SMART CHOICE CARRIER AND BROKER PARTNERS

Learn More and Get Appointed

Updated October 6, 2025

 

Commercial Lines Carrier Info & Appointments
Personal Lines Carrier Info & Appointments
Express Markets Carrier & Broker Partners Info & Appointments

 

Smart Choice Agents Program Virginia Carrier Partners:  Below are our current Virginia Insurance Carrier Partners that provide a broad segment of diverse markets.   Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.  NOTE:  All Smart Choice Agents may get appointments with the Yellow Highlighted Partners.  Most Others will require vetting which includes 3 or more years of experience and a profitable book of business.  Agency Appointments are reviewed by Carriers and determined on an individual agency ‘s qualifications. 

 

SMART CHOICE AGENTS PROGRAM  —  COMMERCIAL LINES SUB-CODE DIRECT APPOINTMENTS

Smart Choice Agents Program Virginia Commercial Carrier Partners:  Direct appointments with our commercial carriers generally only require minimum commitments of one to two policies per month average or about $50,000 in new DWP annually.  Agents have direct access to directly appointed carriers.  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.   

Berkshire Hathaway Guard    (Commercial Lines Direct)  VA & DC

Coterie   Coterie Insurance is an Agents Program Partner that provides instant bind SMB Insurance Portal for Commercial GL, BOPs, and Professional Liability.   Agents Program   70/30             Commissions:    BOP, GL, PL (16/16)   Work Comp (12/12)  LEARN MORE ABOUT COTERIE  Coterie Agent Resources  Get Appointed

Cover Whale Trucking Insurance Now Available in SSCL!  NEW  Learn More   Quote Guide  Contact Daniel Brown to Request Appointment.

Cowbell Cyber Insurance   (Commercial Lines Direct)  Available Since March 2022. Cowbell Cyber enables agents to offer robust, standalone and admitted cyber coverage to their clients.       They can prepare customized quotes in minutes and issue policies instantaneously.  Learn More    Press Release    Get Appointed      (Appointment is via an online portal on the  Cowbell website.)

CNA  (Commercial Lines – SSCL and Direct) Contact Daniel Brown to Request Appointment.

Donegal  (Commercial Lines Direct)  Contact Daniel Brown to Request Appointment.

GEICO  (Commercial Lines Direct)   NEW 08-12-2025   Daniel Brown will assist with Appointment.   Appointment includes PL & CL; PL available early October 2025.   An initial select list of all agents who responded to our Request on August 14, 2025 will be offered an appointment. Forms will need to be completed and returned. Subsequent appointments will request an appointment from Roger Gill or Daniel Brown and obtain appointment forms.

Grange  (Commercial Lines Direct) Contact Daniel Brown to Request Appointment.

Guide One (Commercial Lines Direct)   GET APPOINTED  LEARN MORE  GuideOne Training Video

Liberty Mutual  (Commercial Lines Smart Start Commercial and Direct)  Liberty Mutual Commercial Training 

Liberty Mutual Inland Marine  (In Package or Stand Alone — Call Nancy Wilson 804-420-3765 or Holly Scholz 513-603-7231)

Liberty Mutual Surety  (Surety Portal Loaded with Tools & Resources to Quote & Bind Bonds)   Learn More and Get Appointed

Main Street   (Commercial Lines Direct)

MMG  (Commercial Lines Direct) NEW! Comprehensive Commercial Carrier — Competitive with Erie and Auto Owners. Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment.

National General Insurance (PL & CL Auto, RVs & Toys–Pays Agent Directly; No Split with Smart Choice)  Learn More   Get Appointed   Currently Not Appointing until 2nd Q of 2025

Nationwide / Allied  (Commercial Lines Direct — VA and DC)   Learn About Getting an Appointment with Nationwide    Nationwide Insurance Resource     Currently Not Appointing — Opening 2nd Q of 2025

The Hartford   (Commercial Lines – SSCL and Direct) Contact Daniel Brown to Request Appointment.

Travelers  (Commercial Lines – SSCL and Direct — VA and DC) Contact Daniel Brown to Request Appointment.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  Although Direct Appointment Access to Smart Choice Carriers require only a small commitment, Carriers may reduce commissions or cancel the appointment, if the minimum commitment is not met.  Please check and prepare to meet your commitment with each directly appointed carrier.

