How to Hire Producers & CSRs in an Ever-Changing Digital World

Hiring within the insurance world is changing. It’s no longer enough to post a “help wanted” sign in the local paper or rely on word of mouth to find the right talent. Producers and customer servicerepresentatives (CSRs) are the backbone of any agency. However, finding the right people in today’s digital-first environment can be challenging. … Read more

Summer Insurance Insights: The Most Common Claims and Most Insured Items

When the temperatures rise, so do certain insurance risks. For independent insurance agents, summer is the perfect time to educate clients on seasonal hazards, help them prevent claims, and ensure they have the right coverage in place. From backyard barbecues to family road trips and watercraft adventures, summer fun can quickly turn into a financial … Read more

Navigating Regulatory Changes in the Insurance Industry: How Agents Can Adapt and Thrive

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The insurance industry is undergoing a seismic shift. While new technologies and evolving customer expectations play a significant role in reshaping the market, so too do regulatory changes. For independent insurance agents, the stakes are high—but so are the opportunities. Navigating new rules around data governance and anti-money laundering (AML) is no longer just about … Read more

2025 Insurance Market Conditions: What Independent Agents Need to Know

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The insurance marketplace in 2025 is showing signs of much-needed stabilization—yet, it’s anything but boring. Independent agents who are navigating today’s landscape must stay sharp as markets shift, rates adjust, and competition intensifies. Whether you’re writing main street business or venturing into specialized niches, understanding current trends will help you quote smarter, win more clients, … Read more

The Independent Agent’s Toolkit: Must-Have Platforms for Modern Insurance Agencies

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Being an independent insurance agent today is vastly different from what it was a decade ago. With new technology constantly reshaping the industry, agents now have access to an incredible variety of tools designed to streamline their workflows, boost efficiency, and ultimately help them write more business. But with so many platforms out there, it … Read more

Upselling Insurance Products: Why Agents Don’t Ask, and How to Overcome Hesitations

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Independent insurance agents often seek ways to increase sales with their existing clients. The straightforward answer, though sometimes uncomfortable, is simple: just ask! It may sound easier than it actually is in practice, but it’s just a matter of adding to your skill set and practicing daily.   We Encounter Upselling Frequently In our daily … Read more

Why Aren’t More Independent Agents Selling Commercial Insurance?

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Despite the rising demand for business insurance, many independent agents are hesitant—or outright resistant—to enter the commercial space. Whether you’re an agency owner wondering why your producers aren’t cross-selling to business clients, or you’re an agent yourself questioning where to start, it’s clear that commercial insurance remains an underutilized growth opportunity. So why aren’t independent … Read more

Why Exceptional Customer Service Is the Cornerstone of Success for Independent Insurance Agents

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In the competitive world of insurance, one factor continues to separate thriving independent agents from the rest: exceptional customer service. For independent insurance agencies, happy clients aren’t just a bonus—they’re the heartbeat of the business. As a member of the ASNOA, you have access to advanced tools, marketing resources, and carrier relationships. But what truly … Read more

Helping Clients Weather the Storm:  How Agents Can Support Clients During a Predicted Severe Tornado Season

Independent insurance agents are often the first line of support for clients when disaster strikes. With meteorologists forecasting a more intense tornado season across the Midwest and South, it’s more important than ever to proactively assist clients before, during, and after severe weather events. Here’s how to offer exceptional value and strengthen relationships during these … Read more

Cost-Effective Coverage: Meeting Clients Where They Are

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It’s no secret that prices are up across industries due to the economic changes that have occurred over the past several years. Unfortunately, hard times may cause struggling individuals and families to opt out of insurance coverage in certain situations, or simply stay under-insured. This situation contributes to what’s known as the protection gap—the disparity … Read more