Pros
Farmers once had a solid reputation, but that has declined since Zurich became involved.
Kontras
The company is effectively taking the benefit of years of hard work that prior agents invested to grow their businesses and increase Farmers’ policy count.
When I started as an agency owner, I invested my own time and money into advertising and building a book of business with the understanding that the sacrifices would pay off over time through renewal commissions. I believed this would create long-term value—something I could eventually rely on to support my retirement.
Instead, the constant changes to commission structures and ongoing requirements to continue receiving compensation on business I personally produced—without support—have been incredibly discouraging. It feels like a moving target, and one that diminishes the value of what agents have built.
I’ve never been in a position where meetings are held to explain how and why compensation will be reduced or taken away. That reality is deeply frustrating and disheartening.