 

 

SMART CHOICE AGENTS PROGRAM — PERSONAL LINES SUB-CODE DIRECT APPOINTMENTS

Below are the current Smart Choice Agents Program Virginia Personal Lines Insurance Carrier Partners that provide a broad segment of diverse, markets with limited commitments.  NOTE:  All Smart Choice Agents may get appointments with the Yellow Highlighted Partners.  Most Others will require vetting with 3 or more years of experience and a profitable book of business.  Agency Appointments are reviewed by Carriers and determined on an individual agency ‘s qualifications. 

AAA   (Personal Lines and Club Roadside Assistance)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request an Appointment.  Available in most areas of Virginia West of I95.

Allied (Nationwide)   (Personal Lines — VA and DC)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.  Currently Not Appointing Until 1st or 2nd Q 2025

National General Custom 360 (Formerly Allstate) (NEW Personal Lines Direct  — VA and DC  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.  Appointing in 2025

Augusta Mutual  (Personal Lines Homeowners- PC 9&10s Welcomed!) Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.

BH Guard (Personal Lines Monoline Homeowners) Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.

Branch Insurance  (Agent Program Subcode–Preferred Auto and Homeowners PC Class 1-8)  Super Fast Hard Quote with only Name and Address.  Learn More  Get Appointed 
Currently Not Appointing Until late 2025.

Dairyland  (Standard Motorcycle and Non Standard Auto–Pays Agent Directly; No Split with Smart Choice)  Get Appointed

Donegal  (Commercial Lines Only)

Elephant Insurance   (Agent Program Sub-Code Personal Lines Monoline Auto) Call Daniel Brown or Roger Gill for Appointment.  Learn More     Get Appointed

ePremium  NEW:  ePremium is an insurance agency that specializes in renters insurance for multifamily and single-family rental properties.  Learn More    Get Appointed

Foremost / Bristol West   (Personal Lines Specialty, Dwellings, and Non Standard Auto)  Get Appointed  

GEICO  (Personal Lines Direct)   NEW 08-12-2025   Daniel Brown will assist with Appointment.   Appointment includes PL & CL;  PL available early October 2025.   An initial select list of all agents who responded to our Request on August 14, 2025 will be offered an appointment. Forms will need to be completed and returned. Subsequent appointments will request an appointment from Roger Gill or Daniel Brown and obtain appointment forms.

Global Marine   (NEW  Personal and Business Owned Marine Insurance)  From Jet Skis to Large Yachts.  Learn More    Quote Form   Get Appointed  Call Daniel Brown

Grange   (PL Smart Start, PL & CL Direct, & Life) Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.  Currently Not Appointing Until Sometime in 2025

Hagerty  (EXPRESS    Personal Lines Classic & Antique Auto—pays agents directly)

KleeCo  (NEW PL Direct and PL Smart Start) High Value Client Coverages.  Call Bob Klee for Appointment–Tell Bob you are a Smart Choice Agent and would like an appointment.
Learn More     Bob Klee  346-499-5535 email bob@kleecoinsurance.com    UW Guidelines:

  • Home must also include at least 2 of these 3 additional lines: Auto, $50K jewelry, Excess of at least $3M
  • Minimum Coverage A for homes: $1,000,000, minimum $2500 deductible
  • Auto Minimum 100/300/100 limits

Main Street   (Commercial Lines Direct)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.  Open for Commercial Appointments Only

Mercury  (Personal Lines Smart Start and Direct)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.  Currently Not Appointing Until 2025

Nationwide  (Personal & Commercial Lines Direct — VA and DC)   Learn About Getting an Appointment with Nationwide    Nationwide Insurance Resources
        Currently Not Appointing 1st or 2nd Q 2025

Openly  NEW  Agent Program Subcode – Preferred Monoline Homeowners. Production is counted toward the CAP!! Appointments are available to approved Agents.   Learn More   Get Appointed

• Guaranteed Replacement Coverage up to $5m
• Broad Liability Coverage up to $1m
• Personal Property Blanket Coverages up to $100k per category
• Extended Coverage for Home-Sharing and Short-Term Rentals  and more.

Appointment Eligibility for Approved Agents (approval based on conversation with carrier rep)

Safeco  (Personal Lines Smart Start — Direct)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.   

