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Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 3,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their insurance agencies. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through an insurance agency business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

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What is an Insurance Agency Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your insurance agency as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Insurance Agency

If you’re looking to start an insurance agency or grow your existing insurance agency you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your insurance agency in order to improve your chances of success. Your insurance agency business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your agency grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Insurance Agencies

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an insurance agency are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate the business.

The second most common form of funding for an insurance agency is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund an insurance agency unless it is based on a unique, scalable technology.

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How To Write a Business Plan for an Insurance Agency

Your insurance agency business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

• Company Overview

Industry Analysis

Customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of insurance agency you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have an insurance agency that you would like to grow, or are you operating multiple insurance agency locations already.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the insurance agency industry. Discuss the type of insurance agency you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target market. Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of insurance business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Direct Writer / Captive : this type of insurance agency only sells one insurance company’s products – like Allstate or State Farm
• Independent Insurance Agent : this type of insurance agency is privately-owned, and sells policies with may different insurance companies

In addition to explaining the type of insurance agency you operate, the Company Analysis section of your own business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new location openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the insurance business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the insurance industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards weather-related policy purchases, it would be helpful to ensure your plans call for flood insurance options.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your insurance company business plan:

• How big is the insurance industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key insurance carriers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your insurance agency. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

The customer analysis section of your insurance agency business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, households, businesses, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of insurance agency you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want different pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than recent college graduates.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most insurance businesses primarily serve customers living in their same geographic region, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other insurance agencies.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors. This includes self pay and public (Medicare, Medicaid in the case of health insurance) insurance or directly working with an insurance carrier. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who purchases insurance does so through an insurance agency.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other insurance agencies with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be insurance agencies located in your geographic region.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What insurance products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior insurance agency products/services?
• Will you provide insurance agency products that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your products?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For an insurance agency, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of insurance agency that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products/services you will be offering. For example, in addition to P&C insurance, will you also offer life insurance?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the menu items you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your insurance agency. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your insurance agency located next to the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a heavily populated office building, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your insurance agency marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your insurance agency’s front store extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., auto dealerships or car rental stores)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your insurance agency such as serving customers, procuring relationships with insurance carriers, negotiating with repair shops, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to acquire your 500th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

To demonstrate your insurance agency’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in an insurance agency. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in insurance agencies and/or successfully running small businesses.

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you acquire 20 new customers per month or 50? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your insurance agency location and/or website, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a successful insurance agency:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Marketing expenses
• Website development
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Free Insurance Business Plan Template

You can download our insurance business plan PDF or sample insurance business plan to help you get started on your own business plan.

If you are looking for the quickest and easiest way to complete your business plan, Growthink’s Ultimate Insurance Business Plan Template has numerous features not available in the free template including its financial projections template which automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

Insurance Business Plan Summary Putting together a business plan for your insurance business will improve your company’s chances of success. The process of developing your plan will help you better understand the insurance market, your competition, and your customers. You will also gain a marketing plan to better attract and serve customers, an operations plan to focus your efforts, and financial projections that give you goals to strive for and keep your company focused.

Additional Resources for Insurance Agents

• How to Write a Marketing Plan for an Insurance Agency
• How to Start an Insurance Agency
• Association for Independent Agents
• Business License Requirements By State For Insurance Agencies

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Insurance Agency Business Plan

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Quaestor Services

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Quaestor Services is in the process of being formed as a sole proprietorship owned and operated by Sheila Claflin. This plan is written as a guide for financing, start-up and management of this new business and will also serve as the basis for measurement. The following is a summary of the main points of this plan.

• The objectives of Quaestor are to generate a profit, grow at a challenging and manageable rate, and to be a good citizen in the community.
• The mission of Quaestor is to provide products and services with high quality, protection and value pricing.
• The keys to success for Quaestor are variety of business services and products, personal contact, timely and accurate service, development of one-to-one relationships, and a reputation of honesty and integrity. 
• The primary products offered will be from Whelnoan Insurance Company, and the added value to small businesses will be the accounting and financial services offered.
• The local market for this business is wide open. Whelnoan Insurance Company has captured 23% of the market share and is considered the second largest insurance company in Plainstate. 
• In the first year of operation, a customer base is being established. Over 85% of the new and established insurance business will renew each year creating compounding growth in sales of over 200% with limited increase in operational expense.

