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How to Start a Car Insurance Company

Written by:

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by:

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

How to Start a Car Insurance Company

Fast Facts

Investment range

$1,850 - $17,100

Revenue potential

$60,000 - $350,000 p.a.

Time to build

3-6 months

Profit potential

$50,000 - $140,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Growing

Commitment

Flexible

Car insurance is almost recession-proof, as it’s a necessity, or to some, a necessary evil. While none of us like paying for it, with your own car insurance company you could be on the receiving end of those high premiums. You’ll just need to go through your state’s insurance licensing process, and you’ll be on your way to making good money. The US car insurance market is worth a whopping $300 billion and growing fast – why not grab a piece of that pie?

In addition to getting insurance licenses, you’ll need to prepare and understand the process of starting a business. Fortunately, this step-by-step guide details the process in full and will help you develop and launch a successful car insurance firm.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Starting a car insurance company has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

Pros

  • Good Money – Fat commissions on insurance premiums
  • Flexibility – Work from home if you choose
  • High Demand – Everyone with a car needs insurance

Cons

  • Intense Competition – Market is highly saturated with insurance agents
  • Stringent Regulation – You’ll need insurance education and licensing

Car insurance industry trends

Industry size and growth

car insurance industry size and growth

Trends and challenges

Trends in the car insurance industry include:

  • The new and used car industries are seeing strong sales, increasing demand for car insurance.
  • More drivers on the road are millennials and Gen Zers, meaning that car insurance companies need to focus their marketing on these groups.

Challenges in the car insurance industry include:

  • Car safety improvements have decreased auto insurance premiums by about 10% for cars with a standard safety feature package.
  • More and more people are buying their car insurance online directly from insurance providers, which presents a challenge for auto insurance agents, who serve as “middlemen” between the insurance carriers and car owners. 
car insurance Trends and Challenges

Demand hotspots

car insurance demand hotspots

Price differences across the country

  • More expensive – Car insurance is the most expensive in Louisiana, Michigan, and Florida where rates are over $2,000 per year.((https://www.insure.com/car-insurance/car-insurance-rates.html))
  • Less expensive – Car insurance is the least expensive in Maine, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin where rates are under $1000.
car insurance price differences

What kind of people work in car insurance?

  • Gender – 47.8% of insurance agents are female, while 48.2% are male.((https://www.zippia.com/insurance-agent-jobs/demographics/))
  • Average level of education The average insurance agent has a bachelor’s degree.
  • Average age – The average insurance agent in the US is 45.9 years old.
car insurance industry demographics

How much does it cost to start a car insurance business?

Starting your car insurance company from home will only cost about $1,800. Costs include a website and education and licensing. To start your company in an office, you’ll spend about $17,000 for a rental deposit, furniture, and office equipment.

You can generally train for your property and casualty insurance license in about 6 weeks for about $700. Education and licensing requirements vary by state, so check with your state’s office of insurance commissioners.

Start-up CostsBallpark RangeAverage
Setting up a business name and corporation$150 - $200$175
Business licenses and permits$100 - $300$200
Insurance$100-$300$200
Business cards and brochures$200 - $300$250
Website setup$1,000 - $3,000$2,000
Office rental$0 - $2,500$1,250
Office furniture and equipment$0 - $10,000$5,000
Education and licensing$300 - $500$400
Total$1,850 - $17,100$9,475

How much can you earn from a car insurance business?

