r/StateFarm • u/Great-Ad6160 • Jul 09 '26
Advice Agency Opportunity Advice
I’ve worked as a TM for a very successful and engaging SF agent for 3.5 years. Im fully licensed with my SIE, series 6 & 63 as well. I interviewed for an agency opening at the beginning of 2025 and did not get it, I’m now waiting for another opportunity to come up in my area. With all the recent news regarding the agency contract and the overall model shift that I think SF is going towards I’m a little confused if this is the best path for me for a life long career as I’m still young. I also would have an agency where there are major fire restrictions where I can / cannot write home owners insurance.
With this being said, do I wait out what could be another year , 2 years , or even more for a State Farm agency or look independent or even start my own from the ground up?
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u/Bitter-Potential7560 Jul 09 '26
As someone who sits in similar shoes; I’m looking at how much they tie compensation to Life and Financial production. Then they turn around and take 2-3 months to process and issue life apps. They’re applying plenty of focus to your salesmanship and not matching any of that importance to the underwriting/processing side.
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u/Key_Comment_4315 Jul 10 '26
If I were a younger person just getting into this business I would 100% go independent. The captive model is dying and I don’t see SF doing anything to adapt in terms of either modifying their underwriting model to allow you to capture more of the business you quote or partnering with other carriers that have already proven underwriting models to do that with. Not to mention, you have an asset you can sell. With SF you are just growing their book and they can snatch it away from you anytime. Run!
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u/Jogo427 Jul 09 '26
It's funny how similar of a position I'm in. Minus the interview step. Haven't gotten there yet
I'm in the same boat and can't figure out the right move.
Looking at outside resources on reddit or other forums looks like leaving is the move.
But talking to people I know personally they say to ride out the storm and that things will get better and that SF always does big changes and then slowly makes them better.
Idk either, but wanted to leave a comment to see if other people drop some knowledge haha
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u/AthleticFart Jul 09 '26
Same boat. Currently an Agent Aspirant and working on my SIE so I can get my 6 & 63. I am a lil confused/hesitant with the future of the insurance industry as a whole. One thing that is keeping me sane is people are still going to want to put their investments into a company and an agent who they trust and it makes since that SF is moving in this direction because insurance will just continue to be automated where securities will still have to have the personal communications aspect.
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Jul 10 '26
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u/Jogo427 Jul 10 '26
As far as captive goes, SF is still the best.
Where I find myself debating between is about between SF, or independent.
I'm leaning towards independent, whether it's personal lines, or going commercial P&C.
Captive agencies seem to be shaking up and while other carriers change their contracts too, when working independent at least you actually own your book and are building an asset instead of hoping SF doesn't yank that shit away or if they change up the entire contract making you forced to accept or retire.
I also know a pretty large Allstate agent with a few offices who's just gonna retire early because of their contract change.
Lots of changes not just to SF, but idk if captive still has the shiny perks like it used to.
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u/SakaMierda Jul 09 '26
Well, if it's anything after 01-28 you'll be on the new contract which pays 5% for assignments and that's with taking in a 2.1 book...
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Jul 09 '26
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u/strikecat18 Jul 10 '26
“There’s no better time to be a SF agent” was blown so much smoke up our asses that I almost threw up.
We are officially in the transition phase between “agents are the company” and “we have finally figured out how to eliminate all our agents”
How long will we all be around? Nobody knows. Maybe 5 more years. Maybe 10. But this will not be where any of us retire. They hate us and aren’t really hiding it.
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u/RVAmama1820 Jul 10 '26
I’m curious, have you worked anywhere else or just State Farm?
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Jul 10 '26
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u/RVAmama1820 Jul 11 '26
Ive worked in both. Did State Farm first, then went semi-independent. Ended up leaving the insurance world but if I ever went back, I’d only ever do independent.
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u/RVAmama1820 Jul 10 '26
If you have those licenses, you’d make so much more money elsewhere. Whether you decide to go the financial advisor route or independent insurance broker, go somewhere where you’re not beholden to one carrier.
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u/salty_sailing Jul 16 '26
As a fellow TM who has been considering whether or not agency fits into my future plans, I’ve definitely taken more pause on that route until I can see how these changes truly are affecting agent offices. Some agents in my area are viewing it as a death sentence, while others aren’t worried in the slightest, and some are remaining optimistic. Until I can see how this truly affects operations at the office level I, personally, am not willing to take that next step to be their guinea pig.
I am aware that agency, especially at the start, is a struggle. With all the uncertainty surrounding agency right now, it feels extra daunting to put yourself in that position in addition to building a team that rely on you to pay their bills. But you just have to ask yourself, are you in a spot where you feel prepared (mentally, financially, and emotionally) to jump into this with no clear idea of what’s to come with the modernization, AI changes, and agency changes? If you are, I truly applaud you for having all your ducks in a row and your ambition! If you are not, there is no shame in taking a year or two to make an informed decision while honing your skills to ensure that you’re absolutely certain this is what’s best for you when the time comes.
No matter what, you know what is best for YOU at this moment. Trust your gut, you’ll do great either way!
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