Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Independent Insurance Agency Network
Founded in 1994, Smart Choice has been empowering independent insurance agents nationwide. Our network connects agents with over 100 top-rated carriers across personal, commercial, life, and specialty insurance markets. We prioritize agent autonomy by offering a no-fee program with immediate appointment access, competitive commission structures, and comprehensive support services. With 45-state coverage and a proven track record of fostering agent success, we combine industry expertise with innovative tools like instant-issue life insurance platforms and dedicated carrier partnerships. Our commitment to transparency, low production requirements, and 100% book ownership ensures agents maintain control while scaling their businesses efficiently. 
Services
Commercial Lines
Personal Lines
Life Insurance
Excess & Surplus Lines
Agency Support Services
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer immediate carrier appointments with 100+ insurance providers nationwide
- Our no-fee program ensures 0% startup or maintenance costs for agents
- We provide competitive commission structures with potential for 100% earnings
- Our dedicated support team facilitates instant market access within 24 hours
- We guarantee 100% book ownership and flexible business growth opportunities
What people say
Dramatic business growth
Immediate carrier access
No fees
100% commission potential
Dedicated support
Services
Commercial Lines
Smart Choice provides access to top commercial insurance carriers like Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and Nationwide. Our program offers lower volume commitments, competitive commissions, and flexible underwriting options. Agents can choose between in-house underwriting assistance or direct sub-appointments with major carriers.
Personal Lines
Our personal lines program connects agents with leading insurers including Allstate and Hartford. We negotiate higher-than-average commissions while maintaining low premium volume requirements. Agents retain 100% book ownership with no fees for program participation.
Life Insurance
Smart Choice offers instant-issue life insurance solutions through partners like Bestow. Agents gain access to automated platforms enabling 15-minute policy applications with immediate approval notifications. Training resources and marketing tools support efficient life insurance sales.
Excess & Surplus Lines
Express Markets provides 100% commission direct appointments with 35+ specialty carriers. Our streamlined process enables immediate coverage for hard-to-place risks without production requirements or participation fees for network members.
Agency Support Services
We offer discounted E&O insurance, agency software solutions, and continuing education resources. Our dedicated team provides market guidance, contract negotiations, and operational support to help independent agencies scale effectively.
People
Douglas S. Witcher
Founder and Chairman of the Board
Established Smart Choice in 1994 after recognizing the need for agent-centric insurance networks. Transformed the company from a small agent coalition into a national network serving 10,000+ agencies while maintaining its core mission of agent empowerment.
Andrew Caldwell
Chief Executive Officer
Appointed CEO in 2023, brings extensive industry experience to lead Smart Choice's strategic growth initiatives. Focuses on expanding carrier partnerships and enhancing digital tools to support agent success in evolving insurance markets.
Questions
What fees are associated with joining Smart Choice?
There are absolutely no startup fees, maintenance fees, or exit fees in our program. Agents only pay a commission split with carriers they actively write business through.
How quickly can I get carrier appointments?
Our Express Markets team facilitates immediate appointments within 24 hours for most carriers, allowing agents to start writing business right away without traditional waiting periods.
What commission structures do you offer?
We offer competitive structures with potential for 100% commission earnings once thresholds are met. Specific rates vary by carrier and program, with lower volume requirements than direct appointments.
Which states do you operate in?
Our network serves independent agents in 45 states across the US, with tailored carrier options available for each specific market and regulatory environment.
How do you support new insurance agents?
We provide comprehensive training resources, instant access to multiple carriers, and dedicated territory managers to help new agents build their books efficiently and sustainably.
Can I maintain my existing carrier relationships?
Yes, Smart Choice membership complements existing relationships by providing additional carrier options while maintaining your complete book ownership and business autonomy.
Reviews (4)
Anita Murray
Sep 04, 2021
Report
SmartChoice has made the transition from agent to owning an independent agency very smooth and easy. Kim Carney, my representative, has helped me through every step and is always there to answer my questions. SmartChoice has made it easy to contract with a variety of carriers that would not have been possible on my own. For me, SmartChoice was a very Smart Choice.
Domingo Cruz
Sep 02, 2021
Report
If you need access and know what you are doing, smart choice is the way to go. I currently use them for their smart start program to write with carriers for which I do not have the capacity or appetite to get appointed with. Keep in mind this is not a learn to be an insurance agent company; they do not have much training nor back end support; they provide access and quick response to quotes which is what I needed.
Mary Anne Connelly
Sep 02, 2021
Report
I can't say enough for them! I am a small, independent agency and I was seeking access to personal lines carriers for home and auto. I do not have many direct appointments so I thought I'd give "Smart Choice" a try. I've now been writing all of my personal lines business with them for the last 3 years. The reasons why? They have access to admitted carriers with favorable rates and they answer the phone!
I also got some things I wasn't expecting: Access to 5 different admitted carriers for ALL commercial lines and access to bunches carriers for life insurance. This is an organization that is what it purports to be: A partner for the smaller agent.
I also got some things I wasn't expecting: Access to 5 different admitted carriers for ALL commercial lines and access to bunches carriers for life insurance. This is an organization that is what it purports to be: A partner for the smaller agent.
Kelli Fletcher
Aug 30, 2021
Report
As an independent broker, we signed up with SmartChoice and it has been a very positive experience. The platform is great and the service they provide to us is really excellent. supportive, trainings, fast response, professional, a great resource and all around great company.
