Insurance, and what have you.

At May Flora Brokers, our client’s best interests come first, and everything we do is guided by our professional ethics. We will ensure that we are committed to competence, integrity, innovation, and excellent customer service. We will also guarantee that we only hire employees who are well experienced to help us drive the business.

We plan to hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will promote a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees, and for our clients.

May Flora is poised at all times to demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

May Flora brokers were founded by a group of New York-based investors led by Andrew Basher, Andy Ruthless, and Mr. Ruddy Frumpy. The organization will be managed by these three, as well as other partners who will work in the background. Andy Basher graduated from the University of California – Berkley (First Degree), Brock School of Business at Stamford University (MBA), and University of Harvard (PhD.).

He has extensive experience in a senior managerial role with some of the world’s leading insurance companies. He will be bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to help grow May flora Brokers to become a world-class insurance company.

Our Product and Services

May flora Brokers is going to offer varieties of insurance products and services within the scope of the insurance industry in the United States of America.

Our intention in starting our insurance agency is to make profits from the United States market and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the U.S. to achieve our aim and business goals. Our products and service offers are listed below;

• Life and Annuities Insurance policy cover
• Health/Medical Insurance policy cover
• Car/Vehicle Insurance policy cover
• Pet Insurance policy cover
• Agricultural Insurance policy cover
• Aviation Insurance policy cover
• Financial Reinsurance
• Guaranteed Asset Protection Insurance policy cover
• Group Insurance
• Inland Marine Insurance/Marine Insurance/Shipping Insurance
• Travel Insurance policy cover
• Liability Insurance/ Professional Liability Insurance
• Property and Casualty Insurance policy cover
• Consulting and Advisory Services (Within the Insurance Business)

Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to be one of the foremost insurance brokers to make available a wide range of insurance products at an affordable price in the United States of America.
• Our mission is to be listed as amongst the top 20 insurance companies based on revenue generations ( premium collections et al ), trust, and ease of doing business.
• We will ensure that our clients get their claims as when due without unnecessary delays.

Our Business Structure

We plan to use the best structures to build our insurance agency. This is vital because we want to be known as a standard organization. May flora Brokers will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our insurance agency. We will leave no stone unturned in seeing that we hire competent hands to help us build the business of our dream.

The fact that we want to become one of the leading insurance agency brands in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well–structured business from the onset. Below is the business structure that we will build May flora insurance brokers on;

• Chief Executive Officer

Legal Secretary

Head of Premium Collections

Head of Claims

Admin and HR Manager

• Marketing Executive
• Customer Care Officer

Front Desk Officer

Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Office – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board
• Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
• Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics; coordinating case preparation.
• Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems; records meeting discussions; maintains transcripts; documents and maintains evidence.
• Responsible for the collection of premiums for the organization
• Works with software developers to develop efficient and easy-to-use premium collection software
• Advises the organization from time to time on how to improve and increase premium collections
• Collaborates with the head of sales and marketing to ensure that our insurance policies holders do not allow their policies to lapse
• Follows up on premium payment and send reminders from time to time to our policyholders to pay their premium
• Responsible for resolving any premium issues with our bank and policyholders.
• Responsible for the payment of claims to policyholders that files for claims
• Ensures that proper investigations are carried out before claims are paid
• Reviews the organizations’ claims policy from to time to time to make it efficient and measure up with best practices in the industry.
• Keeps proper record of claims that are paid out by the organization
• Supervises the claims department
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation, and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings, and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of daily office activities.

Marketing/Sales Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocating for the customer’s needs, and communicating with clients
• Develops, executes, and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides management with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risk analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as an internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS, or phone) provide the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with students on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the school coordinator in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the schools’ products, promotional campaigns, etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to students when they make inquiries
• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Receives parcels/documents for the organization
• Handles inquiries via e-mail and phone calls
• Distributes mail in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the Admin / HR manager

SWOT Analysis

May flora insurance brokers know that it will be in our best interest to identify our strengths and weaknesses; this is exactly why we engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist the firm in building a well–structured insurance agency that can favorably compete in the highly competitive insurance industry/market in the United States.

Part of what our team of business consultants did was to work with the management of the organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for May flora insurance brokers. Here is a summary of the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of May flora brokers. Before that, it is important to state that we have taken this really seriously.

It is compulsory for a business to have a record of its core strength. Its core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that can go all the way to give our clients value for their money. We are well positioned and we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business. We also have an efficient and effective customized software application that will help carry out seamless insurance activities.

As a new insurance agency in the United States, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market; that is perhaps our major weakness.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the insurance industry are massive and we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way which is why we are going to be offering several insurance policies/packages.

One thing is certain, a weak economy is one major factor that is limiting growth opportunities for the insurance industry. Come to think of it, there is hardly any business or investment opportunity that does not come with its own fair share of threats and challenges. This is why most organizations conduct risk assessments on a regular basis so as to enable them to produce strategies that will help them stay afloat in the industry.

Another major threat and challenge that we are likely going to face when we start our insurance business are, of course, the arrival of other insurance agencies in the same location where ours is located and perhaps selling the same insurance policy covers as we do.

For sure if we have been able to come up with workable and winning strategies that will help us outsmart our competition in the location where our insurance agency is going to be located. With that, we are likely not going to struggle to grow our insurance company and also retain some of the best hands under our employment.

Over and above, just as in any other business and investment vehicle, economic downturn, unstable financial market, natural disasters, and unfavorable government economic policies can hamper the growth and profitability of an insurance company.

MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

One common trend is that, in the insurance industry, it is only the smallest insurers that exist as Single corporations. It is the practice in the insurance industry for most major insurance agencies to exist as insurance groups; they usually partner with holding companies.

This practice has loads of benefits and as a matter of fact, insurance groups are known to survive the turbulence in the insurance industry year after year and the survivability of single insurance agencies is pretty low. This is why you may hardly find an insurance broker that is not into the sale of various insurance policy covers ranging from motor vehicle insurance policies to pet insurance policy cover to marine insurance policy covers et al.

Another trend in the insurance industry is the creativity in premium collections. Most insurance agencies know that the survival of their business lies in the regular payment of premiums which is why they have to go all the way to put systems and processes in place that will help the collect premiums from the policies holders with ease.

If you keep tabs on successful insurance companies you will realize that they leverage on technology (internet and software applications et al) in running their business.

Our Target Market

Although May flora insurance brokers will initially serve the small to medium-sized markets in and around New York City – New York, that does not in any way stop us from growing to be able to compete with the leading insurance companies selling our insurance policies in the cities in the United States.

We hope to someday merge or acquire other smaller insurance companies and expand the sales of our insurance products and business beyond the shores of the United States of America.

As a standard insurance company, May flora has a range of insurance policy covers and we will also work hard to continue to add more insurance covers that are on sale in the insurance market in the United States of America hence expanding the scope of our target market from time to time.

Our target market cuts across people of different classes and people from all walks of life, local and international organizations as well. We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us the sale of insurance policies to the highly placed people and companies in the country and at the same to the lowly placed people and smaller businesses.

In other words, our target market is the whole of the United States of America and subsequently other parts of the world. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically designed our products and services for;

• Students, Young Adults, The Elderly, and Children et al
• Businesses and Entrepreneurs
• Blue Chips Companies
• Corporate Organizations
• Manufacturers and Distributors
• Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
• Research and Development Companies
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges, and Universities)
• Sport Organizations
• Entrepreneurs and Start-Ups

Our competitive advantage

A close study of the insurance industry reveals that the market has become much more intensely competitive over the last decade. As a matter of fact, you have to be highly creative, customer-centric, and proactive if you must survive in the insurance industry. We are aware of the stiffer competition and we are well prepared to compete favorably with other leading insurance companies in the United States.

May flora insurance brokers might be a new entrant into the insurance industry in the United States of America, but the management staff and board members are considered gurus. They are people who are core professionals and licensed and highly qualified insurance practitioners in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups insurance companies) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives. We will also give good working conditions and commissions to freelance sales agents that we will recruit from time to time.

SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

Starting and running an insurance agency requires aggressive marketing which is why you have insurance salesmen and women who are always on your neck to market/sell one insurance cover or the other especially if you live in the United States of America.

So to stay afloat in the insurance industry, you must be ready to spend good cash on marketing, advertising, and promoting your insurance products. Your marketing and advertising departments must regularly come out with new innovations and products that can catch the attention of your potential clients.

This is why when we were drafting our marketing ideas and sales strategies for our insurance agency, we ensured that we created a compelling personal and company profile that include the profile of our board of directors and management team.

The truth is that if you have honest, trustworthy, and successful professionals on your board, customers can easily trust you with their hard-earned money. In some countries trust is one of the key factors that is hampering the growth of the insurance industry.

Nobody wants to buy insurance policies, pay premiums,s and is not certain if they can get claims when the time comes. Here are some of the platforms we will utilize to market our insurance policies;

• Introduce our business (insurance policy covers) by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to individuals, investors, and corporate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines (insurance magazines and business-related magazines) and be available for insurance-related talk shows and interactive sessions on TV and Radio stations)
• List our insurance company on local directories/yellow pages (both online and offline)
• Attend expos, seminars, and business fairs to network and sell our insurance policy covers
• Leverage the internet to promote our insurance business/insurance policy covers
• Join local chambers of commerce around us with the main aim of networking and marketing our insurance products.
• Engage the services of marketing executives and sales agents to carry out direct marketing of insurance products.

Sources of Income

May flora Insurance brokers are established with the aim of maximizing profits in the insurance industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to sell our insurance products to a wide range of clients and also ensure that we don’t struggle to collect premiums on a regular basis.

May flora Insurance agency will generate income by selling the following insurance policy covers to both individuals and organizations;

• Liability Insurance/Professional Liability Insurance

Sales Forecast

As long as there are people living in the United States of America and businesses starting and growing in the U.S., they will always purchase one insurance policy cover or the other.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in the U.S. and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income/profits from the first six months of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond New York City, New York to other states in the U.S. and even the global market.

We have been able to critically examine the insurance market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in New York.

Below is the sales projection for Mutual Trust Insurance PLC, it is based on the location of our insurance company and the wide range of insurance products that we will be offering;

• First Year-: $500,000
• Second Year-: $1, 500,000
• Third Year-: $3,000,000

N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry.

• Our Pricing Strategy

When it comes to pricing products in the insurance industry, there is an established trend and in most cases, it is determined by the risk involved in the products/insurance policy covers. The calculation is usually done by experts.

Despite the fact that there are expected price standards for various insurance policy covers, one of the easiest ways of getting into the market is to sell your insurance products a little bit below the industry average and that is exactly what we are going to do.

• Payment Options

There is the need to have several payment options. At May flora insurance brokers, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment with cash
• Payment via mobile money platforms

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

Publicity and Advertising Strategy

The insurance business just like any other business requires media hype to get people to buy into the brand. We are aware that our brand has to do with the way people perceive our organization to be which is why we are going to be deliberate when it comes to communicating and promoting our brand.

In promoting and advertising our brand and insurance products, we are going to leverage both print and electronic media. As a matter of fact, it is cost-effective to use social media platforms to promote our brands, besides it is pretty much effective.

Here are the platforms we will leverage to create brand awareness for your insurance company and to promote our insurance products in the marketplace;

• We will place adverts on national TV stations, Radio Stations, and Newspapers/Magazines
• We will run our own special TV program (insurance-based program)
• We will sponsor relevant community programs
• We will leverage the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Badoo, YouTube, Twitter et al to promote and advertise insurance products
• We will install our Bill Boards in strategic locations all around New York City – New York and other cities in the U.S.
• We will engage in road shows from time to time to create awareness of our insurance company and to sell our products
• We will distribute our fliers and handbills to targeted areas from time to time
• We will send out introductory letters to multinationals, embassies, and diaspora organizations and networks in and around New York City
• We will encourage the use of word of mouth, especially from loyal customers
• We will ensure that all our vehicles are branded with our company’s logo

Financial Projections and Costing

When it comes to starting an insurance agency, you should be aware that the cost is two fold; the cost of setting up the office structure (including branches) and of course your capital base/capitalization. In essence, the nature and size of the insurance company you are looking toward starting will determine the amount you are expected to raise.

As regards the cost of setting up the office structure , your concern should be to secure a good office facility in a busy business district; it can be expensive though, but that is one of the factors that will help you position your insurance company to attract the kind of customers you would want to do business with.

These are the key areas we will spend the bulk of our start–up capital on;

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business – $750.
• The budget for insurance policies, permits, and licenses – $10,000
• The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Office facility in a business district in New York City with 6 months’ rent up–front (Re-Construction of the facility inclusive) – $50,000.
• The Cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets, and electronics et al) – $5,000
• The Cost of Launching our official Website – $600
• Budget for paying at least 10 employees for 3 months and utility bills – $200,000
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts, and Promotions et al) – $2,500
• Capital Base – 1 Million Dollars
• Miscellaneous – $10,000

Going by the report from the research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about 1.2 Million U.S. Dollars to set up a small-scale but standard insurance company in the United States of America.

Generating Funding/Startup Capital for May flora Insurance Brokers

Our insurance brokering form is going to start as a private Limited Liability Company but with a plan in the nearest future to transform into a public limited liability company so as to enable us to get listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In essence, the business will be financed by Dr. Wilcox Carrington, Mrs. Ruth Ferguson, and other members of the partnership.

These are the areas we intend to generate our start-up capital;

• Generate part of the start–up capital from personal savings
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for a loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $700,000 (from every member of the partnership with the bulk of the money coming from the lead partners Dr. Wilcox Carrington and Mrs. Ruth Ferguson). We are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

BUSINESS GROWTH: Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

It is easier for businesses to survive when they have a steady flow of business deals/customers patronizing their products and services. We are aware of this which is why we have decided to sell a wide range of insurance products to both big and small clients, individual clients, and corporate clients as well.

We know that if we continue to sell our insurance products and continue to collect premiums on a regular basis, there will be a steady flow of income for the organization. Our key sustainability and expansion strategy is to ensure that we only hire competent employees, and create a conducive working environment and employee benefits for our staff members.

In the nearest future, we will explore the options of either merging with another insurance companies or acquiring one or more insurance companies in order for us to increase our market share. We know that if we implement our business strategies, we will grow our insurance business beyond New York City, and New York to other states in the U.S in record time.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability>Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Application for Insurance License: Completed (Collected)
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts at various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID:  Completed
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All forms of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start-up capital from the founders: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers:  Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents:  Completed
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing/Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances, and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry: In Progress.

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Personal Insurance Agent Business Plan

Start your own personal insurance agent business plan

Plynthe Insurance

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Plynthe Insurance will be an independent personal insurance brokerage located in Peristyle Gardens and serving the adult population of the town with insurance advice, a variety of policy types, and selection from any insurance provider available on the market. The business will be launched by Kolem Plynthe, a newly licensed insurance agent, as a home-based business and grown in future years to a small office where Plynthe can collaborate with associate agents. Plynthe’s track record as a salesperson positions him well for success in the insurance business.

Plynthe Insurance stands to be a profitable business which will provide salary and dividends for Kolem Plynthe, its sole owner. Salary to Plynthe plus profits will increase moderately but steadily. The business can be launched without external investment or loans, relying only on Plynthe’s savings and personal borrowings. To finance expansion to an office, Plynthe Insurance will require a long-term loan taken out in its second year of operation.

Plynthe Insurance will judge its success on meeting the following objectives:

• Build revenues quickly in the first year of operations.
• Rent an office and add an associate insurance agent in the second year of operations.
• Reach revenues double in third year of operations with a reasonable net profit.

The mission of Plynthe Insurance is to create a more protected community by offering property, casualty, and life insurance to residents of Peristyle Gardens from a wide range of insurance sources.

