Every year, independent insurance agents seek carriers who will provide them the necessary resources to succeed in the business. These entrepreneurs want dedicated business partners who will support them with a responsive support team, fast claims processing, and a knowledge base about their products. They also require insurance carriers who will treat their customers with the respect they deserve.
In this article, you'll learn about the top auto insurers and insurance companies that work with independent agents. Although there are dozens of insurance companies that work with independent agents, we have only highlighted twenty insurance companies.
Table of Contents
Here are a few auto insurers that accept independent agents:
- AmTrust Insurance
- Chubb Insurance
- Clearcover Insurance
- Encompass Insurance
- Erie Insurance
- Farmers Insurance
- FedNat Insurance Company
- Hanover Group
- Liberty Mutual
- Mainstreet America Group
- Markel Insurance
- Mercury Insurance
- MetLife Auto and Home
- National General Insurance
- Nationwide Insurance
- NEXT Insurance
- Stillwater Insurance Group
- Selective Insurance Company
- Travelers Insurance
- West Bend Insurance Company
1. AmTrust Insurance
AmTrust Financial Services is a niche specialty property and casualty insurance company. This insurer sells workers' compensation insurance solutions for small businesses. They also are among the top three warranty writers in the United States.
"AmTrust helps us out with payment options, claims updates and underwriting flexibility," said Agent Kevin Gazitua of the JAG Insurance Group in an AmTrust promotional video. "They give us the tools that we need to protect not only our family business clients but all of our clients."
The insurance brand says it is committed to providing its agents with the tools they need to grow their business. It gives commissions up to 20 percent on select industries. It also has a claims management team that has more than 20 years of experience per adjuster.
Insurance Product Lines
AmTrust Financial Services provides the following commercial insurance lines to customers.
Commercial Package Policy – It enables agents to customize products that meet the policyholder's expectations and addresses special issues regarding their business operations. It provides both general liability and product liability coverage.
Commercial Property Insurance – This protects your building, contents, business income and rental properties against commonly experienced losses such as fires, explosions, pipe bursts, storms, theft and vandalism.
Cyber Insurance – These policies help agents to help their commercial customers protect against losses and damages caused by cyber-attacks and data breaches.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) – These packages allow protect small and mid-sized businesses that have employment-related claims. Insured events include alleged discrimination, wrongful termination or demotion, sexual harassment and retaliation. They also protect against punitive damages.
General Liability Insurance – Small business owners can face risks like reputational harm or property damage due to liability claims. This insurance helps business owners to cover the cost of liability claims.
Workers Composition – This insurance policy offers a company's workforce by providing benefits to workers that get injured on the job. It can pay with medical care, lost wages, retraining and compensation for permanent disabilities. This insurance also covers slip and fall incidents, overexertion or heavy lifting accidents and strikes by objects. Additional accidents this policy covers include machinery-related accidents, fires, explosions, transportation, exposure to chemicals and workplace violence.
2. Chubb
Chubb is an insurance company that insures high-end homes, automobiles and commercial lines. The company launched in 1792 when merchants Samuel Blodget and Ebenezer Hazard decided to launch a marine insurance business.
Chubb started off providing insurance coverage for buildings damaged by fires. Later, they began insuring personal property. Eventually, Chubb expanded to become the largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company in the world. It has operations in 54 countries and territories.
The multinational insurance company has executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations. Chubb also offers commercial lines in the United States. Today, it has more than $197 billion in assets with a reported $41 billion in gross premiums.
Chubb pays standard commissions to brokers and independent agents. Additionally, it has several agreements with brokers or independent agents to pay additional commission percentages on certain coverages. It provides contingent commissions to brokers based on several policies or the dollar value of premiums with Chubb.
These individuals are also eligible for the Chubb Cornerstone Producer designation. The company provides these agents who meet these criteria with marketing support, access to specialists, liaisons, educational opportunities, information services and vendor discounts.
Chubb also awards commissions based on the retention rate or renewal rate of policies. Chubb also gives commissions when a business keeps sufficient business with the insurer.
Insurance Product Lines
Chubb offers several insurance product lines to individuals, families and commercial enterprises. They include:
Car Insurance – Chubb provides Masterpiece Auto Coverage, which they say sets them apart from other car insurance companies. Auto owners can choose to purchase a car insurance policy based on the value of their vehicle and guarantee it before a covered loss occurs. This means a person can get a check for that amount, regardless of the age or mileage of the car or policy period. The insurer pays for the Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts to restore vehicles to their pre-claim condition. Chubb also has Collision Repair Experts. Considered one of the best car insurance companies, Chubb will oversee all a vehicle's repairs to ensure mechanics return it to its original condition.
Condos and Co-Op Coverage – Chubb provides comprehensive coverage for co-op and condo owners. The insurer offers Extended Replacement Cost coverage for upgraded details in a home, such as custom cabinets, appliances or state-of-the-art entertainment equipment. Chubb also provides loss assessment coverage if something happens to the policyholder in a common area property, such as a pool, clubhouse or lobby.
Home Insurance – Chubb's Masterpiece Homeowners coverage offers extended replacement coverage cost for a home to be repaired or rebuilt to its original condition, even if it exceeds policy limit.
Chubb provides temporary living arrangements, helps homeowners find a suitable home or hotel to live in while construction crews complete repairs to their home. They also offer risk consulting through complimentary home appraisals to note things that turned a house into a home. Chubb will award cash settlements when policyholders cannot rebuild their homes after a covered loss.