In conclusion, as shown in the highlights chart below, this plan projects rapid growth over the next three years with a profit forecasted in the second year of operation and continuing into future years of operation. Implementing this plan, will ensure that Quaestor Services becomes a profitable venture.

1.1 Objectives

The main objectives of Quaestor Services are:

• Profit – to create enough prosperity for the owner and employees to have a secure and comfortable lifestyle.
• Growth – to grow the business at a rate that is both challenging and manageable.
• Citizenship – to be a social asset to the community and contribute to others who are less fortunate.

1.2 Mission

Quaestor Services is dedicated to providing insurance products and business services that provide high quality, protection, and value pricing. We wish to establish a successful partnership with our clients that respects their interests and goals.

Success will be measured by our clients choosing us because of their belief in our ability to meet or exceed their expectations of price, service, and expertise.  

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to the success for Quaestor Services are:

• A wide variety of business services and insurance products that are affordable, available and understandable.
• Personal contact and service that meets or exceeds the expectations of our clients.
• Services and products that are delivered with accuracy and timeliness.
• Relationships with our clients that fosters renewal business.
• A reputation in the community for it’s honesty and integrity.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Quaestor Services is a start-up company located in Smileyville, Plainstate, a suburb of Niceburg, providing both accounting and full-charge bookkeeping services and insurance and retirement products to individuals, families, and small businesses.

2.1 Company Ownership

Quaestor Services  is a sole proprietorship, owned by Sheila Claflin. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest with Native American Indian heritage, Sheila was relocated to Plainstate in 1994 by her employer. 

She has over 30 years of experience in Finance, Accounting, Management, and Consulting and recently received her Plainstate insurance agent license for Life, Health, Property and Casualty insurance.

In the near future she intends to receive her Series 6 Securities license and take H & R Block Income Tax Course.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Quaestor Services start-up costs include:

• Marketing/Lead Services: marketing and lead generation services to establish client base
• Website Development: professionally developed business website on the Internet
• Logo: professionally developed business logo for business recognition in the market place
• Stationary: the printing of letterhead and envelopes with the company logo
• Business Cards: the printing of business cards with company logo
• Brochures: development and printing of brochures for marketing the business
• Cell Phone and Pager: business cell phone and pager for communication with the clients at all times
• Office Supplies: supplies necessary to set up an office
• Training/Licensing: costs associated with the three state licenses required for insurance business
• Business Associations: membership into several business associations such as Chamber of Commerce

Quaestor Services long-term assets include:

• Laptop Computer: used in meetings with clients for printing insurance quotes and on-line applications
• PC Computer/Monitor: used in office for accounting services and record of business transactions
• Printer/Copier/Scanner: used in office for business transactions       

Start-up costs come to $30,000 of which $15,000 is being financed by a direct owner investment. In the first six months of operation $15,000 financing is being sought after for the start-up costs. In mid-Year 1 an additional $10,000 in financing will be required to ensure business operations, marketing and stability during the first year of operation.

Quaestor Services provides accounting and full-charge bookkeeping services, insurance and retirement products to individuals, families, and small businesses.

As a representative of Whelnoan Insurance Company the following product and services are offered:

• Personal Lines – auto, renters, home, motorcycle, boat/yacht, snowmobile, jet ski
• Commercial Lines – businesses, workers compensation, surety bonds
• Life & Disability Products – term, whole, universal and variable life, long-term care, disability
• Retirement Products – fixed, equity indexed, and variable annuities, mutual funds
• Retirement Plans – IRA, Roth IRA, pension plans, SEP plans, SIMPLE plans
• Life Planning Concepts – mortgage protector, business continuation, buy/sell agreements
• Value Added Products

In the future we intend to offer the following independent products and services:

• Health Insurance
• Pet Care Insurance

Accounting and Full-Charge Bookkeeping Services are available at either the client’s location or in our offices on a regular, permanent basis with a schedule that accommodates the client’s needs. Rates are based on the needs of the business. These services include:

• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Credit/Collection
• Reconciliations
• General Ledger Maintenance
• Financial Statements

In the future we intend to offer the following accounting service:

• Income Tax Preparation

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

The market area for Quaestor Services will be focused on three counties, Pleasant, Niceburg and Contented, in Plainstate. These counties are experiencing a combined average growth in population over the 2000 census of 6.45%.

