1. Choose your own direction.
Purchasing an agency as an Allstate Exclusive Agent.
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2. Take a good look at your life.
Where do you want to be
five or ten years from now?
Running your own business?
Being your own boss?
Enjoying financial rewards?
If you answered, “all of the
above,” then you’ve come
to the right place.
You are here.
Allstate is a proven leader in a very competitive field – insurance
and financial services.
Today, we’re continuing to strengthen our position by expanding
our Exclusive Agency force, which we believe is the best in the
business. Proven professionals who thrive on helping customers
protect and build their tomorrows. Pros who know how to win.
Pros who may be just like you.
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3. “I was working as a part of a support team for an insurance
agency for years and had a great feel for the business.
I always knew I wanted to run my own business. Once
I looked around, I realized that the only opportunity for me
was the Allstate Exclusive Agent opportunity. It gave me
a chance to run my own business, make my own money
and offer a wonderful array of insurance and financial
products from Allstate.”
Exclusive Agent
Miami, Florida
3
4. “My decision to purchase an agency a few years ago
has proven to be the best decision I have ever made.
Coming in the door as a new small business owner
and having the Allstate name to stand behind gives
me instant credibility. The Allstate product options
offered me what I needed to succeed.”
Exclusive Agent
Laurel, Maryland
4
5. Being the boss means your business is
your baby – you determine how it grows.
Allstate’s Exclusive Agency Program
provides you with a unique entrepreneurial
opportunity where you will have the support
and expertise of one of the country’s most
established insurance companies.
Where you’re the boss.
As an independent contractor, you’ll choose your own office
location and hire your own staff. You’ll also build a book of
business in which you have an economic interest. *
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* Economic interest may be sold to Allstate-approved buyer only.
6. Purchasing an existing
agency1 from an Allstate
Exclusive Agent is just one
of multiple ways to become
an Allstate Exclusive Agent.
Start here.
With the option of purchasing an existing Allstate Agency1,
you have the advantage of buying a business that’s already
up and running. In fact, you may choose the level of business
activity based on the size of the agency you purchase.
There are different bonus and incentive opportunities
available depending on whether the agency has less than
750 PP&C policies or more than 750 PP&C policies.
1
Allstate is not a party to the sale nor does Allstate participate in the sale negotiation or
agency valuation process. Exclusive Agents have an economic interest in the customer
accounts they develop under the Exclusive Agency Agreement with the Company. Exclusive
Agents may sell their economic interests to an Allstate-approved buyer when their agency
relationship with the Company ends. Allstate retains ownership of the book of business.
1
Allstate will provide you with information on the Exclusive Agency Program, market
information, and the purchase process. However, it is strongly recommended that you
consult with outside advisors (attorney, tax advisor, accountant, banker, etc.) before
6 purchasing an agency from an Allstate Exclusive Agent.
7. BECOMING AN ALLSTATE
EXCLUSIVE AGENT . . .
Purchasing2 an
Completing the Starting a new Being assigned3 a
Exclusive Agent agency book of business
agency from an
Employee Program1
existing Allstate
Exclusive Agent
Less than 750 More than 750
PP&C policies PP&C policies
The Allstate Exclusive Agent Employee Program is offered in select states.
1
Purchase, as used in this document, refers to the purchase of the economic interest
2
in the Allstate customer accounts serviced by an agency.
Where available, an agent may be assigned a book(s) of business as the agent of
3
record. The commission amounts for the assigned policies are 6% for Standard Auto
and Property and 4% for Nonstandard Auto for five (5) annual renewals following the
date of assignment. The assigned policies are not eligible for inclusion in Termination
Payment calculation for five (5) annual renewals following the date of assignment.
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Allstate retains ownership of the assigned policies.
8. Allstate offers you the
opportunity to team up
with a Personal Financial
Representative, a specialist
in life, savings and
financial products. There
are plenty of good reasons
to do this, including: More revenue and economic value for your agency through
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cross-selling property and casualty with financial services
Better business retention as customers begin to call on your
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agency for a wide range of insurance and financial products
More experience in financial services, sales and marketing
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You can free up your time to develop other parts of your business.
The only thing required of you is ongoing communication and a
mutual understanding of goals. The choice is yours. Team up with
a Personal Financial Representative or run the show yourself.
Drive your business as a team
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9. or on your own.
“Teaming up with a Personal Financial Representative
absolutely enhances the retention of the customer,
which obviously means more commissions for the agent.
It’s just the fact that you know the customer very well.”
Exclusive Agent
Jacksonville, Arkansas
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10. Independence is what
makes the Allstate Exclusive
Agent opportunity ideal
for motivated people with
sales experience. But, you’re
not set adrift on your own.