Renters Insurance - Chubb provides renters insurance that protects a policyholder's home and contents from water leaks, fires and unexpected events. It also provides rental car insurance anywhere in the world when your liability limit is $1 million or higher.
Additional Coverages – Chubb also sells insurance that covers damages to valuables and personal items caused by natural disasters. Other policies it offers include personal umbrella policies. They also provide cyber, travel, boat, art and rare wine insurance. The carrier also offers commercial insurance for multiple industries, including aerospace, agriculture, life sciences and others.
3. Clearcover
Clearcover is a Chicago-based, tech-driven car insurance company. It uses an API-first approach to deliver fast claims, easy settlements and convenient management of policies. The insurance company claims it has a dedicated Customer advocate team that helps them provide more affordable car insurance rates and better customer service. They are considered one of the best car insurance companies to work with.
In September, Clearcover Insurance Company announced a new partnership with the Smart Choice Independent Agents network.
Clearcover will offer their agents access to auto products in all 18 of the insurer's 18 live states. The insurer says it will provide its independent agents with a new insurtech experience. They offer an accelerated process to file claims, manage premium payments and allow policyholders to speak directly with Customer Advocates through their app.
"My favorite thing is the user experience," said Insurance Agent Taylor Byington in an interview with Clearcover insurance. "It feels like Clearcover is continually improving the user experience, not only for agents but for customers. That's a very big differentiator."
Aspiring agents can sign up for Clearcover's weekly webinar to learn how their customers can benefit from a partnership with the insurance company.
Insurance Product Lines
Clearcover provides several auto insurance lines that offer flexibility to its customers.
Alternate Transportation Coverage – This insurance policy provides your customers with money to rent a vehicle, take public transportation or other alternative means when a car is not drivable due to a covered incident.
Auto Insurance – Clearcover only provides six-month terms for their car insurance coverage rather than 12-month policies.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance – Clearcover doesn't currently offer homeowners or renters insurance. It refers interested parties to its insurance partner, Hippo, to sign up for those policies.
Rideshare Endorsement – Clearcover offers a rideshare endorsement. It extends coverage through Period 1 driving when a driver turns on a rideshare app but has not accepted a fare.
4. Encompass Insurance
Encompass Insurance is a subsidiary of the Allstate Corporation. This carrier specializes in providing auto and home coverage to customers. The company's origins started in 1999 when its parent company, Allstate, purchased CNA's personal lines insurance business. Allstate rebranded the acquisition as Encompass Insurance.
Today, Encompass is one of the largest casualty insurance and personal property insurance brands. It sells its insurance policies through a network of 2,600 independent agents. These dedicated professionals work with each client to meet their different needs and budgets.
Although Encompass provides insurance policies throughout the country, it currently doesn't offer insurance policies in Alaska or Hawaii. The insurer helps independent agents deliver quality insurance products to clients. According to the company's website, Encompass works with a select group of agents that desire to grow their businesses.
The insurance carrier offers team-based, collaborative relationships with its independent insurance agent network. It says it provides dedicated professional resources to help agencies flourish.
Insurance Product Lines
Encompass Insurance allows independent agents to offer several insurance lines to their customers. This carrier offers the following coverage offerings:
Auto Insurance – Encompass' standard auto insurance features include liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments and automobile death indemnity. Optional features include Ride Share Insurance, Accident Forgiveness, Roadside Assistance and other coverages.
Condo Insurance – Their standard condo insurance includes building property, personal property, family liability and guest medical protection. Other features include additional living expenses and loss assessments.
Homeowners Insurance – The company sells Surround Solutions by Encompass insurance. This coverage enables homeowners to protect their largest assets. Its standard options include dwelling, other structures, personal property, family liability and additional living expenses. The program also has additional add-on coverages for water damage, home-sharing, identity theft and more.
Renters Insurance – Their standard Renters insurance includes building improvements, personal property, family liability and guest medical protection. Other features include additional living expenses. They also provide additional coverage for water back-up, open peril contents, electronic data recovery and more.
Roadside Assistance – Although Encompass offers Roadside Assistance, this insurance product is only available in Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Idaho and Texas.
5. Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance is a publicly held insurance carrier that offers home, commercial and life insurance through a network of independent agents. Fortune Magazine ranked the insurer as the 347th largest public company in 2021. They too are considered one of the best car insurance companies to work for.
J.D. Power ranked Erie Insurance as one of the best car insurance companies in its 2018 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. According to Best's Insurance Reports 2021, It is the 13th largest auto insurer within the U.S. and the 12th largest home insurer based on direct premiums written.
This company has an extensive nine-decade track record of working with independent insurance agents. Every year, the insurer honors its exceptional independent agents by donating money to their favorite charities.
In an Erie Agent Recruiting video, several agents spoke about their experiences with the company.
"There's just something special about the relationship we have, as well as what we have with the company, "said Star Insurance owner Mic Starr. "It's a unique culture in our business, where that relationship is based upon an extremely high level of trust."
"One of the unique features that Erie has is the personal relationships that you have with your underwriter, your DSM, your claims department," said Carlos Ruiz of the CMR Insurance Agency. "I mean, you know people by first-name basis, not last-name basis. For me, it's important to know that they're there for any questions, any support that we need, and it's immediate."
Erie has posted several requirements that interested candidates must meet before they become an agent. It requires independent agents to have excellent communication and relationship skills. Prospective candidates must seek innovative ways to increase their business and solve their customers' insurance needs. Agents must also serve their communities through volunteer or charity efforts.
