Independent Agency Questions &Answers
One-question, one-answer guides to help you launch and grow an independent P &C agency. Each page includes a TL;DR, clear steps, and related answers.
Startup &Licensing
- What California licenses/registrations do I need to open an agency?
- How do I get a California DMV Commercial Requester Account (requester code)?
- What is a LexisNexis Node ID and how do I get one?
- What’s a trust account and how does agency bill vs direct bill work?
Markets, Access &Compensation
- Which carrier appointments can I access through Tague Alliance & SIAA?
- Do I own my book and expirations if I join Tague Alliance?
- How do commissions and profit sharing work here?
- What are typical personal vs. commercial commission ranges?
- What premium volumes do carriers expect to maintain appointments?
- How does AccessPlus/placement work before I have direct codes?
- Tague Alliance vs MGA/wholesaler vs other clusters: what’s different?
Operations &Tools
- What monthly startup budget should I plan for tech and ops?
- Which AMS and comparative raters do you recommend for a lean start?
- Do I need a storefront or can I start from home?
- How do VoIP, e‑signature, and video tools fit a digital agency?
- What E&O and cyber coverages does a new agency need?
- Can I run a fully remote, paperless independent agency?
Sales &Growth
- How long does it take to build a $1M P&C book?
- Captive vs. independent: who should switch and why?
- What marketing & sales systems should a scratch agency use?
- How does Tague Alliance help scratch agencies in years 1–3?
- What’s the realistic first‑year plan (quotes, binds, retention)?
- Should I hire producers early and how should I pay them?
- How do I build a perpetuation plan from day one?