Generally, you will earn about 15% commission on annual premiums which average about $1,500. Your profit margin when working from home should be about 90%.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and sell 5 policies per week, bringing in nearly $60,000 in annual revenue. This would mean more than $50,000 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 30 policies per week. At this stage, you’d rent a commercial space and hire staff, reducing your profit margin to around 40%. With annual revenue of $350,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $140,000.

car insurance company earnings forecast

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a car insurance company. Your biggest challenges will be:

  • The startup costs if you decide to open an office
  • Competing in a saturated market
  • Finding insurance carriers to partner with

Related Business Ideas

If you’re still not sure whether this business idea is the right choice for you, here are some related business opportunities to help you on your path to entrepreneurial success.
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Step 2: Hone Your Idea

develop a business idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a car insurance company, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research car insurance companies in your area to examine their products, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a car insurance firm that works with multiple carriers.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as liability-only insurance.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your services

Products for car insurance are straightforward – liability coverage, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage. But you will need to choose the carriers you’ll be working with. However, you could expand if you get more licensing and offer:

  • Business insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Homeowner’s insurance and renter’s insurance
  • Worker’s compensation insurance
  • Gap insurance
  • Life insurance

How much should you charge for car insurance?

You will be bound by the insurance carrier rates which are based on a risk assessment of the customer. Your commissions will be 10%-20% of the annual premiums. Your costs when you have an office will be rent, overhead, and labor. You should aim for a profit margin of 40%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be car owners, which is very broad. However, the number of millennial and Gen Z drivers is increasing. You should spread out your marketing to include TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You could also try to partner with car dealers to get referrals.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office. Find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

  • Central location accessible via public transport
  • Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
  • Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
  • Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed
car insurance business idea rating

Step 3: Brainstorm a Car Insurance Company Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

  • Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
  • Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
  • Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
  • Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
  • Including keywords, such as “car insurance” or “auto insurance”, boosts SEO
  • Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “SecureDrive Insurance” over “LowCost Insurance” or “SportsCar Insurance”
  • Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion

Discover over 310 unique car insurance company name ideas here. If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our car insurance business name generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Business Plan for Your Car Insurance Company

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

  • Executive Summary: A brief overview of the car insurance company, highlighting its mission, vision, and key objectives.
  • Business Overview: An in-depth look at the car insurance industry, the target market, and the unique value proposition the company offers.
  • Product and Services: Detailed information on the range of car insurance products and services provided, including coverage options and special features.
  • Market Analysis: A comprehensive analysis of the car insurance market, identifying trends, opportunities, and potential challenges, with a focus on customer needs and preferences.
  • Competitive Analysis: Examination of other car insurance providers in the market, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses to position the company strategically.
  • Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting and selling the car insurance products, including target audience, marketing channels, and sales tactics.
  • Management Team: Introduction to the key individuals leading the company, highlighting their expertise and roles in driving business success.
  • Operations Plan: Detailed information on the day-to-day operations of the car insurance company, covering processes, technology, and key partnerships.
  • Financial Plan: Projections of the company’s financial performance, including revenue forecasts, expense estimates, and a break-even analysis.
  • Appendix: Supplementary materials, such as charts, graphs, and additional data supporting the business plan.
what to include in a business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to car insurance companies.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your car insurance company will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

  • Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
  • General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
  • C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
  • S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
types of business structures

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist, and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

  • Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
  • SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
  • Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
  • Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
  • Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
  • Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a car insurance business.

types of business financing

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a car insurance business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

You need to have a property and casualty insurance license. Check with your state for requirements.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits.

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more.

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your car insurance business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

  • General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
  • Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
  • Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
  • Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
  • Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
  • Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
  • Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
  • Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.
types of business insurance

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

Launching a Business

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Vertafore, EZLynx, or Zywave, to manage your leads, sales, policies, invoicing, and payments. 

Accounting

  • Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero
  • If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

For your car insurance company, the marketing strategy should focus on highlighting the trustworthiness, customer service excellence, and comprehensive coverage options your company offers. Emphasize how you protect customers’ investments and provide peace of mind. The goal is to position your company as the most reliable and customer-centric choice in the car insurance market. Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

Kickstart Marketing

  • Professional Branding: Your branding should convey security, trust, and reliability, encompassing everything from your logo to your communications.
  • Direct Outreach: Network with car dealerships, driving schools, and auto repair shops to create referral partnerships.