As of 2004, the Whelnoan Insurance Company is the second largest insurance company in Plainstate with 23% of the market share. The overall market for Quaestor is wide open. This business plan has identified over 1.3 million  individuals and business as potential clients in the market area.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Quaestor Services has targeted the following market segments:

The available market share of 77% represents the market that Whelnoan Insurance has not captured at this time. Although,the entire state is an available marketing area, the tri-county area will be the focus marketing area at this time. The total population of the tri-county area available for marketing is 29% of the total available population in Plainstate. 

The first and most important market segment is population broken down by age groups. This can be used for determining the market for personal lines of insurance such as auto and various recreational vehicles, life and life planning products.

Note that the population of 15 to 24 year olds has been separated from the available population as a market segment in itself for determining the possibility of high risk auto insurance policies.

The second market segment is housing units broken down by owner occupied and renters. This can be used for determining the market for personal lines of insurance such as home, townhouses, condominium, renters and mortgage protection.

The third market segment is small businesses with less than 20 employees. This can be used for determining the market for accounting and bookkeeping services and commercial lines of insurance including property and casualty, retirement and workers compensation.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

• Emphasize value instead of price . Quaestor is dedicated to working closely with each client and educating them on the importance of value over price.
• Build long term relationships . Quaestor is dedicated to establishing a successful partnership with each client, respecting their interests and goals by cultivating a long term relationship to enhance client retention.
• Focus on increasing market share . Quaestor will focus on personal and business clients that have been identified in the targeted markets.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Quaestor’s competitive edge is our positioning as strategic ally with our clients, who are clients more than customers. By building a business based on long-standing relationships with satisfied clients, we simultaneously build defenses against competition. The longer the relationship stands, the more we help our clients understand what we offer them and why they need it.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy is the core of Quaestor’s main strategy:

• Develop specific programs for each target market segment

5.3 Sales Strategy

Quaestor’s sales strategy will be based on systematic person-to-person contacts through referrals, direct mail, telemarketing and the Internet. A list of potential prospects has already been compiled and will serve as a launching pad for marketing the products and services.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

The important elements of the sales forecasts are summarized on three line items, Accounting Services, Insurance Sales, and Miscellaneous Revenue. The summary of the initial sales forecast indicates a first year revenue of $39,500 increasing to over $108,310 by the end of the second year, then $122,110 by the end of the third year. It should be noted that although sales triple in the second year, all revenue has been forecasted very conservatively for the three year forecast. Forecasted sales increases are overstated by the Whelnoan Insurance subsidies or Miscellaneous sales. Actual sales growth for the second year is 160% due to adding a producer for continued sales growth and exponential growth of insurance renewals. The third year of sales reflects an actual growth of 76% due mostly to the increase in insurance renewals. Each element will be discussed separately and in its entirety below: 

Accounting Services – it has been determined in order to be conservative for this forecast, that the average accounting client requires services at approximately $500 a month, or 25 hours (x) $20 hour. Obviously this can vary depending on the needs of the client, but for forecasting purposes this is the standard used in determining the monthly revenue. In addition, it is assumed that once our services are sold to the accounting client, they will continue to generate a monthly revenue until replaced. Income tax preparation which will yield a substantial increase in revenue as a future service, but is not considered in this forecast. The illustration below, shows two clients are forecasted for the second year and three clients are forecasted for the third year. Accounting clients can sometimes require substantial time at first, until the clients’ needs are defined and set up. Limited clients are being forecasted due to the time required growing the client base for insurance.

Insurance Sales – are comprised of two categories, 1) insurance-new sales and 2) insurance-renewals. The insurance products used to forecast new sales are, auto and high risk auto (renews every six months), property structures such as homes, townhouses, condominiums, renters and landlord insurance, commercial, life and all other types of recreation vehicle insurance, (renews annually).  It should be noted that in order to be conservative, not all insurance products that are offered were forecast, such as health, retirement products and plans. Whelnoan Insurance Company District Office supplied the necessary documentation needed for the formulation of the insurance sales and renewals. Sales are based on actual results (averaged) created for the first three years of a new Whelnoan Insurance agency. All numbers have been reviewed and approved by them before the forecast was entered into this business plan.  