Keys to Success

To achieve its objectives, Plynthe Insurance will follow these principles:

• Remain independent of direct affiliate ties to any specific insurance providers
• Think of each client’s needs holistically to consider all the potential risks in their lives
• Maintain a reputation of care, fairness, empathy, and expertise

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Plynthe Insurance is founded by Kolem Plynthe as a local, independent insurance agent providing personal insurance products to residents of Peristyle Gardens and its neighboring towns. The business will begin as a home-based business with Kolem Plynthe as the owner and only employee, and continue to grow through the establishment of a local office and the addition of associate agents to better serve the community. Kolem Plynthe is an experienced salesperson and newly certified insurance agent. The business will broker insurance purchases for property insurance (home & contents, valuable possessions, renter’s insurance), personal liability, and life insurance.

Company Ownership

Plynthe Insurance is founded and owned entirely by Kolem Plynthe. The business is currently incorporated as a sole proprietorship with a registered DBA, but will reincorporate as an LLC when there is a need to hire additional employees and open an office.

Start-up Summary

Plynthe Insurance requires very little in the way of start-up funding. Expenses include the licenses for Kolem Plynthe and the business, business insurance, stationery (business cards and brochures), and a basic website. Rent will not be required at the outset as Kolem Plynthe will operate out of a home office. Most of the start-up funding is required to cover operating expenses until break even is achieved halfway through the first year of operation.

Plynthe Insurance will offer the following personal insurance products:

1. Home and Contents:

• Homeowner’s Insurance
• Condo Insurance
• Cooperative Insurance
• Renter’s Insurance
• Seasonal and Secondary Locations
• Flood Insurance

2. Valuable Items:

• Other Collectible Items

3. Personal Liability

4. Life Insurance

• Variable Life
• Second-to-Die

5. Long-term Care

6. Long-term Disability

All of these products will be offered to individuals and not businesses. The insurance products will be provided by any of the major insurance providers in existence, with attention paid to smaller providers who offer specialized insurance products.

While offering these products, Plynthe Insurance will provide the following services:

• Consult with clients on their insurance needs to determine a course of action
• Assist existing clients with insurance claims and understanding their insurance policy
• Referring clients to additional providers who can reduce their risk (locksmiths, security professionals, etc.)

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

The market for personal insurance consists of all adult individuals, potentially, as there are products available which are appropriate for every type of person from the moment they leave their parents’ home to the day they die. Therefore, the market for an insurance agent selling personal insurance in Peristyle Gardens is synonymous with the adult population of Peristyle Gardens. In 2008, the population of adults (18 and older) in the town was estimated at 57,500. The town has an overall annual growth rate of 2% due to new developments in the town and an aging population with ever-increasing life expectancies.

Within this target market, the market segments on which Plynthe Insurance will focus include renters, homeowners, individuals over 40 years of age, and new parents/parents-to-be.

Market Segmentation

The market segments described include a great deal of overlap. For example, many adults over the age of 40 are also homeowners and the remainder are renters. The new parent segment are also either homeowners or renters, generally. Each segment has different needs for insurance products, however, and those who fall into more than one segment have a need for more than one product.

Target Market Segment Strategy

Plynthe Insurance will focus its initial marketing on those at the younger end of the spectrum, including renters and new parents/parents-to-be. The strategy will be to begin by selling renter’s insurance and life insurance to clients and then earn their ongoing trust in order to sell additional insurance policies to them as new needs arise. Younger clients will also serve as a longer annuity as insurance policies are renewed year after year.

As these clients increase in age they will have growing needs for homeowner’s insurance, valuable items insurance, life insurance, and, eventually, long-term care and long-term disability.

Service Business Analysis

The United States Department of Labor offers the following summary of the insurance industry:

Most people have their first contact with an insurance company through an insurance sales agent. These workers help individuals, families, and businesses select insurance policies that provide the best protection for their lives, health, and property. Insurance sales agents, commonly referred to as “producers” in the insurance industry, sell one or more types of insurance, such as property and casualty, life, health, disability, and long-term care. Property and casualty insurance agents sell policies that protect individuals and businesses from financial loss resulting from automobile accidents, fire, theft, storms, and other events that can damage property. For businesses, property and casualty insurance can also cover injured workers’ compensation, product liability claims, or medical malpractice claims. Life insurance agents specialize in selling policies that pay beneficiaries when a policyholder dies. Depending on the policyholder’s circumstances, a cash-value policy can be designed to provide retirement income, funds for the education of children, or other benefits as well. Life insurance agents also sell annuities that promise a retirement income. Health insurance agents sell health insurance policies that cover the costs of medical care and loss of income due to illness or injury. They also may sell dental insurance and short-term and long-term-disability insurance policies. Agents may specialize in any one of these product areas, or function as generalists, providing multiple products to a single customer. An increasing number of insurance sales agents are offering comprehensive financial planning services to their clients. These services include retirement planning, estate planning, and assistance in setting up pension plans for businesses. As a result, many insurance agents are involved in “cross-selling” or “total account development”. Besides offering insurance, these agents may become licensed to sell mutual funds, variable annuities, and other securities. This practice is most common with life insurance agents who already sell annuities, but many property and casualty agents also sell financial products. Insurance sales agents also prepare reports, maintain records, and seek out new clients. In the event that policy holders experience a loss, agents help them settle their insurance claims. Increasingly, some agents are also offering their clients financial analysis or advice on how to minimize risk. Insurance sales agents working exclusively for one insurance company are referred to as captive agents . Independent insurance agents, or brokers , represent several companies and match insurance policies for their clients with the company that offers the best rate and coverage. Technology has greatly affected the insurance business, making it much more efficient and giving the agent the ability to take on more clients. Agents’ computers are now linked directly to insurance carriers via the Internet, making the tasks of obtaining price quotes and processing applications and service requests faster and easier. Computers also allow agents to be better informed about new products that the insurance carriers may be offering. The growing use of the Internet in the insurance industry has altered the relationship between agent and client. Agents formerly used to devote much of their time to marketing and selling products to new clients. Now, clients are increasingly obtaining insurance quotes from a company’s Web site and then contacting the company directly to purchase policies. This interaction gives the client a more active role in selecting their policy, while reducing the amount of time agents spend actively seeking new clients. Insurance sales agents also obtain many new accounts through referrals, so it is important that they maintain regular contact with their clients to ensure that the clients’ financial needs are being met. Developing a satisfied clientele that will recommend an agent’s services to other potential customers is a key to success for agents.

The Department of Labor reports that there were 436,000 insurance sales agents in 2006 and that approximately 50% of them were independent agents or worked for brokerages. Urban areas tend to have a greater concentration of insurance agents. Peristyle Gardens has approximately 28 insurance agents (or roughly 1 for every 2,000 residents). However, these agents do not all offer the same products as Plynthe Insurance.

Competition and Buying Patterns

Customers seek insurance through one or more of the following:

• Referrals from trusted friends, family, and colleagues
• Brand names of national companies (Allstate, State Farm, Geico, Progressive, etc.)
• Local office location

The greater the insurance need of an individual, the more likely they are to seek a local office where they can meet with an agent and discuss their needs in person. For the target markets of renters and new parents/parents-to-be in Peristyle Gardens, the primary competition will come from national insurance carriers rather than other independent agents.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

To implement its launch in Peristyle Gardens, Plynthe Insurance intends to target clients on the younger side of the total potential market in order to build up a client base for long-term service. This is also a target market that is ignored by other local independent insurance agents, making it easier to establish a foothold in the market this way. This implementation will include:

• Advertising to new parents/parents-to-be (in need of life insurance) and renters (in need of renters insurance)
• Sell additional insurance policies to these clients as the years go on
• Maintain a high policy renewal rate and high client retention rate through excellent service

Competitive Edge

Plynthe Insurance will establish its competitive edge through a single-minded focus on personal insurance. By being and staying an expert on personal insurance products and providers, Plynthe Insurance will be a one-stop-shop for individuals looking to minimize the risks in their lives for themselves and for their families. To maintain this expertise, Plynthe Insurance will devote time and energy to training and course work, and will subscribe to trade periodicals and newsletters. Plynthe Insurance will also spend time learning about the specific risks and problems associated with Peristyle Gardens in order to better serve its residents.

Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy for Plynthe Insurance involves an initial focus on the target markets chosen, new parents/parents-to-be and renters. Renters require renter’s insurance and valuable items insurance. It is often the first time they will have purchased insurance in their lives. New parents require life insurance to protect their family and their children. Both groups may only purchase policies with small premiums at the moment, but their loyalty will turn into an annuity of renewals and opportunities to sell additional policies as they age.

To reach these target markets, Plynthe Insurance will engage in the following tactics:

• Advertising in Peristyle Gardens parent newsletters
• Posting flyers at apartment buildings
• Direct mail to apartment tenants and inclusion in books of coupons/flyers provided to new tenants
• Creating a basic website
• Search engine marketing: Bidding for keywords about renter’s and life insurance locally to come up in search results
• Yellow Pages listing

Sales Strategy

The sales strategy of Plynthe Insurance will be an aggressive one based on profiling and targeting individuals in the initial target market. Kolem Plynthe will have initial phone conversations with clients and then meet them at their home or office to discuss further. He will bring his laptop with him to all sales calls to search for insurance options for clients on the spot whenever possible.

Potential, actual, and past clients will all be managed through a CRM database in salesforce.com which will contain contact information and data on the relationship, and will generate reminders for follow-ups and next steps automatically.

Kolem Plynthe will encourage referrals through his interactions with clients by asking them directly and by offering gifts to those who refer clients.

Sales Forecast

By building business through Kolem Plynthe’s own sales work and then through an additional associate, the business is expected to significantly grow its revenue streams, especially in the target market of younger clients, in these first three years of operation.

The marketing activities listed in the Milestones Table are all intended to be low cost methods to establish an initial client base. They are intended as one-time activities with the exception of search engine marketing which will continue with a dedicated budget of $500 per month and advertising in parent periodicals which may continue with $500 per month devoted to it after the launch.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Kolem Plynthe will be the only employee of Plynthe Insurance in its first year. He will continue to direct the company going forward and will bring on an associate agent in the second year of operation. This agent will prospect, sell, and fulfill policy requests for clients and will answer questions of clients just as Kolem Plynthe will. However, Plynthe will manage the marketing and finances of the firm and will set guidelines for training and education which the associate agent must follow.

Personnel Plan

Kolem Plynthe will escalate his salary as the year goes forward. Although the business is currently a sole proprietorship, his salary is recorded to better illustrate the tax burden he will face. The associate agent will be compensated with a base salary, a 5% commission on sales, and a percentage of net profits which will increase based on performance. The associate agent will have an initial salary of $50,000 per year, but will be hired part way into the second year of operation.

Training for the associate agent (and future associate agents) will begin with direct, on the job training by Kolem Plynthe on sales calls. Ongoing training will include required course work to maintain certification as well as additional events in the community, conferences, and reading material.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The business will finance its growth from a combination of the free cash flows generated by the business and a loan taken out in the second year to finance the move to a small office space in Peristyle Gardens. Beyond the first three years, growth will be possible by adding more agents and moving to a larger office space when the initial space is no longer adequate (when a third associate must be added).

The business is not well positioned for a sale as it will be built on the expertise of Kolem Plynthe. However, profits may become extensive when the appropriate scale is achieved and the business can expand to additional personal insurance products or financial advisory services.

Start-up Funding

Plynthe Insurance will be launched with Kolem Plynthe’s own resources, including credit card debt, personal savings, and some credit extended by vendors providing start-up services.

Important Assumptions

This plan assumes the following:

• That younger residents of Peristyle Gardens will value the personal attention (coupled by the lure of the best priced insurance) offered by Plynthe Insurance rather than go straight to brand name carriers
• That enough young residents will remain in Peristyle Gardens (move from renting to owning) and grow families to make the focus on young residents worthwhile in the long run

Break-even Analysis

As shown below a low monthly break even point leads to break even from a profit perspective in the nineth month of operation.

Projected Profit and Loss

Net profit will be on top of a healthy salary for Kolem Plynthe, showing that the business will be well worth the small initial investment to launch. Gross margins are very high (as is standard for the insurance brokerage industry) and overhead is rather low. The main costs will be payroll for the insurance agents. Lower salaries can be paid in the future for new associate agents as less experienced, but malleable, agents are brought into the business.

Projected Cash Flow

The projected cash flow shows the business investing in additional assets (furniture, computers, equipment) in the second year and third year to equip the office. While the cash balance of the business is low, the salary paid to Kolem Plynthe will act as a safety valve and can be reduced if the cash is not currently available.

Projected Balance Sheet

The balance sheet reflects that assets will not need to be purchased until the second year when the business moves from the home office of Kolem Plynthe to a small commercial office space in Peristyle Gardens.

Business Ratios

The business rations for Plynthe Insurance are compared here against insurance agencies and brokerages (NAISC industry code 534210, SIC code 6411) of under $500,000 annual revenue. The accounts receivable ratio for the business is higher than the industry average as all accounts will be paid out of commissions from insurance providers after the policies have been processed and bills put through their systems. Also, the fact that the industry average S G & A expense and Advertising expense is much lower (as a percentage of sales) than that of Plynthe Insurance shows that the business can grow to a much greater scale, spreading its current relatively fixed costs over more agents and becoming more profitable in the process. As the business grows, this will be possible.

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• Small Business

The Single Best Insurance Policy Every Small Business Needs

Updated May 28, 2024 - First published on May 27, 2024

By: Ben Gran

• If you own a business of any size, in any location, and in any industry, you need to think about small business liability insurance.
• Liability insurance for your business is like liability insurance for your home or car -- it protects you from costly damages and worst-case scenarios like lawsuits.
• The best insurance companies for home and auto policies also often offer small business insurance.

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Small business owners don't usually love thinking about insurance. You're in business to make money, create products, meet people, drive growth, and generate forward momentum in life -- not worry about lawsuits, catastrophic losses, ruinous risks, and worst-case scenarios. But that's exactly why small business insurance is so important: it protects you from the unthinkable worst-case scenarios.

Let's look at what small business liability insurance is all about, and why your business needs it.

What is covered by small business liability insurance?

Business insurance selection guide.

Choosing the right small business insurance is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring your operations run smoothly in the face of unexpected events. It’s about finding coverage that fits your specific needs and provides peace of mind as you grow. The tool below is designed to guide you through the selection process in a friendly, straightforward manner, helping you secure the perfect insurance plan that safeguards your business’s future.

Here are a few types of risks and threats that you can protect yourself from with small business liability insurance.

Personal injuries (and lawsuits)

A classic example of why businesses need liability insurance is "what if someone slips and falls down the stairs at your restaurant, and sues your business?" Business liability insurance can help defend you against lawsuits, resolve personal injury claims, and pay medical costs for this type of unfortunate situation (and others).

Property damage

There are various types of property damage and financial costs that your business could be held liable for:

• What if you own a construction firm, and one of your employees accidentally damages a customer's home during a renovation project?
• What if you're driving the company car and you crash into a building?
• What if your moving crew accidentally drops a customer's TV and breaks it?

Having property damage insurance coverage can help your business run more smoothly. It gives everyone peace of mind that you, your employees, and your customers are protected in case of accidents, mistakes, or other costly losses.

Professional liability

If your business provides professional services, like accounting, consulting, or advisory services, you can get a customized business liability policy that covers you in case of a lawsuit for professional errors, mistakes, negligence, or misjudgments. This type of coverage is also called "Errors & Omissions" (E&O). The best insurance companies can help you get a liability insurance plan that covers the particular risks facing your industry or profession.

Employment practices liability

Once your business hires its first employee, and especially after you have many employees, your liability insurance needs become more complicated. Employment practices liability coverage can help protect you in case of a lawsuit by an employee -- such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or other issues with employment law.

This type of liability insurance is usually not included with a general liability insurance policy; instead, you have to buy this coverage as an add-on endorsement. Also, this insurance is different from workers' compensation insurance, which your state will also likely require you to have for your employees.

