Smart Choice^® Virginia

 
Updated April 7, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2024 Smart Choice Virginia State Meeting September 18, 2024   “SAVE THE DATE”

2024 Smart Choice Virginia AGENT State Meeting REGISTRATION September 18, 2024

SMART CHOICE AGENT PROGRAMS

     Smart Choice Agents Program
     Smart Start Personal Lines
     Smart Start Commercial Lines
     Smart Choice Express Markets 
     Smart Choice Life & Financial

CE REQUIREMENTS–Complete Online $29.95 with CE Authority
Recommended CL & PL Training Courses for CE Authority

Vendor Products-Discounts
EARN 100% Top Tier Commissions
Smart Choice Virginia Carriers  (Info and Get Appointment)

Commercial Carrier Partners 

    Express Market Partners
    Personal Carrier Partners

Smart Choice Virginia Team Information
Smart Choice eSign, Fillable, Referral Form  (Click to Sign & Submit)
Virginia Page on SmartChoiceAgents.com/Virginia website
TESTIMONIALS for the Smart Choice Virginia Program & Support Team

Learn About The Smart Choice Virginia Agents Program

The Smart Choice Agents Program  has provided insurance agents with access to carriers and brokers since 1994.  Over the past several years,  the Smart Choice Agents Program Team  has been working hard to make their Virginia Insurance Agent Program even better.   The following is an overview that will provide some insight as to why I believe this program is the best opportunity for Virginia Insurance Agents to expand their markets with top rated, diverse carriers, receive higher commissions and bonuses, and have unequaled support services.  Bookmark this page for easy future reference (Ctrl  D).

Why Choose Smart Choice Agents Program? 

Reasons to recommend our Smart Choice Agents Program in Virginia:  Most agents chose the Smart Choice Agents program over the other alliance and aggregate opportunities for the following main reasons:

(1)  Access to Top-Rated, Competitive Carriers – Top-Tier Commissions & Small or No Commitments!

(2)  No Startup, On-Going, or Exit Fees –  NO FEES!

(3)  Own 100% of Your Book of Business – You have 100% Control!

(4)  Perpetuate Your Agency the Way You Would Like – And We Help!

(5)  Book Rolls & Aggregation Opportunities with Bonuses – And We Help!

(6) Contingency Sharing and Bonuses – Mostly at the TOP TIER

(7) Training & Support – And We Have Some of The Best Resources!

(8)  Many Money Saving Benefits – Large Vendor Discounts!

Our Agent Partners Earn Higher Net Commissions and

Have Lower Production Commitments!

In summary, the Virginia Insurance Agent Program provides you with access to top rated, insurance carriers without a large upfront fee or ongoing perpetual fees.   Smart Choice shares a commission split up to a cap each year; after the cap is reached, the agent receives 100% of commissions over the cap.  (Details about commissions are explained in the Smart Choice Agents Agreement (request one from Roger Gill).  It is important to understand that with the large national production volume of over 6400 agents, our Smart Choice Carrier and Wholesale partners generally pay TOP TIER commissions.  The result is more net commissions to Smart Choice agents —  from the Base and Contingency Sharing commissions to additional bonuses and incentives.

If and when you decided to sell or give away your agency—no problem, you can.  Smart Choice does not own an equity position in your agency—you own 100% of the agency and book.

For details about any of the above summary reasons why I believe Smart Choice is also the BEST CHOICE for Independent Agents–CONTACT Roger Gill 804-731-3050

VISIT THE SMART CHOICE VIRGINIA MODEL AGENCY

Smart Choice^® Programs

Six Programs with Market Access and Support

Smart Choice offers Five Programs for agents to access P&C carriers:  (1) Smart Start Personal Lines Program (SSPL), (2) Smart Start Commercial Lines Program (SSCL), (3) Smart Start Commercial Specialty Program, (4) Express Markets, and (5) Agents Program (Sub-Code Direct Appointments).  Smart Choice also offers a complete Life and Financial Services Program through partnerships with Rohrer & Associates, InsureNOW Direct, Lincoln Financial, & AgentLink.

