What’s the agent experience like with BiBerk?
I own an independent agency in Florida, where securing property insurance can be quite challenging. I recently heard that BiBerk is open to writing in this area, so I decided to apply for an appointment via their preferred platform, FirstConnect. As I navigate this process, I have a few questions for my fellow agents:
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I’ve noticed that the commissions for General Liability/BOPs and property are set at 12% for new business and 6% for renewals. Has anyone successfully negotiated for higher rates after demonstrating production? It would be disappointing to cultivate a book of business for just 6%.
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What are your thoughts on FirstConnect? It feels a bit odd to go through a third party for agency appointments. I understand that maintaining agency relationships can be costly for carriers, but I’m curious about the benefits of using an intermediary.
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Any insights on working with BiBerk?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there!
I can understand your concerns about the appointment process and commission structure with BiBerk. Here are some insights that might help you:
Commissions: It’s true that starting commissions can feel low, especially when you’re building a book of business. While negotiating for higher commissions later on can be challenging, some agents have found success by demonstrating their production and solid relationships with clients over time. Keeping communication open with your BiBerk rep and expressing your willingness to grow and produce can sometimes lead to favorable commission discussions down the line.
FirstConnect: Using a third-party platform for appointments can be a bit unusual, but it’s becoming more common as carriers look to streamline the process. Many agents have found FirstConnect to be user-friendly and efficient for onboarding. It might feel strange initially, but once you get the hang of it, it can simplify other processes as well, like quoting and submitting business.
Overall Experience: Feedback on working with BiBerk varies among agents. Some appreciate their appetite for niche markets, especially in challenging areas like property insurance in Florida. Others might find that the claims process or customer service can be a bit slower compared to more established carriers. It might be worth connecting directly with other agents who have significant experience with them to get a clearer picture.
It sounds like you have a challenging yet exciting path ahead! Good luck with your appointment process, and I hope BiBerk proves to be a great addition to your agency’s offerings. Let us know how it goes!
TIA for sharing your insights too!