Why every small business can benefit from liability insurance

Small business owners have a lot to consider: customer needs, product development, staying ahead of competitors, maximizing marketing, beating sales goals, getting paid on time, managing cash flow, paying the bills, and making payroll . The last thing you need in your life is another costly, unexpected check to write. Or worse, a financially and emotionally draining lawsuit that makes you pay legal fees out of your own bank account.

Small business liability insurance makes sure you don't have to pay for all these costs yourself. No matter what size of small business you own, or what industry you're in, you should buy small business liability insurance.

Bottom line

Ready to sign up for small business liability insurance? An independent insurance agent can help you find a good policy. Or if you like the insurance company that covers your home and auto, check to see if they offer business insurance too. The best home insurance companies often offer business insurance coverage, as well as personal policies.

Small business liability insurance is not usually expensive (typical premium costs might start at $40-$55 per month). But it can save you many thousands of dollars and provide priceless peace of mind.

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Our Research Expert

Ben Gran is a freelance writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. He has written for regional banks, fintechs, and major financial services companies. Ben is a graduate of Rice University.

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• Business Insurance
• Best Small Business Insurance

Best Small Business Insurance Of June 2024

Fact Checked

Updated: Jun 19, 2024, 5:47am

We analyzed the official complaint records of 28 insurers and found that Allianz and Clear Blue are the best small business insurance companies.

A good policy will cover your small business for a variety of problems, like workplace injuries, stolen business property, fire, severe weather and lawsuits. But with all of the options available, finding a policy might seem like a daunting task. We can help you identify the best small business insurance companies.

• Best Workers Compensation Insurance
• Cheap Business Insurance
• How Much Small Business Insurance Costs
• How Much Does Workers Compensation Insurance Cost?

Summary: Best Small Business Insurance

What are the different types of small business insurance, how do i get the best small business insurance, how much small business insurance coverage do i need.

• How Much Does Small Business Insurance Cost?

Methodology

Other small business insurance companies we rated, best small business insurance frequently asked questions, next insurance.

Tailored policies for thousands of professions

A.M. Best financial strength rating

A- (Excellent)

How We Chose the Best Small Business Insurance

We evaluated complaint data for commercial liability and commercial property insurance collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the methodology for the ratings below.

• 28 insurance companies evaluated
• 102 years of insurance experience on the editorial team

The Best Small Business Insurance Companies

Complaint level

Extremely low

A+ (Superior)

While Allianz may be better known for insuring large global enterprises, small businesses can also take advantage of its insurance industry acumen.

• Provides risk consulting for all industries.
• Allianz’s Crisis Management team helps businesses navigate terrorism, political violence and hostile environments.
• Recognized as a Sustainable Insurer by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index in 2022 because of its work to integrate sustainability and climate actions into its global business.
• Does not offer small business insurance quotes online.

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Clear Blue Insurance

Clear Blue provides business insurance through partner agencies, not directly to small businesses. Available coverage types include all the essentials such as general liability, inland marine, commercial property and employment practices insurance.

• Operates in all states and Washington, D.C.
• Specializes in providing insurance programs by partnering with managing general agencies, reinsurers and others.
• Does not sell directly to small businesses. You’ll need to go through one of Clear Blue’s partner agencies.
• Does not offer business insurance quotes online.

You probably know Allstate for its auto and homeowners insurance but the company also sells business insurance with a stellar complaint track record. An Allstate agent can help you select the coverage that’s right for your particular business.

• Covers many  industries including retailers, food and beverage, medical, photographers and more.
• Can provide insurance for small businesses that operate out of homes.
• Website has lists of coverage types you may need based on your  industry.
• Offers online quotes for business owners policies.
• Does not offer online claims filing. You’ll need to call Allstate to file a business insurance claim.
• Does not sell workers compensation insurance.

Farmers Insurance

A (Excellent)

You’ll find a wide variety of commercial coverage types and the assistance of a Farmers agent.

• Provides useful information on its website explaining business insurance coverage types.
• Offers workplace safety videos and material, called MySafetyPoint, without extra charge to its business insurance customers.
• Has online business insurance quotes.
• You can submit a business insurance claim online.
• Does not sell business insurance in all states.

Acuity works through local agents to provide insurance for a wide variety of businesses, from hotels to auto repair shops to retailers and restaurants.

• The Acuity Nurse Helpline can facilitate access to the appropriate health care for your injured employees.
• Provides on-site loss control consultation and training.
• Offers a free online newsletter that addresses the specific concerns of truckers.
• Has a variety of videos with insurance information for various professions, such as construction and retail.
• Offers online business insurance quotes.

CNA has an excellent complaint track record. With over 300 coverage types available from CNA, you’ll have plenty of options to find the right business insurance fit.

• Industries that can be covered by CNA business insurance include construction, health care, financial institutions, law firms, manufacturing and more.
• CNA’s PrepWise provides a number of risk management services, such as cybersecurity awareness and ways to improve ergonomics in the workplace.
• Offers a pay-as-you-go workers compensation insurance option, so that small businesses can budget better.
• Offers online claims filing.
• Has a lower financial strength rating compared to other top competitors but still solid.

A++ (Superior)

As one of the largest insurers for commercial insurance on our list, Travelers also boasts very few complaints about its business insurance. Its wide range of commercial insurance solutions are available through independent agents.

• Offers TravPay, a pay-as-you-go workers compensation system that links your payroll directly to your workers compensation premiums, so you don’t have to guess the amount of annual payroll.
• Travelers’ TravComp is a workers compensation claims system that includes a dedicated return-to-work team of nurses and claims professionals with the goal of getting employees back to work quickly.
• Risk control resources include self-service material such as checklists.
• A variety of online services includes bills and payment histories, certificates of insurance and checking the status of claims.
• Does not offer online business insurance quotes. You will need to contact an agent.

Frankenmuth Insurance

Frankenmuth has customized, business-specific insurance packages for operations such as retail stores, manufacturing and small offices. Frankenmuth is a regional carrier operating in 15 states in parts of the Midwest and Southeast.

• Frankenmuth insurance is sold by local independent agents.
• Types of businesses that can be insured by Frankenmuth include retail stores, contractors, personal services and wholesalers.
• Only available in 15 states.
• Does not offer online business insurance quotes.

Cincinnati Insurance

Cincinnati Insurance sells its coverage through local independent agents who will tailor coverage to fit the needs of a business. Cincinnati’s business insurance is available in most states.

• Industries that can be covered include craft beverages, dentists, manufacturers, medical facilities, retail and more.
• The CinciPlus package combines expanded coverage types at a cost-savings from buying them separately. Cincinnati Insurance also offers CiniPak, which bundles coverage geared toward business types such as retail stores.
• Cincinnati’s three-year commercial package policy lets you lock in rates that won’t increase for the duration of your policy term. (Rates may change if your business’s needs change.)
• Complimentary loss control services can help you identify and manage workplace accidents, injuries and other problems.
• Not available nationwide.

Westfield Insurance

Selling business insurance in 21 states, Westfield Insurance has a notable track record for low complaints.

• With its Westfield Signature Series you can bundle together optional coverage types to address your specific business size and type.
• Among the top sellers of farm business policies.
• Only available in 21 states.

Chubb’s small business insurance targets small businesses with up to $30 million in revenue.

• Chubb offers insurance for operations such as cultural institutions, food services, health care, manufacturers, retail stores and technology.
• Small business owners may want to check out Chubb’s Business Owners Policy (BOP), which provides a blanket limit for property coverage so you have flexibility in where to spend a claim payment after a loss.
• Chubb’s BOP can be customized with coverage types such as flood insurance, electronic data liability, equipment breakdown, professional liability and other valuable protection.
• Only offers online business insurance quotes for businesses with a current or projected annual gross revenue of $2 million or less.

When buying small business insurance, your coverage decisions depend on your business’s type, size and specific risks. Common types of small business insurance include general liability, commercial property, and workers’ compensation insurance.