I.  SSPL PROGRAM  The Smart Start Personal Lines Program allows agents instant access to 7 top-rated personal lines carriers without needing an appointment and with no premium commitments.  Has a 70/30 commission split with Smart Choice (Agent gets 70%) and are a pathway to a direct appointment.  Requires a subscription to the PL or Ezlynx Comparative Rater (available at a discounted rate).  

Features include:

• Instant Access to 12 Top-Rated Carriers
• No Appointment Needed with Carriers
• No premium volume requirements
• Receive competitive commissions (most companies pay 15% on new business)
• Dedicated underwriter to assist and bind coverage
• Uses the Ezlynx Comparative Rater
• NEW:  “Fast Lane” now available–Quote to Bind coverage FASTER when needed!! 
• Pathway to Smart Choice Sub-Code Direct Appointments
• Virginia Carriers: 
  • Allstate
  • Bristol West
  • Chubb & Chubb High Value Client
  • Encompass
  • Foremost Specialty
  • Foremost Signature (Formerly MetLife)
  • Grange
  • Kelly Klee
  • Mercury
  • Nationwide
  • National General (Auto only)
  • Safeco
  • Travelers
• Washington DC Carriers:
  • Encompass
  • Nationwide
  • Travelers
  • Kelly Klee

Smart Start Personal Lines Overview

II.  SSCL PROGRAM  The Smart Start Commercial Lines Program allows agents instant access to 10 top-rated commercial lines carriers without needing an appointment and with no premium commitments.   Has a 70/30 commission split with Smart Choice (Agent gets 70%) and are a pathway to a direct appointment. Features include:

• Instant Access to 8 Top-Rated Carriers
• No Appointment Needed with Carriers
• No premium volume requirements
• Receive competitive commissions (most companies pay 15% on new business)
• Dedicated underwriter to assist and bind coverage
• Uses an Online Form on the Smart Choice Agents Business Center Portal
• Pathway to Smart Choice Sub-Code Direct Appointments
• SMART START CL VIRGINIA CARRIERS:  
  • Nationwide
  • Chubb
  • CNA
  • Dovetail – MetLife Small Business
  • Guard
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Tapco
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers
• SSCL WASHINGTON DC CARRIERS:
  •  Nationwide
  • Tapco
  • Travelers

Smart Start Commercial Lines Overview

III.  SSCL SPECIALTY LINES PROGRAM  allows agents instant access to specialty niche programs managed by Michael DePasquale in our Smart Start Commercial Department.  No appointment needed and No premium commitment.   Has a 70/30 commission split with Smart Choice (Agent gets 70%).  Two specialty programs are currently available and will be expanding.

1.  NEW  AmTrust Non Profit & More  AmTrust offers coverage tailored to non-profit organizations of varying types and sizes including Childrens Day Care, Private Schools, Adult Day Care, Churches,  & Food Banks.  More AmTrust Classes
2. Chubb Dentistry BOP Insurance for General Dentistry, Oral Surgeons, Orthodontists and Endodontists  
3.   GuideOne Commercial Package Policy for Churches.  
4. NEW:  We are now writing Farm in Smart Start!  Below are the Farm appetites & Info for Liberty and Nationwide.
   
   1. Liberty Mutual eCliq State Available for SSCL
   2. Liberty Mutual Farm Appetite for SSCL
   3. Nationwide Farm Application for Smart Start Commercial
   4. Nationwide Farm Appetite for Smart Start Commercial

IV.  AGENTS PROGRAM The Smart Choice Agents Program (Sub-Code Direct Appointments) allows agents to obtain appointments with some of the top-rated Personal and Commercial Lines carriers in the industry, with limited premium commitments through sub-codes with Smart Choice.  Mostly Top Tier Commissions are split 70/30 with Smart Choice (Agent gets 70%) up to an annual Commission CAP, then agent receives 100%.  Sub-Code Direct Appointments are the pathway to the primary agency goal of Leadership Agency Status with enhanced earnings and benefits.  Although the carriers make the appointment decision, Smart Choice Territory Managers and State Directors work closely with carriers and assist agencies in the appointment process.  See a list of the Smart Choice Carriers below.