Additionally, the insurance provider encourages aspiring agents to expand their knowledge about their insurance products. It advises them to undergo regular professional training and education. It provides these resources directly to independent agents.
Insurance Product Lines
Are you interested in becoming an independent Erie insurance agent? The company offers several insurance products that include the following personal lines:
Auto Insurance – Their auto insurance coverage includes liability insurance, collision, comprehensive and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Unlike other insurers, Erie's insurance plans include pet coverage, auto glass repair, locksmith services, roadside and rental bundles and personal item coverage. Customers won't have to pay a higher car insurance premium to receive these perks. Your customers can also boost their coverage limits with Erie Auto Plus.
Boat Insurance – This coverage is a great choice for people who own powerboats, houseboats, outboard motorboats and personal watercraft (Jets Skis, WaveRunners, and WaveJammers).
Condo Insurance – This type of policy provides coverage for financial losses if a condo or personal belongings become damaged by weather events, disasters, or other named perils.
Homeowners Insurance – This policy provides liability coverage that protects homeowners when someone gets injured on the property. It protects personal property from theft, loss and damages. It also provides structure coverage for the home exterior from weather, fire and other damage.
Life Insurance – Erie provides term, whole life, life insurance. They also sell annuities, estate planning insurance and commercial enterprises policies.
Renters Insurance – Erie provides liability protection for another person's property or medical expenses who became injured on the policyholder's property. It also protects personal property after a covered loss. This policy also pays for living expenses for covered losses such as lodging, food, and other costs while the construction crew finishes home repairs.
6. Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance Group is an American carrier that insures automobiles, small businesses and homes. The company also provides financial services products to customers. Their business currently employs 48,000 exclusive and independent agents. The Kiplinger Washington Editors awarded the company its #1 spot in Customer Service for 2021.
On its agent recruitment site, the company said it's searching for "entrepreneurial-minded individuals seeking to build their first business and invest in themselves." Farmers Insurance has several options for independent agents to open an agency: they can open a new one or purchase an existing one if they have enough capital.
The company claims it has an efficient system in place to support independent agents. It has more than 90 years of experience in best-in-class training for professionals. Additionally, it claims its insurance products provide agents with limitless income potential.
Farmers Insurance has a set compensation structure in place for independent agents. It rewards talent with monthly and annual bonuses and travel incentives. Additionally, the insurer provides professional coaching to help agency owners attain the professional skills necessary to grow their businesses.
The insurer has also constructed a University of Farmers. It is an insurance reference that arms agency owners with information about the insurance company and the industry.
Farmers Insurance views its independent agents as long-term partners. They believe that these agencies are legal assets for independent insurance owners. Entrepreneurs can pass these businesses down to a family member or another entrepreneur.
Insurance Product Lines
Farmers Insurance offers both personal and commercial lines of insurance to customers. Independent agents can sell the following products to clients.
Auto Insurance – Farmers Insurance sells standard car insurance and is one of the best car insurance companies to work for. Their car insurance coverage includes standard liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and comprehensive and collision coverages. They also offer medical payments and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in certain areas. Policyholders can receive car insurance discounts on their auto insurance policy based on their driving record.
Boat Coverage – Farmer's Marine Choice coverage can provide coverage for boating vehicles damaged in an accident. It offers Plus and Elite packages that pay for the Actual Cash Value of the boat if it's totaled.
Condo Insurance - This coverage can help with risks like fire and other named perils. It will pay for damages to interior appliances and flooring that a standard homeowners association's insurance policy won't cover.
Homeowners Insurance – Farmers Insurance offers three packages to homeowners that include the Standard, Enhanced and Premier packages. The company also provides a $50 declining deductible for each year your customer's policy remains in force. Additionally, customers will receive a discount if they are claims-free for three or more consecutive years, even if the client recently came from another insurance carrier.
Life Insurance - The company offers term, whole and universal life insurance. It also has Accidental Death coverage that provides benefits when someone dies in an accident.
Motorcycle Coverage – It also offers motorcycle coverage to help owners repair their bikes if a policyholder gets into an accident. Their Elite and Plus packages will help replace the bike if it's a total loss. Elite coverage will pay for the current market value of a bike that's less than five years old. Their Plus coverage lasts until the motorbike is two years old.
Renters Insurance - This insurance can protect a client's possessions and assets. They include coverage for small fires and damages to personal property. It also provides temporary living expenses when a client has to move due to a covered peril. It also provides coverage if a thief steals a policyholder's items or identity.
RV Insurance – The company provides insurance for recreational vehicles. Their Marine package covers boats (up to 50 feet), personal watercraft, Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners. Farmer's Off-Road package covers snowmobiles, dirt bikes, dune buggies, golf carts and ATVs.
Additional Insurance - Vacation Homes, Landlord, Earthquake, Flood, Business Insurance, Commercial Auto, Pet Insurance, Personal Umbrella Insurance, Travel Trailer Insurance, Mobile and Manufactured Home Insurance.
7. FedNat Insurance Company
Fed Nat Insurance originated in 1992 as the Federal National Holding Company and Federated National Insurance Company. These companies later merged in 2011, along with the American Vehicle Insurance Company, to become FedNat Insurance Company. It underwrites homeowners multi-peril, dwelling fire, federal flood and other lines of insurance.
This insurance company also underwrites dwelling fire insurance policies in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas through its SageSure Insurance Managers.
The company claims it provides independent agents and its customers with excellent service, competitive products, superior claims handling and a stellar team of experts.
