By comparing PIA, The Big I and Brooke, it seems that Brooke took the decades old tradition of assisting agencies and new agents in starting their agencies. Giving them access to carriers, especially preferred commercial carriers. But thats where the similarity stops. First, there is NO franchise fee with PIA or the Big I.
Unlike the PIA and the big I, Brooke charges for everything they can. Legitimate Insurance Associations do not steal from their agents.
It does sadden me to see what Brooke has done to the tradition of PIA and Big I, which both have been around since the 1930's. They worked very hard over the last several decades to change legislation, to change insurance rules and laws, to make sure that honest agents get a fair shake in their industry. And that the consumer, has an agent they can trust. Ethics, strong Ethics.
Then along comes Brooke.
"OMG, we could charge a fortune for all this stuff"!?!?!
And thats where they are today.instead of assisting new agents and established agencies move ahead, they themselves dont know what they are doing, and in effect, are killing the "agent spirit", all in the name of their mighty dollar.
The agency is left an empty shell of its former book.
I know a family of agents that sold their family business of insurance agencies to Brooke. This agency was established in the 1950's. A strong book and 6 locations statewide.in the short time Brooke has had control, half of the agency locations are not cash flowing anymore. How the hell can you destroy a book of business that fast!!!
I have spoke with reps from PIA and the Big I as well as some companies that provide AMS and raters & carrier reps. Brooke has such a "stigma" in the insurance world. People giggle when they hear you are with Brooke. (people in the industry that is)
As far as the consumer is concerned, who is Brooke???
Heck even I have been called "Brooke" by my clients!
They (Brooke) dont advertise on a National Level, like other Insurance entities do, AIG, Progressive, Nationwide, so who would know Brooke?
Its a useless name, it gives you no credibility, and it actually involkes a giggle or two.
The writing is on the wall.
Save your dreams, your agency and your reputation.
If you are not with Brooke, dont consider it.
If you are, start doing some damage control before its too late.
If you invest, do it wisely, Enron came without a warning.
Class action suits have been filed in CA, TX, KS & LA.
They have moved so fast and grown so quickly, using unethical tactics, its going to come to a crashing halt sometime in the near future. The lawsuits are being filed, the carriers are dropping Brooke and insurance commissioners are taking a second look at the mounting complaints against Brooke.
Think about it.
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