The Hartford

AM Best financial strength rating

ASK THE EXPERT

Insurance Lead Editor

Insurance Managing Editor

Michelle Megna

Start With a BOP

I recommend starting with a business owners policy (BOP). It combines three essential small business insurance types: liability insurance, commercial property insurance and business interruption insurance. It’s usually cheaper to buy a BOP than purchasing each coverage type separately.

Add Other Coverage as Needed

A BOP won’t cover everything, so I recommend adding more coverage types as necessary. For example, a BOP won’t cover car accidents. If you get into an accident with your work vehicle, you’ll need to add commercial auto insurance . Similarly, if you have employees, you’ll need to add workers’ comp insurance in most states.

Reassess Every Year

I think it’s a smart move to reassess your business risks every year. As your business grows, you’re bound to take on more risks, such as buying new equipment or adding more responsibilities for your employees. For example, you can add equipment breakdown insurance to cover equipment like refrigerators, computer systems and manufacturing equipment.

We recommend looking at several factors to determine how much small business insurance you need, such as:

• Your business type. Your industry has certain risks that are associated with it and you’ll need to buy the appropriate coverage types for those risks. For example, if you are an accountant who gives tax advice, you’ll want to buy professional liability insurance.
• The size of your business. As your business grows, you may need to increase coverage such as your liability limits. If you want to add an extra layer of protection, we recommend buying a commercial umbrella insurance policy.
• Your business location. You may need certain types of small business insurance required by law , depending on your city or state.
• Contractual requirements. Your client may require coverage such as general liability insurance, professional liability insurance or a surety bond .

The average cost of small business insurance is $57 per month, according to Insureon. That’s for a business owner’s policy (BOP) , which bundles general liability insurance, commercial property insurance and business interruption insurance. It’s generally cheaper to buy a BOP rather than buying each policy separately.

Your small business insurance costs depend on several factors:

• Industry. Industries with a higher risk will typically pay more than industries with a lower risk. For example, a construction company with multiple employees would cost more to insure than a graphics designer who works on their own.
• Size of payroll and annual revenue. The higher your operating costs and expenses, the more you can expect to pay for liability insurance.
• Number of employees. The greater the number of employees, the higher the risk of accidents.
• Location. If your business operates in a high-risk area with higher crime rates, you may pay more for business insurance.
• Building age and size. Older and larger buildings cost more to insure than newer and smaller buildings.
• Coverage amount and types. The higher your coverage limits and the types of business insurance policies you buy impact your costs. For example, if you have a business vehicle, you need to buy commercial auto insurance, which increase your overall business insurance costs.
• Claims history. If you have a history of filing claims for your small business, it could increase your premiums.

The best way to find cheap business insurance is to compare business insurance quotes from several different insurers. You can find business insurance quotes online or by speaking with an independent insurance agent.

Average Monthly Costs of Small Business Insurance

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Ratings methodology

We ranked business insurance companies based on complaint data for commercial liability and commercial property insurance in 2020. Complaint data is based on complaints upheld by state insurance departments in every state and collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

How do I know if I need small business insurance?

The vast majority of small businesses would suffer financially if they were sued or experienced a devastating loss, such as losing inventory in a fire. For those businesses, commercial insurance is a must.

Without small business insurance, you’d have to pay for the legal costs of lawsuits and find a way to pay for damage to your business property. General liability insurance and commercial property insurance are good places to start. Commercial auto is important if you have cars, trucks or vans that you use for business.

And workers’ compensation insurance is required in most states.

What does small business insurance not cover?

Certain types of accidents are generally excluded from small business insurance policies, including floods and earthquakes. You can typically buy separate policies to cover these types of problems, such as a commercial flood insurance policy.

Small business insurance also excludes coverage for fraudulent and intentional acts that you commit. For example, if you assault a customer, general liability insurance won’t cover your legal costs.

Do I need business insurance if I have an LLC?

It’s a good idea to get business insurance for your LLC . That’s because business insurance covers your business assets. For example, if someone slips in your store and gets injured, general liability insurance can pay for medical bills as well as legal costs if you get sued because of the accident.

While business insurance is essential for high-risk industries, such as manufacturing and construction, it’s also a good idea if you’re in a lower-risk industry, such as freelancing or bookkeeping. For example, if you get hit with a copyright infringement claim for one of your digital ads, your general liability insurance can cover your legal costs.

What type of insurance is best for a small business?

A good place to start is with a business owners policy (BOP) . It bundles three essential coverage types: general liability insurance, commercial property insurance and business interruption insurance . Combined, these three policies cover problems like accidental injuries and property damage, reputational harm, damaged or stolen business property, and income replacement if you can’t open your business due to a problem covered by your policy.

But a BOP alone may not cover all your needs. You may need to buy other types of small business insurance to cover the risks that affect your company. For example, if you have a work vehicle, a BOP won’t pay for repairs if you get into a car accident. You’ll need to add commercial auto insurance. It’s a good idea to speak with your insurance agent to make sure your business insurance policy meets the specific demands of your industry.

Do remote businesses need insurance?

Yes, remote businesses need business insurance to cover risks such as lawsuits, accidents and stolen business property. For example, if you own business property like computers and office furniture, you’ll need commercial property insurance to cover problems like theft and fire.

Your remote business may need other types of small business insurance. For example, if you visit clients, you’ll need commercial auto insurance. Or if you store sensitive data, such as client’s contact information and credit card numbers, you’ll want to consider cyber liability insurance .

Do you need a business owners policy (BOP)?

You need a business owners policy (BOP) if you want coverage for problems like lawsuits, lost business income and damage and theft of your business property. Without a BOP, you’ll have to cover these problems out-of-pocket, which could be financially devastating to your small business.

You can add other coverage types to your BOP. For example, if you drive a vehicle for work purposes, add commercial auto insurance .

Get Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best insurance companies and helpful information on how to find the best travel, auto, home, health, life, pet, and small business coverage for your needs.

Next Up In Business Insurance

• Best General Liability Insurance
• Types Of Small Business Insurance
• What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
• How To Get Product Liability Insurance?

As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.

• Best for customer satisfaction
• Best for older adults
• Best for long-term care
• Best for high returns
• Best for agent support
• Best for term life
• Why you should trust us

Best Life Insurance of June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Life insurance is as complicated as the policyholders and beneficiaries who use it. That means there's no single "best" life insurance company. Instead, you can find the best option based on what you want or what you prioritize.

Summary of the Best Life Insurance Companies

• Best for customer satisfaction:   State Farm Life Insurance
• Best for older adults:   Prudential Life Insurance
• Best for agent support:   New York Life Insurance
• Best for long-term care:   Columbus Life
• Best for high returns:   Allianz Life
• Best for term life:   North American Company

Best Life Insurance Companies of 2024

While there is no such thing as the objective best life insurance policy, you will be able to find the best insurance policy for your specific needs. Here are our picks for the best life insurance companies, whether you want to use your life insurance policy to build wealth through cash value or you're just looking for a term life insurance policy .

Best Life Insurance for Customer Satisfaction: State Farm Life Insurance

Bundling is standard, and agents often quote with multiple discounts.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Best in JD Power customer service ratings
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Company offers a range of different insurance products to meet buyer needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Agents are knowledgeable about its products
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Life insurance products are conservative and limited
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers may be subject to multi-year waiting periods before they qualify for full payouts on life insurance policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. State Farm agents cannot offer alternative options if State Farm is unable to bind a life insurance policy

State Farm is one of the insurance industry's most prominent insurers offering auto, home, and other insurance. Bundling is standard, and agents often quote with multiple discounts. Its term, universal, and whole life insurance products are no exception.

• Life insurance products include term and permanent life
• Ranks highly for customer satisfaction

State Farm Life Insurance gets the best life insurance ranking in J.D Power's Individual Life Insurance Study, with a score of 843/1,000. The company is also ranked A++ with AM Best for its financial stability with term, universal, and whole life insurance options. 

All State Farm policies have to be purchased through a State Farm agent. Your agent can help you bundle and save or buy one policy. State Farm is also among the companies offering "survivorship universal life insurance ," which means the policy covers two people, and it kicks in after the second person dies. Couples looking to maximize their death benefit for beneficiaries with one premium payment each month may enjoy lower overall costs.