Insurance Product Lines
FedNat Insurance Company offers the following insurance products to customers.
Condo Insurance – Although an Association Coverage protects the exterior of a condo owner's home, they are responsible for purchasing insurance that covers their interior. This coverage protects a condominium owner's items from weather-related damage, vandalism and theft.
High-Value Home Insurance – This policy protects homes whose value exceeds the costs offered in standard homeowners insurance policies. Independent agents evaluate each home to develop a customized, comprehensive, High-Value Home Insurance policy.
Homeowners Insurance – FedNat provides dwelling and other structures coverage for property owners on their homeowner's insurance policies. They also cover personal possessions that are damaged or stolen.
Renters Insurance – This coverage protects items that a landlord's policy doesn't cover. Renters insurance covers furniture, televisions, clothing, and other items when someone steals them or an unexpected event damages them.
Additional Coverages – FedNat Insurance also provides Flood Insurance, Personal Umbrella Insurance, Landlord Insurance and Extra Protection Coverage to customers.
8. The Hanover Insurance Group
The Hanover Insurance Group is an insurance carrier based in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1852, the company opened in Manhattan as the Hanover Fire Insurance Company based in Hanover Square. One of its early investors was author Washington Irving. The insurer appointed its first independent agent, Samuel S. Coe, in 1852.
The Hanover says it has a selective appointment process to find actively managed, growing agencies. They want to work with talented independent agents that are experts in their field and provide excellent customer service to their clients.
The company has an Agent Solutions portal that supports independent agents. The insurer provides the following support for agents and is considered one of the best car insurance companies to work for.
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Their consultants have expertise in a variety of best practices and risk management strategies for various industries.
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They have staff in every region of the U.S. who understand local, state and federal regulatory practices and guidelines.
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The Hanover also provides evaluation tools, training, and vendor discounts.
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Additionally, agents can request site surveys, loss analysis, technical research and expert control evaluations for prospective, new and long-term accounts.
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The insurer also hosts agency seminars, training programs and industry and association-specific webinars and training programs.
Insurance Product Lines
The Hanover Group provides the following insurance lines to its customers.
Homeowners Insurance – The Hanover Group offers its Hanover Prestige Program. In addition to its standard coverages, the insurer also sells additional options like service line, water backup and guaranteed replacement cost coverage. It also offers insurance packages for high-value homes.
Renters – This insurance product protects property and appliances that a standard landlord insurance policy won't insure. The carrier has three plans: Basic, Select and Select Plus. Each one covers personal belongings, loss of use and liability claims. The carrier also reimburses policyholders for building additions & alterations and medical payments to others.
The Select Plan also covers identity fraud, refrigerated products and lock replacement. Select Plus pays for special personal property coverage, water backup and sump pump overflow, personal injury. This plan also allows policyholders to waive the deductible.
Condominium – This insurance protects your condominium's property. The Hanover sells three plans: Basic, Extra and High-Value Condominium Coverage. Each package pays for personal belongings, loss of use and medical payments to others. The Extra plan boosts the policyholder's coverage limits, while its High-Value Condo package insures condos starting at $250,000.
Auto – The car insurance carrier offers the Hanover Prestige Auto Program. Their standard auto insurance packages include different options, including liability, collision coverage, comprehensive insurance, Medical Payments (MedPay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). The car insurance provider also offers deductible rewards through an endorsement. Policyholders can also sign up for their Newer Car Extender program that pays the full replacement cost for a new vehicle after an accident if it's three-car model years or less.
Additional Coverages - Hanover provides other coverages, such as Motorcycle, Recreational Vehicles, Watercraft, Home Business and Umbrella policies.
Commercial Policies - Hanover's policies for businesses include auto, business owners policy, cyber and general liability insurance. Other coverages include international, marine, professional liability, and property insurance. The company also provides surety bonds, umbrella coverage and workers compensation insurance for businesses.
9. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual is the third-largest property and casualty insurance company in the nation. The company ranks 77ths on the Fortune 100 list of the United States' largest corporations. In 2020, it earned more than $43.796 billion in revenues and a $758 million net income.
The insurance carrier launched its operations in 1912 as the Massachusetts Employee Insurance Association (MEIA). The company started after the state passed a 1911 law that required employers to provide employees with workers' compensation insurance. They are considered one of the best car insurance companies for independent agents.
In 1917, the insurer changed its name to the Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. The company also began to provide auto insurance.
Liberty Mutual has made strategic acquisitions of other insurance businesses. They include Safeco, National Borg Reinsurance, and AmTrust Insurance Spain. In July 2021, it boosted its independent agent network after it purchased State Auto Mutual Group.
In a company news release, Liberty Mutual said, "The acquisition will significantly expand Liberty Mutual's position as an industry leader for personal lines and small commercial insurance."
It has more than 10,000 independent agencies across the nation.
Insurance Product Lines
Liberty Mutual offers multiple lines of personal and specialty insurance coverages. Here are some of the insurance products it sells.
Auto Insurance – Liberty Mutual provides auto insurance for cars, trucks and SUVs. The car insurance package offers liability coverage, medical payments (MedPay), Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Collision and Comprehensive. Liberty Mutual also offers coverages such as Lifetime Repair Guarantee, New Car Replacement Insurance, Rental Car Reimbursement and Better Car Replacement. They offer additional coverages such as GAP insurance, 24-Hour Roadside Assistance, Original Parts Replacement, Teacher's Auto Insurance and Mexico Car Insurance.