We offer the tools and
Field Distribution Leaders are available to provide consultation and
support to help you succeed
expertise to help you profitably grow your agency. In addition, you’ll
have access to education programs, an advanced computer system,
every step of the way.
24-hour customer service and much more.
Plus, our highly competitive commission structure and rewarding
recognition programs can help your business grow by motivating
both you and your staff.
Support here, there, everywhere.
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11. The right products to help you succeed.
As an Allstate Exclusive Agent, you’ll have a comprehensive line-up of excellent,
affordable products to meet the needs of the customers.
AUTO INSURANCE PROPERTY INSURANCE
Homeowner
Preferred Auto
Condo
Indemnity Auto
Customizer
Motorcycle
Business Package Policy
Motorhome
Renters
Motorclub
Mobile Home
Commercial Auto
Boat
Commercial Fleets
Recreational Vehicle
Flood
FINANCIAL PRODUCTS Personal Umbrella Policy
Commercial Property Policies
Life Insurance
SPP (Scheduled Personal Property)
Annuities
LPP (Landlord Package Policy)
Mutual Funds
IRAs
Extended Care Insurance
CDs1
Money Market Accounts
Disability Insurance
Supplemental Health Insurance
1
Banking and savings products such as CDs are offered through Allstate Bank,
Member FDIC. Non-deposit investment products sold by other companies within
the Allstate family of companies are not insured by the FDIC, are not a deposit or
other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Allstate Bank and may be subject to investment
risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. In certain states, the
referral of CDs is limited by state securities laws to agents who are registered
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securities representatives.
12. As you evaluate the
opportunity to buy an
existing Allstate Agency,
here are a few questions
to ponder: What is the business environment?
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What are the financial results of the agency?
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Is the agency an efficiently operated business?
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Will agency staff be retained after the purchase? What is their
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value to the agency?
What staffing issues exist?
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Will the existing location be maintained after the agency purchase?
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What factors may affect the retention of customers in the book
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of business?
How will the agency purchase be financed?
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What legal issues should be considered?
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For more details on any of these questions and other items to
consider, please review the appendices in the back of this brochure.
Before you decide.
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13. How long does the process take?
We’ve created an easy-to-follow, four-part process that
starts about a year before the effective date of sale. Your
individual timeline may be shorter or longer, depending
on your circumstances. For a more detailed look at the
timeline, please consult the appendices at the back of
this brochure.
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14. “After a year and a half I look back and
am so thankful I made this decision
by coming aboard.”
Exclusive Agent
Tampa, Florida
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15. The Allstate name is one that is associated
with reliability and financial strength.
Starting in 1931, selling auto insurance
through the Sears catalog, Allstate has built
a legacy of innovation, service and success.
We are ranked among one of the Fortune 50
companies and our slogan, “You’re in
Good Hands with Allstate ,” is one of the
®
most widely recognized in the business.
At Allstate, we’re right with you.
In today’s changing economic environment, we’re poised to
continue our success. Many insurance companies have come
and gone, or strayed far from their roots. But we remain true
to a fundamental idea – to deliver protection, peace of mind
and a better quality of life to all our customers.
We’re looking for entrepreneurial sales professionals who
like working with people and want to grow with us. If you’re
interested, we would like to talk with you. We may have a
successful future in common.
To learn more, call Allstate today at 877-258-9012, or
visit our website at allstateagent.com.
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16. Appendices
APPENDIX A
Purchasing an Agency...
Things to Consider.
APPENDIX B
Estimated Timeline of Key Events
for an Agency Sale.
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17. APPENDIX A
Purchasing an Agency...
Things to Consider.
As you evaluate the Allstate Exclusive Agency Program to determine if purchasing an agency is the right opportunity for
you, there are several things you may want to consider. This list provides you with a starting point.
Please note that Allstate is not a party to the sale, nor does Allstate participate in the agency valuation, sale negotiation, or
terms of the sale processes. We recommend you consult with your attorney, tax advisor, and other financial professionals
before entering into an agreement to purchase an agency from an Allstate Exclusive Agent.
Agency Valuation
Several factors may affect the value of an agency. There are companies that specialize in helping people determine the
value of a business they may want to buy. You may find independent business valuation helpful.
To assist you in evaluating this opportunity, we've put together some
commonly-asked questions in a variety of categories.
MARKET ANALYSIS FINANCIAL RESULTS
What is the business environment? What are the financial results of the agency over
the past three years?
