Becoming A Merchants Agent

Merchants Insurance Group, a regional property/casualty insurance carrier, regularly appoints new independent agents throughout our operating territories. We seek business partners that are professional, ethical and dedicated to success through uncompromising service to their customers.

Merchants offers a market for standard and preferred risks through two companies: Merchants Mutual Insurance Company (MMIC) and Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. (MNH). The companies are marketed together, and the appointed agents generally represent both. Corporate headquarters are located in Buffalo, N.Y. Merchants Insurance Group operates six regional offices in Albany, N.Y.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Hauppauge, N.Y.; Manchester, N.H.; Moorestown, N.J.; and Columbus, Ohio.

Merchants Insurance Group is licensed to write business in 13 states and actively writes in

• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

A.M. Best has rated Merchants Insurance Company of New Hampshire, Inc. “A-” and Merchants Mutual Insurance Company “A-.” MNH is the wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Group, Inc., and a publicly held company that is traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX symbol MGP).

For those agents interested in seeking a business relationship with Merchants, the following outline briefly describes the type of agency that is traditionally successful with Merchants:

AGENCY VOLUME:

We have found great success with agents in the $3 million to $15 million range, however, we have a number of successful agents who fall outside this range. We also find multi-location agencies with higher agency volume ($15 million or greater) highly desirable.

AGENCY PERSONNEL:

We seek a well-staffed (two or more licensed producers and a support staff) agency that exemplifies professionalism in the insurance industry.

 

TARGET MARKET:

We target agents who specialize in the types of products we offer, small to mid-sized commercial accounts and personal lines.

 

GROWTH POTENTIAL:

We seek agents who are prepared to do business immediately. We work with agents to form a business plan with specific premium commitments and growth plans.

 

MARKETING:

Successful Merchants agents have an active marketing strategy. Before appointing a new agent we examine the agency's marketing plans and look for such things as direct mail programs, telemarketing, cross-sales strategies, etc.

 

SECURE BUSINESS:

Our agents are financially secure. We look for agents with a long-term business plan and a solid strategy for the perpetuation of the agency.

If the above criteria applies to your agency, and you are interested in forming a partnership with a dynamic, service-oriented insurance carrier, please contact our Director of Sales, Daniel J. Bierbrauer Jr. at dbierbrauer@merchantsgroup.com

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