Commercial Insurance – Liberty Mutual sells Commercial Auto & Fleet, Environmental Liability, Equipment Breakdown, General Liability, Healthcare Liability and other commercial coverages.
Homeowners Coverage - Liberty Mutual also sells a standard homeowners insurance policy that provides dwelling, personal, wind/hail and hurricane coverage. Add-ons include personal property replacement and water backup & sump pump overflow coverage.
Renters Insurance - Liberty Mutual's renters insurance policy covers damages from named perils to clothing, electronics, furniture and jewelry. Its standard coverage includes personal property, liability, medical payments, and additional expenses coverage. Add-on coverages include personal property replacement cost, blanket jewelry and earthquake damage.
Additional Coverages – Liberty Mutual also provide Motorcycle, Boat & Watercraft, Antique & Classic Car, ATV & Off-Road, RV, Umbrella, Pet and other types of insurance coverages.
10. Mainstreet America Insurance Group
Mainstreet America Insurance Group offers property and casualty insurance products to individuals, their families and commercial enterprises. They sell a range of commercial and personal insurance and fidelity and surety bond to people throughout the nation.
Mainstreet America began in 1923 under the name the National Grange Mutual Insurance Company. They provided affordable policies to Grange Fraternity members in New Hampshire and later expanded operations.
Today, the company has its headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. Mainstreet America writes more than $1.1 billion in annual premiums exclusively through independent insurance agents. They currently have an A (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating with a Stable Outlook.
Mainstreet America says it has an unwavering commitment to independent agents. The company believes that independent agents deliver the choice, guidance and support for customers shopping for personal and commercial insurance. They are considered one of the best car insurance companies for independent agents.
"At Mainstreet America, our mission is simple: to take care of our customers better than anyone else, "said Main Street America Insurance CEO Chris Listau in a promotional video to agents. "So what does this mean? An unwavering and enduring commitment to you, the independent agent."
He said it was evident in their comprehensive product offerings, ease of doing business, and dedicated customer service and sales support.
Insurance Product Lines
Mainstreet America Insurance Group provides the following coverage to its customers. Here is a selection of insurance options it sells.
Auto Insurance - The company provides standard liability, comprehensive, collision, medical expense and uninsured/underinsured coverages. Additionally, the carrier offers new vehicle replacement, full safety glass, and roadside assistance policies. Other coverages Mainstreet America sells include original equipment manufactured parts replacement, other valuable coverages, and loan-lease protection. Mainstreet also has Accident forgiveness and loan-lease protection.
Commercial Policies – Mainstreet provides commercial auto, business owners, contractors, workers compensation, and commercial agribusiness insurance. They also offer coverage for landlords.
Homeowners Insurance – Mainstreet America provides standard coverages like dwelling property, other structures and personal property coverage. Additional options include loss of use, personal liability and medical payments to others.
Personal Umbrella Coverage – This coverage extends the liability protection in the form of higher coverage limits. It also provides legal defense fees and coverage for most accidents. This insurance also provides payments for libel or slander judgments.
Renters & Condos – The company offers these policies the items of individuals that live in condos and rental properties. It also includes liability and medical payments coverage.
11. Markel Insurance
Markel Insurance is a diversified financial holdings company. Sam Markel launched the carrier as the Mutual Casualty Company in Norfolk, VA. 1930 to insure jitney buses. He later expanded this to cover long-haul truckers, a group that traditional auto insurance companies snubbed. The company later relocated to Richmond, Va.
This carrier is a good choice for independent insurance agents that want specialty insurance choices for their customers. Markel has 70 plus years of experience writing innovative property and casualty solutions for standard and hard-to-place risks.
Markel Specialty offers a range of loss control resources and services to independent agents, making it one of the best car insurance companies to work for. They support agents through commercial marketing materials and brochures that highlight program the company's coverages. Additionally, they have commercial underwriting agency support contacts for their commercial contacts.
Insurance Product Lines
Markel offers specialty coverages to its clients. Here is a selection of some of the insurance they offer.
Livestock and Equine – The insurer offers customized insurance policies for equine businesses such as horse stables, riding instructors, private clubs, farriers and other trades.
Personal Insurance - Markel Specialty offers a small selection of specialty insurance coverage for personal clients. It covers bicycles, classic cars, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, property, watercraft, weddings and events.
Sports and Fitness – These policies are best for individuals that run gyms, martial arts training courses, dance studios, yoga schools, health clubs, and other fitness-related businesses.
Other Industries - Markel also provides coverage for daycare/childcare centers, schools, commercial residences, commercial properties, professional liability and workers' compensation.
12. Mercury Insurance
Mercury insurance is a multiple-line insurance company that offers personal and commercial auto insurance to customers. World War II veteran George Joseph founded the Los Angeles-based company. The car insurance company began to expand in 1964, and by 1970, it sold more than $1 million in premiums.
Today, the insurance carrier operates in 11 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia. In 2018, it earned $360 billion in revenues and a net income of $728 million. Gabriel Tirador is its President and CEO.
Mercury has sold insurance through an independent agent network since 1962. The company says it values the risk assessment, judgment and customer relationships its independent agents make with their customers, making it one of the best car insurance companies to work for. Mercury also says it is committed to improving its technology to help make its agents successful, including the point of sales systems, third-party integration and other products.
Mercury also provides every agency with personal contact with a Marketing Representative who will assist them in their agency's success.
Insurance Product Lines
Mercury Insurance provides the following insurance lines to its customers.