What makes insurance sales different from other sales are the renewals. In most cases, without an increase in monthly production, the monthly income will almost double due to renewals. It has been determined by Whelnoan Insurance that customer loyalty in the first year is 87%, second year is 85% and third year is 89%. Other than auto, which renews every six months, all other insurance products renew on an annual basis. Because of renewals, it is possible to double sales revenue without increasing production costs. The following is the monthly forecast:

Miscellaneous – the amounts forecasted in Miscellaneous are Whelnoan Insurance subsidies offered at pivotal times throughout the first two years to financially support the insurance agency during the development stage. The subsidies are broken down into four categories, and require that milestone production levels be achieved before the subsidy is made available, 1) commissions on new sales 2) marketing leads, 3) office space, and 4) staff. At the end of two full years of operations as a career agent, subsidies are no longer available. The total subsidies forecasted in the first year is $13,875, in the second year $41,700, and $4,800 in third year, for a total of $60,375. 

5.4 Milestones

The table below lists important program milestones, with dates and managers in charge. The milestone schedule indicates Quaestor’s emphasis on planning for implementation and the measurement of these activities. In addition, each milestone is important to achieving the financial forecast used in this business plan. The following is a brief description of each milestone:

• 12/01/04-01/31/05-Business Financing – obtain the very important start-up financing necessary for the first year of operation.
• 01/01/05-03/31/05-Career Agent – the Whelnoan Career Agent Program starts when a new agent has completed their training, received the required insurance licenses and in the last 90 days sold 30 policies including three life insurance policies. 
• 01/01/05-02/28/05-Accounting Services (1st Client) – obtain the first monthly client for accounting services.
• 03/01/05-06/30/05-Accounting Services (2nd Client) – obtain the second monthly client for accounting services.
• 04/01/05-09/30/05 -Career Agent (6 months)  – the first milestone in the Whelnoan Career Agent Program. A Career Agent receives $1,500/monthly for the first six months. At the end of six months, a Career Agent’s production is checked for the number of policies issued-and-paid to determine subsidy level. Required level per financial forecast is 80 property and casualty policies and eight life policies which allows a subsidy match of commission dollar for dollar on new business commissions up to $2,000/month and a lead subsidy of $100/month.
• 05/01/05-06/30/05-Business Financing – obtain additional financing to ensure business operations, marketing and stability during the first year of operation.
• 11/01/05-12/31/05-Hire Agent – hire and train new agent for a start date of 1/01/06.
• 04/01/05-03/31/06 -Career Agent (12 months) – the second milestone in the Whelnoan Career Agent Program. At the end of twelve months, a Career Agent’s production is checked for the number of policies issued-and-paid to determine a new subsidy level. Required level per financial forecast is 180 property and casualty policies and 18 life policies which allows an additional subsidy for staff at $1,500/month and office space of $750/month.

Whelnoan Insurance Subsidies are available for 24 months only or 4/1/05-03/31/07

• 04/01/05-03/31/07 -Run to Daylight (24 months) – the third milestone in the Whelnoan Career Agent Program. At the end of twenty-four months, a Career Agent’s production is checked for the number of policies in force to determine waiver of one third of the subsidies paid to the agent. In order to be eligible, an agent must have 400 property and casualty policies and 40 life policies in force.
• 04/01/05-03/31/08 -Run to Daylight (36 months) – the fourth milestone in the Whelnoan Career Agent Program. At the end of thirty-six months, a Career Agent’s production is checked for the number of policies in force to determine waiver of second third of the subsidies paid to the agent. In order to be eligible, an agent must have 540 property and casualty policies and 54 life policies in force.
• 04/01/05-03/31/09 -Run to Daylight (48 months) – the fifth milestone in the Whelnoan Career Agent Program. At the end of forty-eight months, a Career Agent’s production is checked for the number of policies in force to determine waiver of last third of the subsidies paid to the agent. In order to be eligible, an agent must have 660 property and casualty policies and 66 life policies in force.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

The management philosophy of Quaestor Services is based on respect for every client, and individual responsibility. For the first year the only employee will be the owner, Sheila Claflin. In January of 2006 the financial forecast supports the hiring of an insurance agent to help increase the growth of the business. 