Steadily   NEW Agent Program Subcode – Monoline Dwelling Fire  (DP1 and DP3). Production is counted toward the CAP!! Appointments are available to approved Agents. Get Appointed    Learn More

• Up to 100 years (older with verified updates)
• Broad Liability Coverage up to $1m
• Extended Replacement Cost
• Air BNB, Seasonal, Owner & Tenant Acceptable and more.

Appointment Eligibility for Approved Agents (approval based on conversation with Carrier Rep)

Stillwater  (Personal  Lines Smart Start — Personal and Commercial Lines Direct)    Contact Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.

Travelers  (Personal & Commercial Lines Smart Start —  Direct — VA and DC)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.  Apply for Lexis Nexis JNode   (DO NOT apply for JNode until AFTER speaking with Daniel)  Currently Not Appointing Until 1st Q 2025

TREXIS formerly ALFA Vision & Select  (Non Standard Personal Lines Auto)  Get Appointed      Must have an office outside of home.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  Although Direct Appointment Access to Smart Choice Carriers require only a small commitment, Carriers may reduce commissions or cancel the appointment, if the minimum commitment is not met.  Please check and prepare to meet your commitment with each directly appointed carrier.

 

 

EXPRESS MARKETS DIRECT APPOINTMENTS

Smart Choice Agents Program Virginia EXPRESS MARKET Carrier Partners:  Below are our current Virginia EXPRESS MARKET Insurance Carrier Partners that provide a broad segment of diverse Commercial and Personal Lines coverages from Admitted Standard Markets to Non Admitted E&S.  The Express Market carriers pay 100% commissions to Agents with no split to Smart Choice,  most do not require any DWP commitment, and the appointment process is quick.  TO learn more:   Download Smart Choice EXPRESS MARKETS INFO. 

IMPORTANT E&S TRAINING: READ BEFORE BINDING COVERAGE with an EXPRESS MARKET CARRIERS! 

NOTE:  All Smart Choice Agents may get appointments with the Yellow Highlighted Express Market Partners.  Others as needed.

Aegis  (EXPRESS   Mobile and Manufactured Homes–pays agents directly)  Learn More   Get Appointed

American Modern (EXPRESS   Mobile, Manufactured, Dwelling, Condo, Motorcycle, ATV, Boat, Classic Cars & more!  Pays agents directly)   Appointment LINK   Click HERE for American Modern Appt. Link  Webinar training schedule   Click HERE for webinar registration   Learn More:  American Modern Home Products     About American Modern – Learn More    American Modern All Products   (NOTE:  Not Writing HO3s from March 01, 2025 until later in 2025.)

Annex Risk    NEW   Express Markets Appointment – E&S Coastal Homeowners HO3  Learn More Contact Daniel Brown for Appointment

  • Occupancy Primary, Secondary, and Annual Rentals
  • Coverage A $100k – $1m
  • Wind Deductible 1% to 10%
  • Available to Agents who write Coastal Property

Attune   BOP & WC (EXPRESS)  Admitted BOP with Coastal Property & WC. Includes Employers WC, Accredited BOP, Blackbaud, Coalition Cyber & Neptune Flood  Learn More   UW Guide    Get Started VIDEO    Get Appointed

BTIS  (EXPRESS Commercial Lines GL & WC — Artisan Contractors–Startups!  Pays agents directly)   Get Appointed

Burns & Wilcox Brokerage  (EXPRESS  Broad Risk Brokerage–E&S and Standard Markets–pays agents directly)  Burns & Wilcox Support Team Contact Info    Get Appointed  

      CONTACT :  Colton Langsam,  Regional Manager, National Retail Relations, Northeast Burns & Wilcox.  T: 248.702.1059

Baltimore Office Client Services:  Contact   Deborah Coleman, Associate Managing Director:    T: 410.891.4185 | DAColeman@burns-wilcox.com

CannGen Insurance Services (EXPRESS   CannGen Insurance Services–Coverages include; WC Transportation MTC Property Crop GL Excess)

CAPITAL GROUP Business Benefit Solutions  NEW    Done for You Business Benefit Solutions and Third Party Administrator — Offer Employee Benefits with Capital Group  Learn More

CRC   (EXPRESS  Broad Risk Brokerage–E&S and Standard Markets–pays agents directly) Learn More     CRC Programs    Get Appointed

CRC Contacts:  