Market demographics
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Revenue growth
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Volatility — regulatory changes
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Number of policies
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I Catastrophe exposure and management
I Number of households
I Local growth strategy
I Policy retention
I Competition
I New business production
I Average premium per policy
I Office expenses
I Revenue by line of insurance
CUSTOMER RETENTION ISSUES
I Claim results — loss trends
Which factors may affect the retention of
customers in the book of business?
Zip code analysis of customer base
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Average age of customer base
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PRODUCT MIX
I Retention of agency staff
What is the composition of the product and
I Pending rate changes
customer mix in the book of business?
I Selling agent involvement in the agency after the sale
Mix of business
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I Customer satisfaction measurement
Number of policies per household
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I Customer complaint volume
I Business quality — underwriting guidelines
I Rate activity in the past 12-24 months
I Percent financial services business
I Percent service account business — business not written
by the agent but serviced in the location. This business is
paid at a lower compensation amount.
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18. Purchasing an Agency...
Things to Consider (cont’d)
OPERATIONAL ISSUES PURCHASE FINANCING
Is the agency an efficiently operated business? How will the agency purchase be financed?
Processes for producing and retaining business Type of business loan and lender
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I Results measurement and tracking Length of approval process
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I Customer records and documentation I Lender requirements
I Agency use of technology I Capital to be invested
I Errors and Omissions claim history I Repayment plan fits agency cash flow
Will agency staff be retained after the purchase?
What is their value to the agency?
Tenure of staff
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LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
Technology skills
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What legal issues should be considered?
I Sales skills
I Insurance license(s) Attorney involvement throughout the purchase
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I Customer and community relationships process including terms of the purchase agreement
I Defined staff responsibilities I Tax planning considerations
I Choice of entity, e.g., sole proprietor, limited
What staffing issues exist? liability company (LLC), or corporation
I Agency licensing requirements
Compensation
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I Pending lawsuits, liens, or judgments
Staff training
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I Staff accountability for results
I Staff performance evaluations
I Staff turnover
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Will the existing location be maintained
after the agency purchase? What are some of the other items I
should consider?
Market presence
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Licensing Requirements — in addition to
Assume lease/sublease I
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property/casualty and life licensing, securities licensing
I Terms and conditions of lease
is required. An extensive background check is completed
I Tenant improvements
by the NASD, (National Association of Securities
I Landlord relationship
Dealers) as part of the securities licensing process.
I Local zoning ordinances
I Retirement planning
I Signage
I Commissions and commission charge backs
received after the sale on business written or terminated
before the sale
I Accounting decisions — responsibility for expenses
incurred prior to the sale when payment is due
after the sale
I Errors and Omissions insurance — extended
coverage after the sale
I Key person life insurance
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19. APPENDIX B
Estimated Timeline of
Key Events for an Agency Sale.
12 MONTHS DATE OF SALE
9-12 MONTHS PRIOR 6-9 MONTHS PRIOR 3-6 MONTHS PRIOR 3 MONTHS PRIOR
to the effective date to the effective date to the effective date and up to the effective date
of the sale of the sale of the sale of the sale
Program Review Program Requirements Agency Sale Process Final Steps
After you have identified Take the Agent Selection Negotiate and finalize Complete the Education
I I I I
an agency for sale and Process test the terms of the sale Program
started preliminary sale with the seller
Pass the background If applicable, complete
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discussions, meet with a screening Make financing the assignment of
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Field Distribution Leader. arrangements, commissions paperwork
Complete the capital
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You will receive an if necessary
requirements worksheet Provide the region with proof
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overview of the Exclusive
Make arrangements of Errors and Omissions
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Complete a business plan
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Agency Program and
to lease office space, insurance and Workers’
Obtain licenses and sign the
buyer requirements. I
if necessary Compensation insurance, as
Letter of Understanding for
Review the Exclusive
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well as direct deposit form,
Make arrangements for
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securities licensing
Agency Agreement and agency desk top computer
furniture, equipment, and
After successfully
Supplement, Exclusive I
system agreement form and
supplies, if necessary
completing the previous
Agency Independent any other information
steps, you will receive
Contractor Manual, and requested
preliminary approval
Exclusive Agency Reference
to continue with the
Guide
sale process
Review the Cash
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Note: Your individual timeline may be shorter or longer depending
Flow Models
on your own circumstances. Additionally, the timing of your events
may occur earlier or later in the agency sale process.
The following steps in the agency sale process may be completed throughout the
process and at different times during the process:
Consult with an attorney, tax advisor, and other outside resources
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Obtain information regarding the book of business serviced by the agency,
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including requested agent policies
Review agency reports and information to help you determine the agency value
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