Best IMO Services to Use as an Independent Insurance Agent

Being an independent insurance agent can be very exciting and rewarding. Unlike captive insurance agents, you aren’t beholden to one insurance carrier and/or types of customers. 

You can focus on whatever sectors of the industry you want, and create a sales and marketing strategy that is your own. In essence, you are a small business owner, and that’s very attractive to a lot of people in the industry. 

Just because you don’t have the backing of a big insurance carrier doesn’t mean you have to go it alone, though. You can partner with an experienced Independent Marketing Organization (IMO) such as Good Life Insurance Associates (GLIA) to help you along the way. 

With so many different options available, though, what are the best IMO services to use as an independent insurance agent? We’ll explore some of the top ones below. 

Back Office Support 

Insurance agents need to spend as much time as possible generating new business and retaining current customers, as that’s the crux of their success. However, there is plenty of administrative work that comes with the territory. 

Some IMOs will offer back office support to their members, such as handling administrative work. That can be extremely beneficial, because that work can be very time-consuming. 

At the same time, it’s important work that has to be done. So, trusting it to experienced professionals who know what they’re doing is key. 

Marketing Services 

The only way you can gain new customers is if you can find them. To do so successfully, you must have a well-thought-out and designed marketing plan. 

This might not be in the “wheelhouse” of some independent insurance agents, especially if you’re new to it. Luckily, a good IMO will provide you with expert advice and guidance to help you reach more customers so you can grow your business. 

This can include everything from website development, search engine optimization, content marketing, social media, digital advertising and much more. 

Sales Support and Training 

Marketing is only half the battle of getting new customers. You must also be a good salesperson and know how to close deals. 

Captive insurance agents receive a lot of support and training from the insurance carrier they work for. This can be available for independent agents as well through a good IMO. 

Many IMOs have experienced insurance sales associates who can provide support and training not just for new independent agents, but for experienced ones as well. This can be an invaluable service that leads to significant and exponential growth. 

Technology and Tech Support 

Another major benefit of working as a captive agent is the carrier you work for likely provides you with a wealth of technological tools. These tools are essential in today’s insurance market. 

They can range from quoting engines to rate calculators to CRMs and so much more. The good news is that the top IMOs will have a wealth of technological tools that their independent agents can use as well. 

GLIA, for instance, offers some of the latest insurance agency technology such as iGo, iPipeline, CSG Quoter and Annuity Rate Watch. These are just a few of the tools that can help you modernize your practice, which improves the experience not just for you but for your customers as well. 

Not only that, but you can leave the worries of tech issues behind, since some IMOs will offer tech support. You don’t have to be concerned about slow or malfunctioning technology holding you back, as experienced tech support staff can help you resolve issues so you have as little downtime as possible. 

Case Management 

There are really three main aspects of work for independent insurance agents — attracting new customers, retaining current customers and managing the claims process. 

Claims are an extremely important aspect, especially for the customers who need to file them. This can have a huge effect on their lives, helping them rebuild, in some instances, if a major problem were to occur. 

Their experience during the claims process is vital to whether they remain your customer, and how they speak about you to others. This process needs to be handled properly, as a result, and that requires a lot of time, care and effort. 

A good IMO will help you handle the case management process for you, managing claims and working with clients so they fully understand the process every step of the way. 

Partner with GLIA 

These are some of the best IMO services that independent insurance agents should take advantage of to help make them successful. At GLIA, we offer these services and so much more to every independent insurance agent who works with us. 

For more information, please contact us today.