6 Reasons why you should (or shouldn't) buy a book of business.

Mar 29, 2022 12:12:55 PM | 6 Reasons why you should (or shouldn't) buy a book of business.

If you're thinking about becoming an insurance agent, or if you're already an insurance agent and you're looking to grow your business, one option you may be considering is buying a book of business. One of the most important things you can do is build up a book of business. This is a collection of insurance policies that you have under your belt, and it's a key part of growing your career.

There are a few different ways to go about building up a book of business. One option is to buy a book of business from another insurance agent. This can be a great way to get a leg up in the industry, but it's important to do your research before making any decisions.

There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind if you're thinking about buying a book of business.

1. The insurance policies included in the book of business.

Make sure you understand what types of policies are included, and that they fit with your goals and target market.

When an independent insurance agent looks to buy a book of business, they need to look at the policies included. They want to know what the value of the book is, and how it will impact their own business.

If the policy is something that you don't normally write or doesn't fit with your goals, then it is likely that you will be less interested in the book. The same goes for the price; if it is too high, then it may not be worth the investment. But if the policy is something that fits with your goals and target market, then it could be a great investment!

2. The financial stability of the book of business.

It's important to make sure that the book of business is financially stable, and that you're not overpaying for it.

Obviously, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a book of business, that's why we are writing this article! But one of the most important is the financial stability of the book.

A book of business that is consistently profitable is a much safer investment than one that is constantly losing money. Furthermore, a book of business that has a history of profitability is more likely to continue to be profitable in the future. Independent insurance agents should therefore carefully consider the financial stability of any book of business before making a purchase. Make sure you are asking to see the historical performance of the book you are evaluating before purchasing it. 

Doing so will help them make smart, informed decisions that will benefit their business in the long run.

3. The growth potential of the book of business.

You'll want to make sure that the book of business is growing, and that there's room for you to continue growing it. When it comes to growth potential, not all books are created equal.

A smart agent will look for a book that shows signs of healthy growth. After all, what's the point of buying a book if it's not going to generate new business?

To determine the growth potential of a book, agents should look at factors like price, territory, and customer base. A book that is relatively inexpensive and has potential for expansion in its territory and customer base is a wise investment.

By contrast, a book that is already well-established in its market is likely to have limited growth potential. When it comes to choosing a book of business, independent insurance agents should always make sure the book they are buying matches their growth goals. 

4. The size of the book of business.

Make sure that the book of business is a good fit for your current client base.

When considering whether or not to buy a book of business, one of the most important factors is the size of the book. A larger book is typically more expensive, but it also offers more potential for agency growth. In addition, a larger book is likely to include a wider variety of clients, which can help independent agents to diversify their portfolios.

Agents will need to make sure they can accommodate a big influx of customers and actually service them, other wise your retention rate will suffer. The size of the book is an important consideration that should not be overlooked.

5. The age of the book of business.

The older the book of business, the more stable it is likely to be. This is because the policyholders are less likely to move, die, or otherwise change their insurance needs. In contrast, a younger book of business will be less expensive, it may take some time to build trust with clients but it also offers higher growth potential as you can grow with the clients you retain. 

An agent can expect to receive a higher price for an older book of business. In addition, an older book of business is likely to have a lower turnover rate, meaning that the agent will have a steadier stream of income.

Ultimately, the best decision depends on the needs of the independent insurance agent.

6. The cost of the book of business.

Make sure you're getting a good deal on the book of business. This is where Cake comes in. By comparing all of the slices — a chosen group of accounts — for sale you can get a great sense of the market and ensure you aren't overpaying for the book of business. 

We give you the tools and support you need to find the types of accounts you want, in your price range, listed by agents ready to sell. We want you to achieve your growth goals fast and take your business to the next level.