• Access Carriers Directly
• Low Minimum Premium Commitments
• Top-Tier Base and Contingency Bonuses for Many Carriers
• Potential to Earn Top Tier Commission Bonuses & Contingency Sharing
• Only Sub-Code Appointments Count Towards the CAP
• Book Rolls with Top Tier Bonuses
• Aggregation Opportunities to Enhance Total Commissions
• Pathway to Leadership Agency with Enhanced Earnings & Benefits
• See All Carriers  Travelers, Nationwide, Encompass, Guard & Kelly Klee available in DC

Agents Program — Sub-Code Direct Appointments

V.  EXPRESS MARKETS   The Express Markets Program allows agents nearly instant access to Top-Rated Carriers & Brokers that provide a broad segment of diverse Commercial and Personal Lines coverages from Admitted Standard Markets to Non Admitted E&S via a direct appointment.    The Express Market carriers pay 100% commissions to Agents with no split to Smart Choice;  most do not require any premium commitment, and the appointment process is quick.  Click to Learn more about the Smart Choice Express Markets.    

  EXPRESS MARKERT FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Nearly Instant Access
• 100% commission paid directly to agent
• Access to Personal, Commercial, Excess/Surplus, & Specialty Markets
• Directly appointed with the carriers
• No or very limited production requirements
• No fees
• See All Carriers

VI.  LIFE & FINANCIAL  The Smart Choice Life and Financial Program allows agents instant access to a user-friendly, online rating platform that makes it easy to provide Individual and Group Benefits and Life, LTC, DI and Annuities.. We offer a complete service which can handle all of the paperwork and para-med scheduling for you.  Smart Choice also offers easy-to-use products through Smart Choice Quick Life powered by Rohrer & Associates, InsureNOW Direct, Lincoln Financial, & AgentLink. We also offer hands on assistance and training from our dedicated Life Insurance representative Choco Harwell–CALL  (336) 217-4650 x 3013   Watch the Quick Life Video Demo  Download the Quick Life Info Sheet.  Smart Choice Life & Financial Features Include:   

• NEW:  Smartphone Life Insurance APP Available Now!  Clients Can Quote & Bind from their Smartphone in less than 10 minutes! 
• NEW:  Rohrer & Associates available for Life, Health, Financial Products and Services  
• Appointments Available with Many Carriers
• Smart Choice Quick Life by InsureNOW Direct — Three Easy Options — Over 40 Carriers
• Agent Link–Quick Quote & Access to about 50 Carriers
• Smart Start Life — Our Life Specialist will write Life for your clients!
• Other Resources for Hard-to-Place Life Risks
• Pathway to Higher Retention & More Agency Revenue

NEW Smart Start Life Program

If you are life-licensed, busy selling P&C, and would like to have an experienced life specialist handle your clients’ life insurance needs, this program is for you!    The system is live so go ahead and give it a try!  Log into your Smart Choice Business Center and Click on Smart Start Life.  It takes only a few minutes to provide the quote referral.

How Does Smart Start Life  Work?

 Vendor Products & Discounts

NOTE:  The Vendor Services and Products are discounted for Smart Choice Agents!  Go to the links below for Details.

Book Rolls and Book Aggregations may immediately increase your current and future income.  For example, one carrier currently pays an 8% bonus (Pays directly to agent–no split) on personal lines DWP for a book roll. Carriers generally do most of the work for books over 250,000 DWP.   Call Roger Gill 804-731-3050 for details.

CE  Authority   $29.95 a year – 180+ Insurance Course Library – Complete CE Requirements Online!   Recommended CL & PL Educational Courses

Smart Choice Agents Referral Program  Get paid by simply referring insurance agents to Smart Choice.   Click the following link to eSign and submit your referral form.  Smart Choice Referral Agreement.

EVERQUOTE LEADS   NEW 2019: Insurance LEADS Now Available with Discounted Rate.

Smart Choice Group E&O    Get E&O coverage in minutes — Online Form from CalSurance

EzLynx Comparative Rater & Management System   Discounted for Smart Choice Agents

QQ  Solutions Management System   Discounted for Smart Choice Agents

PL Rater   Discounted for Smart Choice Agents

Smart Choice Website Builder    Professionally-designed and maintained websites for extremely reasonable prices!  Sign up for monthly hosting and get your website creation free! 

Smart Choice® Magazine  Learn  about the history and development of Smart Choice in our Monthly Magazine.