State Farm agents can run quotes and compare options to find the right plans for each applicant. The range of options, discounts, and familiar name all contribute to the popularity of State Farm's life insurance.

Read our State Farm Life Insurance review here.

Best Life Insurance for Older Adults: Prudential VUL Protector Life Insurance

Offers aggressive financial plans.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states (New York residents may have different plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Buyers can withdraw money to pay for nursing home bills due to severe illness or disability
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Knowledgeable agents who can walk you through your options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Financial returns are limited
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited policy options for seniors and other groups who might struggle to find life insurance

The aggressive financial plans offered by Prudential may appeal to many younger buyers and those with a stable income. However, those with lower income or buyers who aren't sure about the financial system may be more hesitant to engage with Prudential. Like many other industry giants, Prudential is working to change this perception.

Prudential Life Insurance is available in all states except New York. New York residents can buy the Pruco Life of New Jersey VUL Protector plan. This plan allows buyers to pull money out of their plan to pay for nursing home expenses. Cash value policy premiums are fixed, so you won't have to worry about extra costs later on. Internal costs are low, which minimizes risk. Due to age, many older adults want a safe investment option for their money. Prudential VUL Protector invests to avoid loss. That also means you're not as likely to see big increases in your available funds outside of what you deposit.

Read our Prudential Life Insurance review here.

Best Life Insurance for Long-Term Care: Columbus Life Insurance

Offers lien method to makes it easier to calculate the financial impact of pulling money out early.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Buyers can pull money out for medical and other bills in the event of disease or disability
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Columbus uses lien method to simplify accelerated death payments
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Company offers a wide range of riders to customize policies
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may be higher than competitors
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Term policies are not guaranteed to be converted to whole

Best for long-term care and accelerated death benefits.

Columbus Life offers a wide range of riders to customize your policy with affordable premiums. The company also allows you to convert term policies to whole life insurance policies until the end of your term (generally around age 70). For this and many other reasons, customer satisfaction is high.

When using living health benefits (otherwise known as accelerated death benefits), buyers are allowed to pull money from policies early to pay for medical bills, living costs, etc. under certain circumstances. Most companies use a discounted death benefit, which reduces your final payout using two models. Columbus uses the lien method, which makes it easier to calculate the financial impact of pulling money out early.

Best Life Insurance for High Returns on Income: Allianz Life Insurance

Offers life insurance policies for foreign nationals with H-1B visas.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Plans offer high returns on investment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great for investment and long-term retirement planning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. May increase your income by as much as 20%
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Allianz offers plans for foreign nationals including H-1B visas
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans are meant specifically for high-income adults, alternatives may not be offered

Best for investing and high returns on income.

Allianz Life plans are geared towards high-income adults looking for more tax-free income. Allianz offers a 40% multiplier bonus with a 1% annual assets charge. In short, the professionals managing your investments take 10%. Overall, your investments would pull in an extra 14%-1% asset charge. This means you end up with 3% more than what you deposit every year your life policy is active. This plan offers strong returns when using a life policy to supplement your retirement savings. Allianz also offers specialized plans to grow your income by as much as 20% according to some estimates.

Of note: Allianz also offers plans for foreign nationals, including those with H-1B visas.

Best Life Insurance for Agent Support: New York Life Insurance

Offers aggressive financial products and extensively trained agents.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong life insurance options for financial planning and wealth building
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policies available nationwide
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Knowledgeable life insurance agents
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May require a medical exam
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers looking for more modest policies may not find the most competitive pricing

If you're preparing for a comfortable retirement or looking to build generational wealth, New York Life is one of the strongest options. If you have questions or genuinely want to understand your life insurance options, New York Life agents are among the most qualified professionals in the business.

• Life insurance provider with policies available across the US

New York Life Insurance agents go through extensive training before they ever hit the sales floor. What does this get you? Policies vary widely, and New York Life offers both large and small payouts. Some policies have significant penalties for early withdrawal, but taking a loan offers more options. Whatever your questions, New York Life agents are trained to offer comprehensive support giving you accurate information about its policies every time. The company comes in at position eight in J.D. Power's latest life insurance customer satisfaction study.

Read our New York Life Insurance review here.

Best Life Insurance for Term Life: North American Life Insurance

Offers term policies alongside accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses and more.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers conversion for life policies up to 70 years old
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Term policies can be renewed up to age 95 for qualifying applicants
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not all term policies qualify for renewal or conversion

Best Term Policy.

North American Company offers term policies alongside accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses and more. The company allows one conversion on a 20-year policy at 15 years or 70 years old (whichever is earlier). The conversion cannot happen later than the five-year marker regardless of which policy you choose or the length. North American Company also offers a term policy with a lower premium renewable up to the age of 95 for qualifying insureds.

Types of Life Insurance

While there's many different types of life insurance policies , broadly speaking, there are two types of life insurance: temporary and permanent. Let's go over each in detail.

Temporary life insurance

Temporary life insurance is often called term life insurance. This type of policy covers you for a set amount of time before expiring, usually between 10-30 years. If you pass away after your policy expires, your family won't receive any benefits. Additionally, your policy won't accrue cash value like a permanent policy. That said, some term life insurance policies offer a conversion from term to whole life insurance, so you can extend your coverage. 

Because its benefits aren't guaranteed, term life policies are generally cheaper than permanent life insurance. That said, the vast majority of term life insurance policies never pay out. on

Permanent life insurance

Permanent life insurance is an umbrella term for a variety of life insurance policies that will insure you indefinitely and guarantee a payout as long as you maintain your policy. Policy types that fall under permanent life insurance includes:

• Whole life insurance
• Universal life insurance
• Variable life insurance
• Variable universal life insurance
• Simplified life insurance
• Guaranteed issue life insurance

These policies vary widely in purpose and intended buyers, but all guarantee death benefits to your loved ones. Some permanent life insurance policies, like whole, universal, and variable have a cash value component , which you can use as a savings tool or to leave your heirs a larger death benefit.

How to Pick the Best Life Insurance Policy for You

Finding the right fit in life insurance starts with finding a trusted insurance agent. Because there are so many state regulations, shopping for homeowners or auto insurance can be easily done online. Life insurance is not required. So it's a voluntary purchase. Many buyers don't know what they need or when they need it. Before making your selection, consider a few things:

Some companies will sell you a policy for your child as soon as they're born. While this may seem morbid, early sign-up means lower rates for a policy your child could enjoy in the future. Regardless, early sign-up equates to more policy for lower premiums and a higher likelihood of acceptance. At 20, you may be healthier and be able to pay into the policy for a longer period compared to when you're 50 with more age-related conditions.

As a general rule, never agree to more than you can afford. For the average life insurance agent, their job is to sell you a large policy with a large commission. Consider not only how much you make now, but how likely your current income is to continue. If you work on a project basis and your project is scheduled to end in 12 months, you may want to reconsider a policy premium outside your monthly savings.

How much are you prepared to buy? Some people only want a small policy to cover funerals and other end-of-life expenses. Others build a life policy into their retirement plan. Whatever direction you're going, involving a financial planner could help you make the right decisions. Depending on the carrier, customers can also compare set limits with index universal life policies, which set no limit. These policies never expire, and the value builds over the entirety of your life.

Living Benefits

Life happens unexpectedly. You could be healthy one day and in the hospital the next. Many life policies offer living benefits. These allow you to draw a limited amount out of your policy to cover medical and other bills you cannot pay while sick.

Much like a 401(k), many life insurance policies have penalties for early withdrawal. No matter what policy you want, this question is critical to an informed decision. It's a question of how early you can withdraw and how much you'll lose from the total to have the money in 10 years instead of 30 or after death.

Some policies require insured parties to pay premiums for at least one year before any significant payout would be available. Suicide exclusions are common. Even with no medical exam policies, the company may still do a check for known conditions. An insurance company has to mitigate its risk.