Derek Shaffer dshaffer@crcgroup.com  443-255-8993  CRC MD Office President

Jenny Mease Jmease@crcgroup.com  804-240-0098 – UW located in Richmond Virginia

Mickie Frank mfrank@crcgroup.com   703-864-4111 UW

Brooke Campbell bcampbell@crcgroup.com  804-750-0568- UW located in Richmond Virginia

  • Five Star (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Transportation & MORE–Trucking, Limos, & Taxis)  Access via CRC APPT  Learn More
  • Negley Associates (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Behavioral Healthcare & Social Services)  Access via CRC APPT  Learn More
  • Pro-Praxis (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Unique Healthcare Risk)  Access via CRC APPT  Learn More
  • SHU Hospitality  (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Hotels — Hospitality Risk)  Access via CRC APPT  Learn More
  • Target PL (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Professional & Management Liability Risk)  Access via CRC APPT  Learn More
  • Hunter PL (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Professional Liability Risk)  Access via CRC APPT  Learn More
  • JH Blades  (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–ENERGY SECTOR RISK)  Access via CRC APPT  Learn More
  • InsureRisk  (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Tech E&O, Contractors, Investment Advisors,  & Many Other RISKS)  Access via CRC APPT  Learn More

  • CRC Starwinds Workers Comp  QuoteStar   —   5Star Specialty Programs is a wholesale insurance broker that specializes in guaranteed cost workers’ compensation and self-insurance. We offer independent insurance brokers multiple solutions for employers nationwide with access to over 600 classifications and many A.M. Best carriers rated “A” or better.     NOTE:  All current Smart Choice Agents are pre-registered with StarWinds WC.  SC Agents not appointed with CRC will need to get appointed with CRC first.    Learn More     Get Appointed with CRC  

    1. For Smart Choice agents that are not currently appointed with CRC, they can find appointment paperwork and process information here: Become a Producer
    2. If you do not want to add agents for QuoteStar access via the QuoteStar portal, you can send a request to: starbound@5starsp.com
      1. Please Make sure to include Agent name, address, phone # and email
      2. Also make sure to indicate that they are a Smart Choice agent.
    3. If you have not received your pre-registration link for QuoteStar, please send an email to the address above with the same information and we will make sure to get you registered.

      Highlights of the QuoteStar WC Portal 
    > Streamlined portal for efficient intake and multi-market reserving
    > Direct access for agents to rate, quote, and bind with multiple A-rated carriers nationwide
    > No minimum premiums
    > Competitive commissions
    > Exclusive 5Star WC products available
    > ACORD 130 upload with minimal manual data entry
    > Streamlined quick entry and simplified question sets
    > Hands-on training available for your agency
    > Active monitoring of submission flow by the 5Star underwriting team, with alternative markets explored if needed
    > Most importantly, the same exceptional 5Star service

GAINSCO  Non Standard Auto — Competitive Minimum Limits NS Auto with International License. Smart Agents earn 12%.  Carrier Spotlight Video  Learn More   Get Appointed

GBLI  Global Indemnity  NEW   Will give Smart Choice agents access to its Special Event, Vacant Express, & Collectibles products beginning May 21, 2024.   Learn More    Get Appointed

Hagerty  (EXPRESS  Personal Lines Classic & Antique Auto.   Pays agents directly)  Get Appointed  Hagerty Training

HISCOX  (EXPRESS    Commercial Lines GL & PL; 15% Commission; No Split)    Quote and Bind HISCOX  NOTE:  Download HISCOX–BOR Process and Form Template

ISC  formerly SIS Brokerage—EXPRESS  General Liability, Builders Risks, Inland Marine & Workers Comp  LEARN MOREGET APPOINTED

Lemonade Homeowners Insurance NEW available 06-2021.  (EXPRESS  Standard PL Property)     Learn More     Get Appointed  NOTE: Appointments ON HOLD until 1st Q 2025.

National General Specialty Insurance (EXPRESS PL & CL Auto, RVs & Toys–Pays Agent Directly; No Split with Smart Choice)  Learn More   Get Appointed   NOTE: Appointments ON HOLD until 1st Q 2025.

NBIC   Narragansett Bay Insurance (EXPRESS: GREAT Coastal Property Coverage) LEARN MORE   Get Appointed   NOTE: Appointments ON HOLD until 1st Q 2025.

