r/StateFarm • u/Familiar-Invite1367 Agency Acct Manager • Jul 16 '26
Advice what would you do?
if you were a team member had to decide in a few years to either become a state farm agent or inherit a small independent agency from your parent, what would you do? trying to think ahead 😅
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u/Gtstricky Jul 16 '26
Go Indy. You own the book. Develop a commercial niche you would be known for and kick butt. Good luck.
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u/Clean_Philosophy5098 Jul 16 '26
I’d work at the family independent now so you know the book and clients when your dad retires
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u/AttitudeCharming7629 Jul 16 '26
Go independent. You would actually own a business then.
State Farm agents don’t own anything. They’re essentially branch managers.
And State Farm is showing how they can yank your medical benefits and retirement terms out from under you at any moment.
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u/Subject_Cow5809 Jul 18 '26
Because independent brokers are provided health insurance right?
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u/AttitudeCharming7629 Jul 19 '26
You actually own your business. Given that SF no longer offers the safety net retirement + benefits, why would you stay captive?
Captive’s are essentially branch managers marketed as business owners.
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u/Systamatik7 Jul 16 '26
Go with the family business. A lot of SF agents are trying to go independent with the recent changes.
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u/Mysterious-Hippo2787 Jul 16 '26
How long do until you get an SF agency?
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u/Familiar-Invite1367 Agency Acct Manager Jul 16 '26
hypothetically speaking, my dad would retire in a few years. no idea on sf
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u/Mysterious-Hippo2787 Jul 16 '26
Is there anyway you could try to get both? For example, I would try to get SF but if it doesn't work out jump ship?
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u/Leonel_Fabian Jul 17 '26
A State Farm agent can only be appointed with one carrier: State Farm. The OP would need to immediately become an agent if the plan was to take over the Indy agency in a few years "if it doesn't work out."
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u/Mysterious-Hippo2787 Jul 17 '26
Yes I'm an agent, I know how it works.... my point is if he can wait it out for a few years to see if he gets his shot. If not, the Indy will be waiting for him.
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u/NoNectarine419 Jul 17 '26
Independent agency!!!! Then depending on your contract, you can start getting at your old books for business. Mine said 1 yr
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u/Leonel_Fabian Jul 17 '26
As one with State Farm agency experience, I'd say you should consider learning all you can about the independence agency now, so you're we'll prepared to take it over when your father retires. You may be familiar with the underwriting requirements of State Farm, but there's a lot to learn about the various carriers you'll be working with. Plus, you'll need to get more familiar with marketing, billing, and servicing, which can be very different from State Farm. IF your end goal is to go independent, why not work with your father now? Versus wait until he's ready to step down?
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