{"id":7581,"date":"2019-03-31T15:14:52","date_gmt":"2019-03-31T21:14:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horizonagency.systems\/horizon\/compensation-2\/"},"modified":"2020-11-01T10:04:59","modified_gmt":"2020-11-01T17:04:59","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/horizonagency.systems\/horizon\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;]<div class=\"divider-wrap\"><div style=\"height: 30px;\" class=\"divider\"><\/div><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"col span_12 section-title text-align-center extra-padding\">\r\n\t\t<h2>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><div class=\"toggles \" data-style=\"default\"><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>Who owns my book of business?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]In short, you do!\u00a0 But what does that really mean?\u00a0 We&#8217;ve never understood why most networks say the word &#8220;ownership&#8221; but never truly explain it.\u00a0 Do you really have true ownership if you have:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A time-vested schedule of ownership in your own agency?<\/li>\n<li>A non-compete or non-solicit?<\/li>\n<li>A buyout fee when you leave?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Newsflash&#8230;\u00a0 NO ONE owns a client!\u00a0 That&#8217;s why we don&#8217;t restrict you if you decide to leave.<\/p>\n<p>To us, ownership means you own the relationship with your client without restriction&#8230; period.\u00a0 If you decide to leave, you are welcome to move that relationship with you.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>What are the startup costs?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]$1,000 (and we will even take payments)<\/p>\n<p>There are many networks that charge $2,500 to as high as $75,000 but does that make them any better?\u00a0 <strong>Nope!<\/strong>\u00a0 Some will say it&#8217;s for training&#8230;\u00a0 Others will make you feel exclusive and important just because you spent $50K to join the club.\u00a0 Invest in your agency,\u00a0 not in your network.<\/p>\n<p>We would rather invest our time and training efforts into your success!\u00a0 The wisest investment you can make at this point is on <strong>YOUR<\/strong> business, not ours.\u00a0\u00a0We need to cover our costs but the last thing we want to do is take away your working or marketing capital when you are just getting started.<\/p>\n<p>If you are not convinced, we would be happy to increase our fee if you like&#8230; Seriously though we would much rather you sell a ton and have us both financially benefit that way.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>What is the difference between an ageny cluster and an aggregator?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]Really not much!\u00a0 They are both a form of agency network designed to provide strength in numbers.\u00a0 Agency networks come in many shapes and sizes, but the devil is in the details of the contract.\u00a0 Generally speaking we would define the different terms as&#8230;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aggregator:\u00a0 (Let&#8217;s use EIEIO Group) You get a login to the EIEIO Group code.\u00a0 EIEIO Group is one big happy family and you are a part of\u00a0 the EIEIO machine, although you can sorta call it whatever you like, you are mostly recognized as a branch office.\u00a0 Most of the paperwork will reflect EIEIO GROUP.\u00a0 Commission is ok but many involve long contracts and non competes.\u00a0 You may even get an EIEIO issued email&#8230;<\/li>\n<li>Cluster:\u00a0 (Lets use random Initials MIOSA&#8230; Oh don&#8217;t read into this as it really is random)\u00a0 You will get Direct codes to the carrier or have the ability to submit business to their brokerage.\u00a0 They are great, except many don&#8217;t realize it takes a long time to get a direct code to the carrier&#8230; and that it still flows through a master code&#8230; just like an aggregator.\u00a0 There is no doubt though this is YOUR agency as MIOSA has provided you the handshake to the carrier and you are paid directly in many cases.\u00a0 So, what do you do in the meantime while you wait for your direct codes?\u00a0 These are often long contracts, with good sized buyouts at the end.<\/li>\n<li>Franchise:\u00a0 (Let&#8217;s call it Bright Moose)\u00a0 You will pay a large fee to open a branch office.\u00a0 You get to call it &#8220;Bright Moose&#8221;.\u00a0 You will give up typically 50% of your commission because they do all the tedious work for you and you simply handle the sales.\u00a0 You have a non compete, and the comfort of knowing you wont ever have to worry about how to spend contingency, because it&#8217;s not part of the vocabulary there at Bright Moose.\u00a0 If you are looking for a job where you advance your first years pay to your employer this just may be a great fit for you&#8230; Don&#8217;t buy a job.<\/li>\n<li>The Rest:\u00a0 (Lets call it Intelligent Access)\u00a0 It&#8217;s cheap to get in&#8230; commission is on the lighter side but its easy to get in.\u00a0 No non competes typically but watch out, they don&#8217;t like you getting appointed with any of their carriers any time soon.\u00a0 With Intelligent Access you may have to send in ACORD forms&#8230; even on a renters policy, and just wait until you need service, or your customer is sitting at the DMV or worse at the dealership on a Saturday.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The contract is really what separates the sheep from the wolves.\u00a0 Pay attention to it for things like non-competes, buyout clauses, cancellation penalties, and the length of time the contract is for.<\/p>\n<p>What makes us different?\u00a0 Shop around to every agency network you care to, then compare their contract to ours&#8230;\u00a0 We have taken the best aspects of each of the above and worked them into Horizon, and the, well,\u00a0 stupidest parts and gotten rid of them. We look forward to doing business with you NOT because we&#8217;ve convinced you that we are the best but because all the other networks have proven it.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>Does Horizon offer training?