Auto Insurance – Mercury provides competitive auto insurance rates and plans. Auto insurance coverages include standard liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments (MedPay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverages. Mercury also offers a Mechanical Breakdown and a Ride-Hailing Endorsement.
13. MetLife Auto & Homeowner Insurance
The Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company (MetLife) was founded on March 24, 1868. The 153-year old company is among the largest global carriers of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs. MetLife has more than 90 million customers in 60 countries. In 2020, it earned $67.842 billion in revenues and a net income of $5.407 billion.
The Farmers Insurance Group acquired the MetLife Auto and Home Insurance division in 2020. The business currently sells policies through 7,700 independent agents, according to Forbes Magazine and the S&P Global Market Intelligence. MetLife is considered one of the best car insurance companies to work for.
Individuals wishing to become MetLife Auto and Home independent agents should refer to the qualifications outlined by the Farmers Insurance Group.
Insurance Product Lines
Farmers Insurance has discontinued some of the policies offered by MetLife. For policy information, see the Farmers Insurance plans.
14. National General Insurance Company
National General Insurance, formerly known as the GMAC Insurance Group, was founded in 1920. It is the only insurance company to get its start within the auto industry. The company got its start as two companies.
The first was Integon, a life insurance business that started in Winston-Salem, N.C. The second was the Motors Insurance Company, founded in 1925 by General Motorist. They offered insurance coverage for damaged GM vehicles financed by GMAC.
In 1969, Integon began to insure high-risk drivers. Eventually, it underwent several ownership changes. GMAC acquired Integon for $778 Million in October 1997. They later became GMACInsurance Personal Lines. In 2013, GMAC Insurance changed its name to National General; Insurance.
In July 2020, Allstate acquired National General Insurance for $4 billion. The deal closed in January 2021.
National General is considered one of the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers and for independent agents who want to specialize in that demographic.
Insurance Product Lines
National General Insurance Company offers the following product lines to its customers.
Auto Insurance – The insurance company provides standard coverages including liability insurance, comprehensive, collision, Medical Payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist and Personal Injury Protection.
Commercial Coverages – National General also offers a Small Business Auto Plan to entrepreneurs.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance – National General offers Guaranteed and Extended Replacement Cost Coverage for homes. Guaranteed Replacement Cost Coverage allows homeowners to rebuild their homes when a named peril destroys their homes. They can complete construction even if it exceeds the original home's value.
National General also offers a Green Upgrade Plan that allows policyholders to replace your materials with environmentally friendly options up to $50,000. Additionally, they provide a free Identity Theft 911 service which helps consumers restore their good name for certain expenses related to identity theft restoration.
RV Insurance - National General provides RV insurance coverage that protects personal belongings. It also offers full replacement cost, permanent attachment, complete general liability, and storage savings coverages.
15. Nationwide Insurance
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company is a large group of U.S. insurance carriers and financial services businesses. Nationwide is also one of the nation's top car insurance companies. In 1926, the Ohio-based started off as Farm Bureau Mutual. This insurer provided auto insurance to more than 1,000 policyholders.
The company quickly expanded to West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Vermont and North Carolina. By 1943, it opened branches in 12 states.
Farm Bureau Mutual changed its name to Nationwide Insurance by 1953. In 2020, Nationwide's total revenues were $41.9 billion. It owns $256.6 billion in assets.
In April 2018, the company shifted to an independent agency distribution model by July 2018.
Nationwide said it builds long-lasting relationships with its independent agents, making it one of the best car insurance companies for independent agents. Engaging with their agents helps them to understand each agency's needs.
Nationwide provides resources that help agents' commercial insurance businesses to succeed. They support agents with simplified underwriting, deep expertise, and a specialized sales team.
Insurance Product Lines
Nationwide provides customized annuities and insurance line solutions to help meet the individual needs of your customers. They are renowned for its insurance for risk industries, such as the construction health industries.
Nationwide also offers loyalty rewards, discounts and other coverage options for each customer. Their lines include:
Homeowners Insurance – Their homeowner insurance coverage offers protection against fire, lawsuits, weather damage and other named perils.
Auto Insurance – Nationwide offers auto insurance policies that include standard options, such as liability insurance, collision, comprehensive and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The carrier also provides car insurance options such as accident forgiveness, vanishing deductibles, and roadside assistance. Policyholders can receive Nationwide auto insurance discounts to lower their car insurance premiums. Nationwide also offers discounts for being accident-free, taking a defensive driving course, and more.
Customized Annuities – This coverage allows your customers a variety of solutions like death benefits, optional riders and other solutions for your clients.
Renters Insurance – Nationwide's Renters Insurance helps individuals who rent apartments, condominiums or homes to protect themselves and their things. Some policies cost as little as $20 a month depending on the city, state, neighborhood and value of the possessions.
Motorcycle - Nationwide's policies help to protect the unique needs of motorcyclists. They provide rates based on year-round coverage. Nationwide offers custom motorcycle insurance plans that will cover up to 12 bikes on one policy with coverage limits up to $50,000 per bike.
Boat Insurance – Nationwide's boat policies protect fishing boats, sailboats, pontoon boats, ski surf boats, or other recreational boats up to $350,000.
Investments – Nationwide provides investments that include Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. They also offer retirement funds such as 401(k)/403(b), Governmental 457s and Post Employment Health Plans (PEHP).
