The FUSA Advantage: A Better Way to Build Your Agency

Explore how FUSA’s model stacks up against captive and independent agency paths, and why more agents are making the switch.

Problem FUSA Insurance Agency Captive Agency Independent Agency
Production Quotas FUSA does not have production quotas for individual agents. Our agency as a whole meets and exceeds any and all premium quotas imposed by carriers. Required quota that typically requires life and health insurance sales. One product, one price. Each carrier has different quotas agents must meet to maintain appointment. Must also directly deal with the carrier's rep.
Financial Support New agents receive a base subsidy plus commissions. FUSA also provides funds for marketing, prospecting, and leads programs. We believe in partnering financially with our new agents. New hires are generally expected to “intern” under existing agents, who determine pay and office conditions. Time to get own agency can vary. Must purchase existing agency book with personal funds. No financial support. Franchise fees, trademark/use of name & set up fees are the standard. 5-$40K investment required for new agents.
Marketing Support Access to marketing manager and yearly financial support for marketing campaigns. Marketing campaigns are tailored to the agency. With access to multiple-carriers, agents benefit from national campaigns from carriers. Standardized "one-size-fits-all" marketing programs. Limited; varies with what programs are offered with selected carriers.
Sales Support Access to sales, field, and account managers to help prospect, propose and place policies. Limited support after training period. Up to individual agent.
Carrier Access Access to more than 75 carriers. (Note: access is determined by carrier guidelines.) Limited to one carrier. Access to markets can be limited based on agency size and tenure.
Bonus Program Both bonus program and profit sharing available. If FUSA qualifies for a carrier bonus, it is split among agents depending on their production amounts with the carrier. Loss ratios are also spread out among the agents, so a major loss event may not impact the bonus. Rigid bonus program, can change frequently depending on the product focus. Loss ratio for single agency is also factored in. Variers with carrier. Loss ration can impact a single agency.
Product Access All personal and commercial lines; E&S; farm/ranch; crop; life and health. Account and field managers help place more unique and larger policies, such as large commercial accounts. Personal lines; life insurance; small business. May have one or two specialty coverages depending on the company. Varies with what agent has access to. Usually need to focus on select types of coverage in order to maintain quotas.
Technology and Training FUSA offers financial support for an agency management system, with direct access to select markets. FUSA provides training prior to direct access. Constantly changing technology and underwriting tools. Have no control over system. Agent responsible for management system. Also responsible for training on carrier's websites.