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]Absolutely!\u00a0 It won&#8217;t cost you extra either as we consider your training as our investment in your success.<\/p>\n<p>We will train you on our systems and proprietary practices.\u00a0 We will also send you through EZLynx University to get you a top to bottom look at your agency management\/rating systems.\u00a0 Each carrier has invested millions of dollars into their own training programs and we have an in house dedicated training manager.\u00a0 Once you start establishing relationships with carriers, in many cases we can arrange training at your office with a carrier marketing representative or through webinars to jump-start your agency![\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>What happens if I decide to leave?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]What will happen?\u00a0 We will be sad to see you go.\u00a0 You would be missed, but if you aren&#8217;t into it, we won&#8217;t hold you hostage with non-solicit clauses, required buyouts,\u00a0 or carrier restrictions.\u00a0 We believe no one owns a customer, so feel free to come get them.<\/p>\n<p>Why are we so confident you&#8217;ll stay with Horizon?<\/p>\n<p>We offer a robust carrier offering, a great commission\/bonus structure, top-shelf industry systems, and most of all&#8230; independence.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>What will I need to get started?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]A great attitude goes a long way, but we will also need copies of your insurance license(s) and a certificate for your errors &amp; omissions insurance.\u00a0 We recommend a business &amp; marketing plan as well, something that will show the carriers you really take the partnership seriously.<\/p>\n<p>There are many other things that will be helpful but these are the basics to get you off the ground.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>How do I receive my commissions?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]We will direct deposit any commissions received by us to you in the following pay cycle (around the 15th of the following month).[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>If I lost a carrier appointment are you able book-roll my business?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]Yes, we are absolutely open to a book roll.\u00a0 In some cases, you may earn even more due to our negotiated commission rates.\u00a0 There are some instances where we will pass if it would be a detriment to the network.\u00a0 We take profitability bonuses seriously so we look at each book-roll on a case by case basis![\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>How long does it take to get appointed?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]The length of time it takes in order to be appointed with a carrier is completely dependent on the carrier.\u00a0 Short answer: Many carriers in as little as 24 hours from the time you request access and generally speaking between 24 hours and 8 weeks.\u00a0 Some do take longer, but we are there to help you navigate the process.\u00a0 As soon as your agency is active we immediately start this process with multiple top carriers that cover personal, commercial, life and health, and E&amp;S markets.<\/p>\n<p>Our goal is to get you to dedicated access with a carrier and to pay the highest commissions as soon as possible.\u00a0 We have a licensing and compliance specialist that will work with your agency to get the appointments as fast as the carriers will give them!<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>Do you charge brokerage fees?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]No we do not charge a brokerage fee.\u00a0 Certain states allow agencies to charge a brokerage fee. You may, so long as your agency abides by all state insurance regulation, provides the required disclosure, obtains the needed customer authorization, and secures all pertinent signatures.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>Am I required to send in signed applications?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]With certain carriers you may, but for the most part&#8230; absolutely not!\u00a0 For compliance, you&#8217;ll simply upload them to your client&#8217;s file in the management system along with any required rejection forms or underwriting requirements.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>Do I need a license for my agency?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]Although you will need to be licensed in each state you wish to do business in, your agency technically doesn&#8217;t need to be licensed.\u00a0 We do recommend an agency license if you ever plan on having employees or interns.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>Will my agency name appear on the Declarations Pages and Billing Documents?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_column_text]On all business you place with carriers you have a dedicated relationship with YES, your agency name will be reflected.<\/p>\n<p>If the business is placed with a shared carrier where you are using one of our codes, it will reflect the name of the master agency.\u00a0 On all broker assisted business it will also reflect the master agency name.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s our goal to have your agency identity reflected as often and consistently as possible.[\/vc_column_text]<\/div><\/div><div class=\"toggle default\"><h3><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"icon-plus-sign\"><\/i>Im looking at many networks, what questions should I be asking?<\/a><\/h3><div>[vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZkb2NzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20lMkZkb2N1bWVudCUyRmQlMkZlJTJGMlBBQ1gtMXZTQWJaVkNhUzJPNkxKeHJuazQ4bG9HZlZSQWR6ZVVaenFkVWFoMjRJM3E5ZlAxT2xJRnFSNS1wNU53Z2ZmdGJDUzhQVDRBZk9JY21HZlElMkZwdWIlM0ZlbWJlZGRlZCUzRHRydWUlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjkwJTI1JTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyOTAwcHglMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZpZnJhbWUlM0U=[\/vc_raw_html]<\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; 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