OBIE   New Landlord Property coverages.  Broad Appetite. Obie sells landlord insurance through Accelerant Specialty Insurance Company, Hadron Specialty Insurance Company, and American National Lloyds Insurance Company.   Learn More   Get Appointed

Orchid Coastal Property   Learn More   Get Appointed   Training  Please Notify Roger Gill or Daniel Brown after completing appointment process.

  • Agent receives 100% commission and is paid directly by Orchid.
  • Orchid offers some of the best and most comprehensive coverages for  Coastal Property.
  • Online and Quick Quoting options for Agents.
  • All of Orchid’s solutions are with A- or better A.M. Best rated companies
  • Qualifying Minimum Coverage A amounts vary by state
  • Multiple policy forms, including HO3, HO5, HO6, DP3, and Builder’s Risk
  • Multi-peril, Excluding Wind, Wind-only, Excess Flood, Inland Marine
  • Orchid has over 11 unique carrier relationships (several are proprietary)
  • Everything is handled electronically and paperless via Orchid’s online system. If you need assistance or a demo, we can help facilitate that.
  • Experienced underwriters can assist with any risk
  • Turnaround time on most quotes is 24 hours or less. Several states offer real-time rating.

Pathpoint   Express  Instant, bindable E&S quotes without appointment.  Access multiple A-rated markets in just a few minutes using our robust technology platform.  Learn More or Create an Account.  Note: Agency principal will create account for additional users. 

Propeller  Express   The Only Bond Program Agents will Need!   Learn More & Get Appointed

RMS   (EXPRESS    Hospitality Industry – Night Clubs to Franchise Fast Food — pays agents directly)  Learn More  Get Appointed

RPS  (EXPRESS  Broad Risk Brokerage–E&S and Standard Markets–pays agents directly)  Learn More     Get Appointed with Online Registration  

  1. For Support with All Markets Except Transportation Contact:  Renee Wheeler  Direct: 443 210 3420 |  Email:  Renee_Wheeler@rpsins.com  |  RPSins.com
  2. For Support with Transportation Markets Contact:  Ann Cassidy  Direct: 704 264 0087   |   Fax: 704 972 2317   Email:  Ann_Cassidy@rpsins.com  |  RPSins.com

SAVVI  (EXPRESS)  NEW  09-2025  SAVI   MonoLine HO now Available.  Competitive Preferred Metro with added Coverage Features.   LEARN MORE AND GET APPOINTED

SES  (EXPRESS    Habitational Landlord Risks with no limit on properties!–pays agents directly) Learn More   Get Appointed 

Sports Underwriters (EXPRESS MARKET Sports Insurance Programs–Online Portal)   Learn More    Get Appointed

STARWINDS  COASTAL PROPERTY   (NEW EXPRESS MARKET CRC Company)    NEW HO 6 PROGRAM AND A LA CARTE Homeowner Wrap A rated carrier-Lloyds of London,  TIV Available up to $500,000, Occupants may be owners, tenants or short-term rentals (2 night minimum), Trusts, LLCs and Condominium Associations available as additional insureds.  YouTube quote demo:  Short quoting demonstration – YouTube (< 6 min)    Learn More   Get Appointed    Call Daniel Brown for Appointment Questions

TAPCO Brokerage   (EXPRESS    Broad Risk Brokerage–pays agents directly)  Get Appointed  Learn More  

Tokio Marine  (EXPRESS   Artisan Contractor BOP — Admitted & Non Admitted Commercial Lines Direct)  Get Appointed

USLI  (EXPRESS   Commercial Lines–Available via Tapco Direct–pays agents directly)  Learn More  Call To Get Appointed 

Victor  (EXPRESS Commercial Lines–Smart Start Commercial and Direct–pays agent 100% via Smart Choice)  E&S with unique markets unavailable in any of our other programs. Learn More & Get Appointed   

iCat by Victor (EXPRESS MARKET) is a personal and business Coastal Property E&S market. Great for Coastal property when standard does not work.  Learn More    Get Appointed

  >  Coastal Property (PL & CL) with Victor iCat 
  >  Auto Dealerships
  >  Contractors and Builders Risk
  >  Forestry and Logging and More!

Wright Flood  (EXPRESS MARKET) NFIP and private market flood insurance. Learn More  Watch Video About Portal  Get Appointed