Live Oak Bank    Financial Solutions to support agency growth with Acquisition Analysis

Oak Street Funding  Financial Solutions to support agency growth with Acquisition Analysis

 Leadership Agency

PRIMARY GOAL:  Become a Smart Choice Leadership Agency. As a member of the Smart Choice® Leadership Agent Club, you get special access to a variety of special bonuses and incentives.  You’ve proven yourself to be a successful agency owner, who over time has written a level of business through Smart Choice carriers, that has earned you the right to receive the following benefits:

• 100% Commissions–Mostly at TOP TIER
• First opportunity to purchase other Smart Choice agencies  (as available)
• Access to exclusive contests and additional compensation opportunities from Smart Choice carrier partners
• Eligible to qualify for the annual Leadership Agent Trip
• Opportunity to Earn Bonus and Contingency sharing each year
  
  • Loss Ratio Forgiveness: If your agency’s loss ratio doesn’t meet the annual requirement, the agency’s two year average will be considered
  • Growth Forgiveness: If your agency’s growth is 1% or less with a carrier, but total growth with Smart Choice carrier partners exceeds 10%, the agency will still qualify
• Exclusive Smart Choice Gify Box

Contact Roger Gill to develop your plan to become a Smart Choice Leadership Agency.

COMMERCIAL LINES SUB-CODE DIRECT APPOINTMENTS

Smart Choice Agents Program Virginia Carrier Partners:  Below are our current Virginia Insurance Carrier Partners that provide a broad segment of diverse commercial markets.  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.  

Berkshire Hathaway Guard    (Commercial Lines Direct)  VA & DC

Cover Whale Trucking Insurance Now Available!  

Cowbell Cyber Insurance  NEW!  (Commercial Lines Direct)  Available in 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. 

CNA  (Commercial Lines – Smart Start Commercial and Direct)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.

Donegal  (Commercial Lines Direct)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.

Grange  (Commercial Lines Direct)  Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information.

Guide One (Commercial Lines Direct)  

Liberty Mutual  (Commercial Lines Smart Start Commercial and Direct) Contact Roger Gill or Daniel Brown to Request Appointment Information. 

Liberty Mutual Inland Marine  (In Package or Stand Alone) 

Liberty Mutual Surety  (Surety Portal Loaded with Tools & Resources to Quote & Bind Bonds)  

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

MMG  (Commercial Lines Direct) NEW! Comprehensive Commercial Carrier — Competitive with Erie and Auto Owners. 

National General Insurance (PL & CL Auto, RVs & Toys–Pays Agent Directly; No Split with Smart Choice) 

Nationwide / Allied  (Commercial Lines Direct — VA and DC)  

State Auto   (Farms–BOPs, BA, WC, & UM)   NEW: Middle Market Available via Smart Start

The Hartford   (Commercial Lines – Smart Start Commercial and Direct) 

Travelers  (Commercial Lines – Smart Start Commercial and Direct — VA and DC)  

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.  Highlighted Partners are available to all Smart Choice Agents.

Aegis NEW:  (EXPRESS   Mobile and Manufactured Homes–pays agents directly)  

American Modern (EXPRESS   Mobile, Manufactured, Dwelling, Condo, Motorcycle, ATV, Boat, Classic Cars & more!  Pays agents directly) 

Attune  NEW:  BOP & WC (EXPRESS)  Admitted BOP with Coastal Property & WC

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

Burns & Wilcox Brokerage  (EXPRESS  Broad Risk Brokerage–E&S and Standard Markets–pays agents directly)  

1. NEW:  Burns & Wilcox will write your TRANSPORTATION RISK!  
   
   1. Trucking
   2. Public for Hire
   3. Garage
   4. Dealerships & More.   

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

CRC   (EXPRESS  Broad Risk Brokerage–E&S and Standard Markets–pays agents directly)

Five Star (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Transportation & MORE–Trucking, Limos, & Taxis)  Access via CRC APPT

Negley Associates (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Behavioral Healthcare & Social Services)  Access via CRC APPT 

Pro-Praxis (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Unique Healthcare Risk)  Access via CRC APPT  

SHU Hospitality  (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Hotels — Hospitality Risk)  Access via CRC APPT  

Target PL (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Professional & Management Liability Risk)  Access via CRC APPT 

Hunter PL (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Professional Liability Risk)  Access via CRC APPT  

JH Blades  (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–ENERGY SECTOR RISK)  Access via CRC APPT  

InsureRisk  (EXPRESS  Owned by CRC–Tech E&O, Contractors, Investment Advisors,  & Many Other RISKS)  Access via CRC APPT  

DoveTail   (EXPRESS Commercial Lines–Smart Start Commercial and Direct–pays agent 100% via Smart Choice)  

GAINSCO  NEW  Non Standard Auto  Competitive Minimum Limits NS Auto with Int License. Smart Agents earn 12%.  