Quaestor’s intention is to hire only those who demonstrate the qualities necessary for working in a professional environment, and the willingness to move forward in continuing education. We will be hiring the ultimate “people persons” to provide world class service.

6.1 Personnel Plan

The Personnel Plan reflects the staffing levels required to create, and establish the customer base needed to achieve the revenues projected and reach profitability.

All insurance sales and business service personnel salaries are considered a direct cost of sales, and are listed as such in the financials .

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

Quaestor Services’ financial plan is based on obtaining a loan by January of 2005 of $15,000 to cover the start-up expenses. In July of 2005 an additional $10,000 in financing will be required to ensure business operations, marketing and stability during the first year of operation. For financial forecasting the loan is a seven year loan at an interest rate of 9.09%. Quaestor will achieve profitability in the second year.

The fiscal year is a calendar year, January through December.

7.1 Start-up Funding

Start-up costs come to $30,000 of which $15,000 is being financed by a direct owner investment. Before the first six months of operation, $15,000 financing is being sought for the start-up costs. In July of 2005 an additional $10,000 in financing will be required to ensure business operations, marketing and stability during the first year of operation.

7.2 Important Assumptions

The key underlying assumptions of Quaestor financial plan shown in the following general assumption table are:

• We assume access to financing of $30,000 to support our financial plan.
• We assume our financial progress is based on a very conservative sales forecast supported by data received and reviewed by Whelnoan Insurance.
• We assume that all sales milestones have been achieved.

7.3 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart show our Break-even Analysis. The first year due to start-up costs and expenses will not be included in the break-even analysis.

7.4 Projected Profit and Loss

Based on the realistic sales projections and efficient cost control measures in place, Quaestor will achieve profitability in the second year of operation. Monthly profitability is first achieved in November 2005, but due to developing a customer base, the first months of operations reflect a loss.

In the second year of operation, sales increased $68,810 or 174%, resulting in a net profit. Significant changes in the second year are the hiring of an agent in January 2006, resulting in additional costs to the direct cost of sales of $34,500 and the set-up of an office outside of the owner’s home and Whelnoan Insurance District 15 office, resulting in additional operating costs of $7,120.

7.5 Projected Cash Flow

Due the fact that Quaestor is a new start-up company, the cash flow for FY2005 is somewhat exaggerated by the instant influx of new capital. Subsequent years however show a healthy growth in cash flow, mainly due to the 84-month repayment of the start-up loan and increased sales.

7.6 Projected Balance Sheet

The table below presents the balance sheet for Quaestor Services. This table reflects a positive cash position throughout the period of this financial plan. The negative net worth is created in the first year due to the start-up costs showing as a negative retained earnings. As the balance sheet shows, Quaestor will not have any difficulty meeting their debt obligations as long as the conservative revenue projections are met.

7.7 Business Ratios

The table below presents common business ratios as a reference. Industry Profile comparisons are for Standard Industrial Classification code 6411.0000, Insurance Agents, Brokers and Service as the majority of our revenue comes from insurance sales. However, since the combined business of accounting/bookkeeping services and insurance sales does not fall underneath any predefined Industry dataset, the Industry ratios are not wholly accurate nor representative for Quaestor Services.

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Insurance Agency Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Writing a Successful Business Plan For Your Insurance Agency + Template

If you’re looking to start or grow an insurance agency , you need a business plan. Your plan will outline your business goals and strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. It will also detail the amount of funding you need, and if needed, present a case to investors and lenders regarding why they should invest in your business.

In this article, we’ll explain why you should invest the time and energy into creating a insurance agency business plan, and provide you with a insurance agency business plan template and sample, taken from our numerous  sample business plans , that includes an overview of what should be included in each section. Download the Ultimate Insurance Agency Business Plan Template here >

Why Write a Business Plan For an Insurance Agency ?

