- 14,809
I'm dealing with a situation now - agent in the biz for just over a year - fully independent and simply does not like his agency - they do not return calls, provide any support, etc...
The agency will not release him - no reason given except "we don't sign releases." They never did provide the training they promised so he ended up self-training.
The kicker is he's as-earned and has been as-earned from the start so there is zero liability.
He's already expressed that one way or another he is simply not going to continue to put business through them - they are simply not doing anything to earn their override.
The mentality with these some of these agencies seems to be that of a psychotic boyfriend; "If I can't have you no one can."
I'm not sure the term "independent agent" means anything when most agents are anything but independent. I'm struggling to find out what "independent" actually means when 100% of all carriers and require a written release.
Release from what? We are we "released" from? We own and operate our own business. This is a bit like opening up a sub shot, signing with a lunch meat supplier who delivers poor service, then coming to find if you want another supplier you can't receive lunch meat for six months.
This is something that needs drastic change in our business. Agents need more in writing to protect them to at least give them a legal remedy.
Maybe training and support or other promises can be in writing. This way if an agency lures in unsuspecting agents under the false "oh...we provide excellent training" promise yet delivers nothing it "could" at least be taken to court.
As it stands now there is zero legal remedy - even for the agents who have the time and money - to get out of a contract.
By the way, this is not just about agencies. Go "direct" and try to obtain a release.
The agency will not release him - no reason given except "we don't sign releases." They never did provide the training they promised so he ended up self-training.
The kicker is he's as-earned and has been as-earned from the start so there is zero liability.
He's already expressed that one way or another he is simply not going to continue to put business through them - they are simply not doing anything to earn their override.
The mentality with these some of these agencies seems to be that of a psychotic boyfriend; "If I can't have you no one can."
I'm not sure the term "independent agent" means anything when most agents are anything but independent. I'm struggling to find out what "independent" actually means when 100% of all carriers and require a written release.
Release from what? We are we "released" from? We own and operate our own business. This is a bit like opening up a sub shot, signing with a lunch meat supplier who delivers poor service, then coming to find if you want another supplier you can't receive lunch meat for six months.
This is something that needs drastic change in our business. Agents need more in writing to protect them to at least give them a legal remedy.
Maybe training and support or other promises can be in writing. This way if an agency lures in unsuspecting agents under the false "oh...we provide excellent training" promise yet delivers nothing it "could" at least be taken to court.
As it stands now there is zero legal remedy - even for the agents who have the time and money - to get out of a contract.
By the way, this is not just about agencies. Go "direct" and try to obtain a release.