Digital Presence and Online Marketing

  • Professional Website and SEO: Develop a user-friendly website showcasing your insurance products, customer testimonials, and an easy quoting process, optimized with SEO best practices for key insurance-related search terms.
  • Social Media Engagement: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn for B2B networking and Facebook and Instagram for customer engagement, sharing informative content, customer stories, and safety tips.

Content Marketing and Engagement

  • Insurance Insights Blog: Publish articles on car safety, insurance tips, industry trends, and advice for choosing the right coverage.
  • Customer Testimonials and Success Stories: Highlight positive stories from customers who have benefited from your services.
  • Content Marketing: Create resources like car insurance guides, FAQs, and videos explaining insurance concepts in a user-friendly way.

Experiential and In-Person Engagements

  • Insurance Seminars and Webinars: Offer educational sessions about car insurance, safety, and claim processes.
  • Community Events: Participate in and sponsor local events, car shows, and community gatherings to increase brand visibility and engagement.

Collaborations and Community

  • Partnerships with Automotive Businesses: Collaborate with automotive businesses for cross-promotional opportunities and joint marketing campaigns.
  • Community Sponsorships: Sponsor local sports teams, safety initiatives, or educational programs to build a positive brand image and community ties.

Customer Relationship and Loyalty Programs

  • Referral Incentives: Implement a program that rewards customers for referring friends and family.
  • Loyalty Discounts: Offer discounts or special perks to long-term customers to encourage retention and loyalty.

Promotions and Advertising

  • Targeted Advertising: Use digital platforms like Google Ads, social media, and car-related websites to reach potential customers based on their interests and search behavior.
  • Email Campaigns: Send out regular newsletters with insurance tips, new policy options, and promotional offers to keep your customers informed and engaged.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your car insurance company meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your car insurance business could be: 

  • Affordable car insurance to keep you safe on the road
  • Comprehensive coverage to protect your investment
  • Car insurance for all your needs – we’ll meet with you on your time
unique selling proposition

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a car insurance firm, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in car insurance for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections.

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in car insurance. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership.

Step 12: Build Your Team

Building a Team for a New Business

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a car insurane business include:

  • Customer Service Representative – greet customers, handle customer calls
  • Claims Processor – handle customer claims
  • General Manager – scheduling, staff management, accounting
  • Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Car Insurance Company – Start Making Money!

Running a Business

Car insurance is a necessity for anyone with a vehicle, which is why the industry is worth over $300 billion in the United States alone. Getting an insurance license is fairly simple and inexpensive, so why not take the leap, get licensed, and start your own firm? You can make good money working from home, then expand and add franchise offices. 

Now that you’ve got some business education under your belt, it’s time to get that license and start selling your way to car insurance success!

Car Insurance Business FAQs

Are car insurance companies profitable?

Car insurance companies can be profitable, but their profitability can be influenced by many factors, including market conditions, competition, and regulatory environment.

How much money do car insurance agents make?

Car insurance agents make 10%-20% of annual premiums, and established agents have salaries in the low six figures. They get the first year’s commission when the policy is sold, and then annually thereafter. 

How can I make more money from my car insurance business?

First of all, you can ramp up your sales efforts, but you can also get additional licensing to be able to sell other kinds of insurance. Once you’re licensed you can contact your existing car insurance customers to upsell them other types of policies.

What marketing strategies can I use to attract customers to my car insurance company?

To attract customers to your car insurance company, employ effective marketing strategies such as digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media marketing to increase your online visibility. Develop a user-friendly website that highlights your unique selling points, competitive rates, and coverage options. 

How can I differentiate my car insurance company from competitors in the market?

To differentiate your car insurance company from competitors, focus on providing exceptional customer service, personalized coverage options, and innovative solutions. Emphasize quick and hassle-free claims processing, 24/7 customer support, and transparent communication. 

Can I start a car insurance company from home?

While starting a car insurance company from home may seem challenging, it is not impossible. However, it requires careful planning, adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, and significant industry knowledge.

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How to Start a Car Insurance Company