There are many reasons to write a business plan for an insurance agency , even if you’re not looking for funding. A business plan can help you see potential pitfalls in your business strategy, as well as identify opportunities you may not have considered. It can also help you track your progress and adjust your plans as needed.

That said, if you are looking for funding, a business plan is essential. Investors and lenders want to see that you have a solid understanding of your industry, your customers, and your competition. They also want to know that you have a realistic view of your financial situation and how much money you’ll need to get started.

How To Write a Business Plan For an Insurance Agency  

While every business plan is different, there are 10 essential components that all insurance agency business plans should include:

Executive Summary

Company description, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitor analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to tailor this information to your specific type of insurance agency , but these 10 components should be included in every plan.

The executive summary is the first section of your business plan, but it’s often written last. This is because it provides an overview of the entire document.

In the executive summary, briefly explain what your business does, your business goals, and how you plan on achieving them. You should also include a brief overview of your financial situation, including how much money you’ll need to get started.

For organizational purposes, you could create headings for each main section of your business plan to highlight the key takeaways.

For example, your insurance agency executive summary might look something like this:

Company Overview

[Insert Company Introduction / Short Summary]

Business Goals

[Insert Business Goals & How You Plan To Achieve Them]

Industry Overview

[Insert Industry Statistics on the Size of Your Market]

Competition

[Insert Overview of Competitors & Your Competitive Advantage]

[Insert Information About The Marketing Strategies You Will Use To Attract Clients/Customers]

Financial Overview

You can add and/or remove sections as needed, but these are the basics that should be included in every executive summary.

The next section of your insurance agency business plan is the company description, where you’ll provide an overview of your business.

Include information about your:

• Company History & Accomplishments To Date

Mission Statement and/or Company Values

With regards to the company overview, here you will document the type of insurance agency you operate. For example, there are several types of insurance agencies such as:

• Life insurance agency
• Health insurance agency
• Auto insurance agency
• Homeowners insurance agency
• Commercial Insurance Agency

For example, an insurance agency company description might look something like this:

We are an X type of insurance agency .

Company History

If an existing company: Since launching, our team has served X customers and generated $Y in revenue.

If startup: I conceived [company name] on this date. Since that time, we have developed the company logo, found potential space, etc. 

This is just an example, but your company description should give potential investors a clear idea of who you are, what you do, and why you’re the best at what you do.

The next section of your business plan is the industry analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of the industry you’re in, as well as any trends or changes that might impact your business.

Questions you will want to answer include:

• What is the overall size of the insurance industry?
• How is the industry growing or changing?
• What are the major trends affecting the insurance industry?
• Who are the major players in the insurance industry?

For example, your industry analysis might look something like this:

The size of the insurance industry is $XX billion.

It is currently growing at an annual rate of XX% and is expected to reach $XX billion by the year 20XX. The insurance industry has been booming in recent years.

Major trends affecting the industry are larger companies consolidating and the rise of digital marketing and e-commerce.

How We Fit Into The Industry

This is just an example, but your industry analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of the overall industry, and how your company fits into that industry.

The next section of your insurance agency business plan is the customer analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your target customers are and what their needs are.

• Who are your target customers?
• What are their needs?
• How do they interact with your industry?
• How do they make purchasing decisions?

You want a thorough understanding of your target customers to provide them with the best possible products and/or services. Oftentimes, you will want to include the specific demographics of your target market, such as age, gender, income, etc., but you’ll also want to highlight the psychographics, such as their interests, lifestyles, and values.

This information will help you better understand your target market and how to reach them.

For example, your customer analysis might look something like this:

Target Market & Demographics

The demographic (age, gender, location, income, etc.) profile of our target insurance agency customer is as follows: 

– Age: 25-60

– Gender: Male/Female

– Location: Anywhere in the United States

– Income: $50,000-$250,000

– Education: College degree or higher

Psychographics

Our core customer interests are as follows: 

– Saving money: They are always looking for ways to save money, whether it’s on their insurance premiums or other household expenses.

– Convenience: They value convenience and want to be able to do business with companies that make their lives easier.

In summary, your customer analysis should give potential investors a clear idea of who your target market is and how you reach them.