RV Insurance – Nationwide's RV insurance includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and other coverage. These plans also include optional Roadside Insurance coverage. Nationwide provides coverage for motor homes, 5th wheels and travel trailers. Nationwide also provides RV insurance discounts.
Pet Insurance – Nationwide offers whole pet, major medical and pet wellness. Pet parents can select a complete care plan or choose an a la carte with medical and wellness coverage.
Life Insurance – Life insurance provides security to policyholders or their beneficiaries after they pass away or after a designated period. Nationwide offers term, universal, whole and variable life insurance to customers. It can help them to pay off a mortgage, pay for college and remaining estate taxes.
Additional Coverages – Nationwide also offers personal umbrella insurance, identity theft protection and usage-based life insurance.
Nationwide provides independent agents with resources and tools to help them make sales. Its Nationwide Express allows independent insurance carriers to quote multiple product lines (auto, home and renters insurance) as quickly as two minutes. Many claim it's one of the best car insurance companies for independent agents.
16. Next Insurance
NEXT Insurance is a carrier based in Palo Alto, California. NEXT helps self-employed, small business owners find affordable insurance coverage. NEXT uses AI technology created by data scientists, insurance advisors, product managers and designers.
The insurance company claims more than 100,000 small business owners across 1,300 classes of businesses. NEXT has worked with the following industries: restaurants, house cleaners, fitness trainers, business consultants, real estate agents, engineers and more.
"NEXT Insurance is lightning fast and was able to bind a policy in minutes. Amazing," said insurance owner Annick Selby Laurie to NEXT insurance. "Also, their partner agent specialists always call right back. This is so refreshing and changes the old way of selling insurance!"
To become an independent agent for NEXT, agents must submit a copy of their agency's license and resident license for a principal-agent. After they verify the professional's information, NEXT grants them access to their Agent Portal.
Insurance Product Lines
NEXT Insurance offers the following lines of commercial coverage to self-employed, small business owners.
General Liability Insurance – General liability provides liability coverage for commercial customers. It pays off bodily injury, property damage and advertising harm claims. These policies also cover court and legal fees, medical payments and libel, slander and defamation.
Professional Liability Insurance – Professional liability coverage provides coverage for your customer's business when it makes a mistake. It includes business errors that cost customers money, missed deadlines for projects, and accusations of negligence.
Workers Compensation Insurance – Workers comp covers medical expenses, lost wages, survivor benefits, and retraining. It also pays employees for permanent injuries when they can no longer work due to an injury. Workers comp also provides employers liability in case an employee files a lawsuit against you.
Additional Commercial Coverages – Other coverages that NEXT insurance provides include Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, Commercial Property Insurance, Business Owner's Policy, Hired & Non-Owned Insurance, Tools & Equipment Insurance, and Business Insurance.
17. Stillwater Insurance
Stillwater began in 2000 as the Fidelity National Property and Casualty Insurance Group. It was a former branch of FNF, a large provider of commercial, residential title and mortgage services in the United States. FNF decided to exit the property and casualty insurance industry after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma hit the Gulf region.
CEO Mark Davey decided to organize a group of investors and make a bid. They bought 85 percent of the outstanding shares of FNF's P&C insurance operations. Davey later rebranded the division as the Stillwater Insurance Group. Today, Mark Davey still serves as the company's CEO.
The insurance group has three separate operations: Stillwater Insurance Company, Stillwater Insurance Services, and Stillwater Property and Casualty Insurance Group. The company has headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla., Omaha, Neb., and Santa Barbara, Calif.
Stillwater says it offers customers and independent agents support before and after the storm occurs. The company provides independent agents with real-time access through the entire claims process. They are considered one of the best auto insurance companies to work for.
Insurance Product Lines
Stillwater Insurance Company provides the following insurance lines to customers.
Auto Insurance – Stillwater offers standard liability, comprehensive and collision insurance, personal injury protection (PIP) and Medical Payments (MedPay). It also sells additional coverage options such as rental car insurance and towing.
Commercial Insurance - Stillwater also provides Business and Landlord policies to customers.
Condo Insurance – These policies provide coverage where the homeowner's association's insurance stops. It includes personal property, dwelling and loss of use coverage.
Homeowners – This insurance helps make homeowners financially whole if their home is damaged, destroyed or burglarized. Their basic policies offer several customizable options: dwelling, other structures, personal property, medical payments, personal liability and loss of use coverages.
The company also offers Smart Coverage Options, such as Extended Replacement Cost that replaces a home destroyed by a catastrophic event and Personal Property Replacement Value that gives the full replacement cost of stolen or damaged personal items.
Stillwater also sells other coverages, including animal liability, identity theft recoupment, personal injury, scheduled personal property, special personal property and water backup coverages.
Rental Properties – This coverage pays for lost or damaged possessions housed inside rental properties. It also provides living expenses, personal liability, and medical coverage. Your customers can also add additional coverages to protect against earthquakes, water backups, pet injuries, high-value items, and identity theft.
18. Selective Insurance Group
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. is a primary holding company for ten property and casualty (P&C) insurance companies. It was founded in 1926. The company later became the 41st largest U.S. property and casualty insurance group. They offer a range of insurance and alternative risk management services. It offers products through independent agents in 27 states in the East, Midwest, South, Southwest and District of Columbia.
Although it is not BBB accredited, the insurer still earned an A+ (Excellent) rating from that organization. They are considered one of the best insurance providers to work for.
Insurance Product Lines
The Selective Insurance Group offers several insurance coverages to its customers.