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

HISCOX  (EXPRESS  Commercial Lines GL & PL; 15% Commission; No Split)    

Legends  (EXPRESS Commercial Environmental Insurance Services–pays agents directly)

Lemonade Homeowners Insurance NEW available 06-2021.  (EXPRESS  Standard PL Property)     

NBIC   Narragansett Bay Insurance (EXPRESS: GREAT Coastal Property Coverage)    

Orchid Coastal Property   

• 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.

Propeller  New Express   The Only Bond Program Agents will Need!

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

RPS  (EXPRESS  Broad Risk Brokerage–E&S and Standard Markets–pays agents directly)  

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

1.  How to Grow Your Landlord Tenant Risk Business — Download the SES Guide
2.  Get Your Co-Branded Brochures with Your Agency Logo & Phone Number.
   

SIS Brokerage—(NEW EXPRESS)  General Liability, Builders Risks, Inland Marine & Workers Comp   Will write Roofers

Sports Underwriters (EXPRESS MARKET Sports Insurance Programs–Online Portal)  

TAPCO Brokerage   (EXPRESS    Broad Risk Brokerage–pays agents directly)  

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

USLI  (EXPRESS   Commercial Lines–Available via Tapco Direct–pays agents directly)  

Wright Flood  (EXPRESS NFIP and private market flood insurance) 

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.

Allied (Nationwide)   (Personal Lines — VA and DC)  

Allstate (NEW Smart Start and Personal Lines Direct  — VA and DC–Available NOW!) 

Augusta Mutual  (Personal Lines Homeowners- PC 9&10s Welcomed!) 

BH Guard (Personal Lines Monoline Homeowners) 

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

Donegal  (Commercial Lines Only)

Elephant Insurance NEW: Available February 1, 2022.  (Agent Program Sub-Code Personal Lines Monoline Auto) Call Daniel Brown or Roger Gill for Appointment.   

Encompass  (Smart Start and Personal Lines Direct — VA and DC)  

Foremost   (Personal Lines Specialty, Dwellings, and Non Standard Auto)  

Grange   (PL Smart Start, PL & CL Direct, & Life) 

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

Kelly Klee  (PL Direct and PL Smart Start)  

Main Street   (Personal & Commercial Lines Direct)  

Mercury  (Personal Lines Smart Start and Direct)  

National General Insurance (PL & CL Auto, RVs & Toys–Pays Agent Directly; No Split with Smart Choice) 

Nationwide  (Personal & Commercial Lines Direct — VA and DC)   

Travelers  (Personal & Commercial Lines Smart Start —  Direct — VA and DC) 

TREXIS formerly ALFA Vision & Select  (Non Standard Personal Lines Auto)  

Safeco  (Personal Lines Smart Start — Direct)  

State Auto  (Personal and Commercial Lines and Farms Direct)  

Stillwater  (Personal  Lines Smart Start — Personal and Commercial Lines Direct)    

SMART CHOICE VIRGINIA SUPPORT TEAM 

• Over 70 years of combined Agency Management Experience–Both Captive and Independent.
• Provides Training and Resources to Enhance Profitable Agency Growth.
• Provides Online and Offline Marketing Support.
• Provides Assistance with Business Development — Startups to Large, Experienced Agencies.
• Ezlynx Comparative Rater and Agency Management System Experience–We use and know Ezlynx!
• We Share our Agency Processes and Technologies — Value Added Resources to Enhance Efficiency & Effectiveness.
• Extraordinary Agency Services and Responsiveness — We Give Our Cell Numbers to Our Agents.

What Agency Owners and Carriers say about The Smart Choice Virginia Team?   CLICK HERE

Meet the Team

Daniel Brown, Territory Manager

We look forward to working with you.