The next section of your business plan is the competitor analysis. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of who your major competitors are and their strengths and weaknesses.

• Who are your major competitors?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• How do they compare to you?

You want to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your competition so that you can position yourself in the market. Creating a SWOT Analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) for each of your major competitors helps you do this. 

For example, your competitor analysis might look something like this:

Major Competitors

XYZ Company is our major competitor. Its offerings include this, this and this. Its strengths include XYZ, and its weaknesses include XYZ.

Competitive Advantage

Your competitor analysis should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who your major competitors are and how you compare to them.

The next section of your business plan is the marketing plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your marketing strategy and how you plan on executing it.

Specifically, you will document your “4 Ps” as follows:

• Products/Services : Here is where you’ll document your product/service offerings.
• Price : Detail your pricing strategy here.
• Place : Document where customers will find you and whether you will use distribution channels (e.g., partnerships) to reach them.
• Promotion : Here you will document how you will reach your target customers. For instance, insurance agencies often reach new customers via promotional tactics including online advertising, direct mail, and personal selling.

For example, your marketing plan might look something like this:

Products/Services

We offer the following products/services: 

We will use a premium pricing strategy to establish ourselves as the highest quality brand.

We will serve customers directly and through a partnership with XYZ company.

As you can see, your marketing plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics.

The next section of your business plan is the operations plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they will be structured.

• What are your company’s daily operations?
• How are your company’s operations structured?
• Who is responsible for each task?

Your operations plan should be detailed and concise. You want to make sure that potential investors have a clear understanding of your company’s day-to-day operations and how they are structured.

You will also include information regarding your long-term goals for your operations and how you plan on achieving them.

For example, your operations plan might look something like this:

Daily Operations

Our company’s daily operations include XYZ.

Operational Structure

Our company is structured as follows:

• Department 1
• Department 2
• Department 3

Each department is responsible for XYZ tasks.

Long-Term Goals

Our long-term goals for our operations are to achieve the following over the next five years.

Date 1: Goal 1

Date 2: Goal 2

Date 3: Goal 3

Date 4: Goal 4

Your operations plan should give readers a clear idea of your company’s day-to-day operations, how they are structured, and your long-term goals for the company.

The next section of your business plan is the management team. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your management team and their experience.

• Who is on your management team?
• What are their qualifications?
• What is their experience?

Your management team ideally includes individuals who are experts in their respective fields. You want to make sure that lenders and investors have a clear understanding of your management team’s qualifications and experience, and feel they can execute on your plan.

For example, your management team might look something like this:

Our management team is comprised of the following X individuals with the following experience.

Team Member 1: 

Team member 1’s qualifications and experience include XYZ.

Team Member 2: 

Your management team should give potential lenders and investors a clear idea of who is on your team and how their qualifications and experience will help your company succeed.

The final core section of your business plan is the financial plan. In this section, you’ll need to provide an overview of your company’s financials.

• What are your company’s projected revenues?
• What are your company’s projected expenses?
• What is your company’s projected growth rate?
• How much funding do you need and for what purposes? For example, most startup insurance agencies need outside funding for pre-launch activities such as licenses, office space, and marketing initiatives.

Your financial plan should give potential investors a clear understanding of your company’s financials. While you may include a summary of this information in this section, you will include full financial statements in the appendix of your business plan.

For example, your financial plan might look something like this:

Our company’s projected revenues over the next five years are $XYZ.

Expenses & Net Income

Our company’s projected expenses and net income over the next five years are $XYZ.

Uses of Funding

This is just an example, but your financial plan should give potential investors a clear idea of your company’s financial projections.

The final section of your business plan is the appendix. In this section, you’ll need to provide any additional information that was not included in the previous sections.

This may include items such as:

• Full financial statements
• Resumes of key management team members
• Letters of reference
• Articles or press releases
• Marketing materials
• Product information
• Any other relevant information

By including this information in the appendix, you are allowing potential investors and lenders to learn more about your company.

In summary, writing an insurance agency business plan is a vital step in the process of starting and/or growing your own business.

A business plan will give you a roadmap to follow. It can also help you attract investors and partners.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can be sure that your business plan will be effective and help you achieve your goals.  

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