Apartment/Renters Insurance – Selective says it will help renters customize a policy that will protect their valuable items, including clothing, appliances, furniture and some jewelry. They also provide personal liability coverage.
Auto Insurance – For a car insurance policy, Selective offers liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments and personal injury protection (PIP).
Condo Insurance – This coverage will provide coverage for a condo's interior items. It includes identity protection and cyber protection for home computers, tablets, smartphones and other electronic devices.
Homeowners Insurance –Selective will customize a plan to protect a home's exterior and interior items. Coverage includes coverage enhancement options such as the Summit Classic, Summit Elite, The Selective Edge and Platinum Policy.
Additional Coverages – Selective also provides personal flood and umbrella as well as commercial policies that include commercial auto, commercial flood, errors and omissions, general liability and workers compensation, among others.
19. Travelers
Travelers Insurance was founded in 1864 by Hartford businessman James G. Batterson. A local banker, James E. Bolter, heard that Batterson and several townspeople were organizing a company to introduce accident insurance to the U.S. Bolter asked the businessman how much he would charge him to insure him on his walk home. Batterson replied, "Two cents."
The second origin of Travelers began with the founding of the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company. Alexander Wilkin, secretary of the Minnesota Territory and 16 other St. Paul business leaders, established the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company. The first claim it paid was in 1855 after a fire spread from a bakery to adjacent offices.
The insurance companies grew throughout the years. On April 1, 2004, the two companies merged. They become one of the nation's largest property and casualty insurers and financial firms. It changed its name to The Travelers Companies, Inc. in February 2007.
Travelers claims it is a responsive partner for independent agents that focuses on their success. They provide comprehensive onboarding, training, marketing and networking programs for independent agents. Additionally, Travelers says it offers an integrated experience across its platforms, products and insurance lines. Many say it's one of the best car insurance companies to work for.
Travelers also provides a competitive compensation program that rewards independent agents who grow their businesses. Travelers Insurance offers competitive commissions and supplemental income and bonuses who qualify for them.
Insurance Product Lines
Are you an independent insurance agent who wants to offer Travelers Insurance products to your customers? The company provides the following insurance lines to its customers.
Auto Insurance - Traveler's car insurance coverage includes standard liability. There are also options for comprehensive, collision, loan/lease Gap Insurance. It offers multi-policy, safe driver and good student discounts.
Commercial Insurance - Travelers Insurance provides commercial liability coverage, such as Cyber Insurance, General Liability, Commercial Auto & Trucking, Business Owners Policies, Management & Professional Liability, Workers Compensation and Surety Bonds.
Condo Insurance - This type of insurance includes personal liability and personal property coverage.
Home Insurance - Homeowners insurance protects a home when named peril damages it. It also provides coverage when someone steals belongings or if a visitor gets injured on the property. Standard insurance options include dwelling, personal property and personal liability coverage.
Renters Insurance - This coverage pays for the loss or damage of a renter's possessions. It can also provide additional living expenses when a policyholder must leave their home due to a named peril.
Additional Coverages – Travelers Insurance also provides several insurance coverages to customers: boat & yacht, motorcycle, pet, landlord, umbrella, wedding and events and travel insurance.
20. West Bend Insurance Company
The West Bend Insurance Company launched in 1894 to help protect the assets of Wisconsin families and businesses after a devastating fire destroyed an entire commercial block within the city. The same incident repeated itself 15 years earlier.
In the 19th Century, East-coast stock companies controlled fire insurance. It was usually expensive and out-of-reach for most businesses in the area. Their solution was to start a mutual insurance company where the policyholders are the owners.
The company has managed to survive 120 years since its founding. This regional insurance company works with a network of independent agents. West Bend explained that insurance is a people business that starts with their agents. They believe these highly trained local agents will help their customers get the most affordable car insurance quotes and the best value for their money.
Insurance Product Lines
West Bend Insurance Company offers the following coverages to customers.
Auto Insurance – The insurer offers a range of auto insurance policies, which can include liability, comprehensive, collision, Medical Payments (MedPay) and Personal Injury Protection coverage. West Bend also sells Classic Car Insurance coverage and the bundled Home and Highway policy.
Condo Insurance – This coverage protects the interior property of condominium owners. It also includes loss assessment. If property collectively owned by association members gets damaged by a covered peril, this money will cover $5,000 of the condo owner's share of loss assessment charged. Their All Risk coverage will pay for the interior property of condos, like fixtures and appliances.
Homeowners Insurance – West Bend offers the Home and Highway Insurance policy, which provides the guaranteed replacement cost for a home destroyed by a covered loss. The insurer will pay for the home's replacement cost, even if it exceeds the policy's limits. It also provides blanket coverage for detached structures and your personal property.
Policyholders can also add on Protector coverages. They include Inflation Guard, Jewelry, Go Green (for environmentally friendly replacement materials), Pet Aid and Loss Assessment.
West Bend's Protector Plus coverage includes sump pump overflows, open perils for personal property, extra mortgage expenses, and identity protection. Protection Grand provides sport and hobby equipment, deductibles while traveling, freezer/refrigerator power loss and golf cart coverages.
Additional Coverages - West Bend also sells identity theft, personal umbrella insurance, renters insurance, home and highway policy, roadside assistance, sport and rec vehicle insurance coverages.
Are you searching for a trusted business partner to help you succeed as an independent insurance agency? SmartFinancial can provide you with qualified insurance leads that can help you to grow your business and annual revenue. To learn more about why independent agents are working with SmartFinancial, contact us today.