Flexibility

Once you've been denied a life insurance policy, a mark goes on your record. No matter the reasons, other insurance companies may deny you coverage based on the first denial. So consider your whole situation and choose your policy carefully before you submit any applications. Some policies have greater flexibility if you lose your job or otherwise can't make payments. Others will lapse if you miss even one payment.

Payment Type

Even within whole life or term life insurance policies, customers have the option to choose guaranteed fixed or variable rates. Some have guaranteed payouts, but you'll need to ask your agent for details.

What is your intended use? Why are you shopping for a life insurance policy in the first place, and what are your goals? Many successful financial planners also have a background in life insurance. So while they may not be able to find you a specific life insurance policy, financial planners can help you set out a blueprint for your purchase.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Best Life Insurance Companies

In life insurance, it's easy to get "sold a bill of goods." Many life insurance agents pass a state test to be thrown into the deep end. Agents sell the company product, but not all know the products. In this vein, we look at the products each company offers. We also look at agent training.

A good life insurance agent may not volunteer all facts upfront. But a company's agents should answer questions about its products accurately and in a way the average consumer can digest. Agents should be able to inform you about the long-term benefits and limitations. This will help customers find the right policy for their long-term plan.

We consider affordability, policy sizes available, and performance for a comprehensive assessment in our insurance rating methodology . If you can, we recommend also working with a financial advisor to make a plan for your future with life insurance.

Our Expert Panel for The Best Life Insurance Companies

To inform our choices for the best life insurance companies, we spoke with the following experts:

• Paul LaPiana , head of product at MassMutual
• Barbara Pietrangelo , CFP, CLU, and chair of the nonprofit Life Happens
• Wykeeta Peel , Corporate Vice President and Market Manager, African American Market Unit at New York Life

The Experts' Advice on Choosing The Best Life Insurance for You

How much life insurance coverage do you believe the average buyer should have.

Paul LaPiana, Head of Product at MassMutual

"There are different approaches to determining how much life insurance you need. One is the 'human life' approach, which estimates the current value of your future earning potential. Another is securing specific coverage to pay off debts such as a mortgage or provide for the education of children. A comprehensive protection plan should provide the right amount of coverage over the course of your working life and into retirement."

Barbara A. Pietrangelo, Chair of Life Happens

"There is no one-size-fits-all life insurance policy because everyone is different. One way to get a rough estimate is to multiply your income by 10 to 15; another is adding $100,00 to that amount, should you have a child and anticipate college education expenses.

Your best bet is to talk to a financial professional or use the Life Insurance Needs Calculator on LifeHappens.org to analyze what's right for you."

Wykeeta Peel, Corporate Vice President & Market Manager African American Market Unit at New York Life

"As you consider what policy best meets your needs, it can help to answer four key questions: First, how much death benefit do you need? Second, how long will you need that coverage? Third, what is your budget (or how much monthly premium can you afford to pay?), and finally, what is your investment risk tolerance?

To determine how much death benefit makes sense, it's helpful to think beyond using life insurance to cover funeral expenses and consider whether anyone is relying on the policy owner's income to maintain a lifestyle, pay rent or a mortgage, or fund a child's education and for how long.

There are various rules of thumb regarding the right amount of Life insurance coverage. Some tips can be found online, but they only provide an estimate and don't necessarily factor in an individual's specific needs. In my opinion, human guidance, powered by technology, is required. Basically, it comes down to how much money your loved ones would need to remain on firm financial ground if your earnings were no longer in the picture and that is different for everyone."

What is the biggest opportunity you see for improvement in the life insurance industry?

"Increased accessibility through digital and other channels as well as through underwriting enhancements. Increased tailoring of products and features. And an increased emphasis on health and wellness programs."

"Having enough qualified insurance professionals to walk potential buyers through the multiple benefits of life insurance will be pivotal to the growth of the industry. Education is a key factor here, as professional agents also need to be able to explain life insurance and its benefits in an easy, digestible way, especially when there are so many misconceptions about life insurance."

"The need for life insurance is greater than ever. In fact, a recent New York Life Wealth Watch survey found that 37% of adults have been thinking about life insurance more often these days – and half of adults report that financial products that provide protection (50%) and reliability (50%) are more important now compared to last year. This may be especially true for middle-market and Cultural Market families.

Our organizational structure of having Cultural Market agents embedded in the communities where we live and work allows us to understand the needs of diverse communities and develop solutions that resonate with them."

What advice would you give to buyers who are debating whether or not to buy life insurance?

"It is difficult to say with any certainty how healthy you will be years from now. That's why securing life insurance, and insuring your insurability, today, when you are the youngest you'll ever be again, and perhaps your healthiest is a wise decision."

"Do you love someone? If the answer is yes, then life insurance is certainly something you should consider. Many buy gifts and experiences to express their love, but haven't considered that life insurance is just another way to say I love you. Nothing says support like ensuring your family's financial security and peace of mind."

"If you have someone depending on your income, you should consider purchasing life insurance. A death benefit from a life insurance policy can replace income from the loss of a breadwinner, ensure a family can stay in their home, fund educational or retirement expenses, address debt and so much more.

A life insurance policy can also help you grow your family's wealth over time. Once the risk of an unexpected loss has been managed, you can begin to think more broadly about your family's financial future. Life insurance can enable your mindset to shift from death to growth."

What's the most important thing buyers should look for when choosing a life insurance agent/company to buy from?

"With life insurance, you are securing a future commitment that may be decades away. Research the company behind the policy to ensure it has high financial strength ratings, longevity, and an excellent track record of paying claims."

"When looking for an insurance agent or company, be sure to do your research. When comparing companies, be sure to remember that the policy features that fit you and your loved ones best is the most important factor. Don't automatically assume you should buy from the higher-rated company.

If the policy from the other company has more of what you're looking for, it might be the better choice. If you're unsure where to start, try the Life Happens Agent Locator to find an insurance professional in your area."

• "The insurers' track record: At its core, life insurance is protection - a hedge against the unexpected - and you are paying premiums in exchange for the promise that the insurer will be there when you need them, so the financial strength and track record of the company backing your policy is critical.
• Customer service: Are service professionals available by phone and digital channels? Is there is an online dashboard where you can manage your policy? Beyond ensuring assistance is available after you purchase a policy, it's also critical to ensure you have access to trusted advice and guidance before you buy.
• Flexibility in conversion: How easy is it to change? Life can be unpredictable and while term insurance can cover your loved ones through a critical period of time, you may decide that access to cash value is an important piece of your strategy.
• Accelerated online applications : Online applications are convenient but don't replace human guidance. Keep in mind that accelerated online applications may have a maximum coverage amount, meaning that you may not be able to get all the coverage you may need exclusively through an online process.
• A range of payment options: It's important to understand how often you're required to make premium payments and whether and how often you can change the frequency of payments."

Best Life Insurance FAQs

According to JD Power's 2023 life insurance study, State Farm is the highest-rated life insurance company when it comes to overall customer satisfaction. However, you still may want to shop around for quotes from various insurers if you're looking to purchase a new policy.

There isn't one best life insurance company, because the best option for you will depend on the type of policy you're looking for. It's best to work with a qualified insurance agent to help you find the best coverage. If you're deciding between multiple similar options, it's also worth consulting J.D. Power's life insurance customer satisfaction study . The latest study ranks State Farm as the top pick for individual life insurance, outpacing Nationwide by three points.

The best type of life insurance policy for you will differ from someone else's, as your policy should be tailored to your needs. The best policy for you will be affordable and will offer the benefits best suited to your situation. For example, some policies are only meant to cover end-of-life expenses such as burial and funeral arrangements, whereas others include living benefits like a cash value insurance plan , which you can borrow against during your lifetime.

Some life insurance policies are advertised as "no medical exam." This doesn't mean the insurer won't ask you about known conditions or look at medical records. Policies with no medical exam also tend to offer lower benefits with higher premiums. Most companies have a network of medical examiners, some of whom can come to your home. You can find our guide on the best no exam life insurance here.

Each situation is different and requires a knowledgeable life insurance agent to assess your best options. Bring all your questions and the coverage you're looking for to an insurance agent near you to explore your options.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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