With its low cost of living and renowned southern hospitality, Kentucky is a mecca for families searching for the perfect combination of opportunities and amenities. With its central location, Kentucky, also known as the Blue Grass State, offers quick trip options to 7 nearby states, including Tennessee and Virginia. Breathtaking scenery rounds out the picture for those who live in Kentucky or plan to move there.
All of this means those who are dreaming of owning a franchise business in the state will have plenty of lucrative opportunities to open and run their own small business with plenty of customers.
If you are one of those dreamers looking for franchises for sale in Kentucky, consider an insurance franchise. Insurance is a recession proof business after all, so even in hard times you can flourish.
Keep reading to discover what kinds of insurance franchises in Kentucky are available and how they all stack up.
Benefits and Challenges of Opening an Insurance Franchise in Kentucky
Just as there are many businesses for sale in Kentucky to choose from when looking at your opportunities, there are also some challenges to hanging your shingle out on Main Street in cities like Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green. Let’s take a look.
Benefits of an Insurance Franchise
An insurance franchise is a relatively simple and inexpensive business to open. Compared to a fast food business, for example, you won’t need to buy expensive equipment and large amounts of perishable and non-perishable food items. In the beginning, you won’t need to hire and train staff and have other overhead expenses. It’s an easy franchise opportunity for a first-time business owner. Here are a few benefits to an insurance franchise:
- Simple startup costs and operations, leading to less risk and increased chances of success.
- There is no experience necessary, just the desire to succeed and to help your community.
- Coming in with brand recognition so you don’t have to start from scratch.
- Exclusive access to products and services many independent agents cannot offer.
- Ongoing training and support from the franchisor.
These are just some of the pros of looking at an insurance franchise when considering businesses for sale in Kentucky.
Challenges of an Insurance Franchisor
All opportunities come with challenges. The key is to understand those in advance so you can be prepared. Once you understand the potential cons of owning an insurance franchise, you can make plans for how to tackle them, as well as weigh the end benefits against the path getting there. Examine the pros and cons of becoming an independent insurance agent under a franchise brand. Here is a list of challenges you can expect to encounter:
- Plenty of dedication and perseverance to succeed. For some, the “hustle” can be overwhelming.
- Income fluctuations are a normal part of the insurance cycle, as well as being your own boss.
- Wearing different hats as you help your friends and neighbors navigate the insurance they need.
- Required to take courses and get certified before you can sell insurance. Afterwards, you’ll need to continue with mandatory ongoing courses.
- Learning how to meet your customers where they are with new marketing skills.
Some potential franchisees balk at the thought of being under the thumb of their franchisor, but the right partner will be just that: A partner not a boss.
Top 5 Insurance Franchise Opportunities in Kentucky
If you have the skills and desire to open an insurance franchise, deciding which company to partner with is the next item on your checklist to becoming an entrepreneur with a successful business. Whether you are looking for franchise opportunities in Louisville, KY. or a business for sale in Lexington, KY., you’ll need to scout out the competition, making sure you will be focused on a need that is currently not being answered or is not being answered appropriately. If your customers will be people who need insurance, but are not ready or able to acquire standard coverage, you may want to explore a non-stand provider, such as Freeway Insurance.
Freeway Insurance
Freeway Insurance caters to both customers who want standard, top-of-the-line insurance products and customer service, as well as non-standard customers who may need insurance for high-risk drivers. Many standard insurance companies will not insure high-risk drivers, including those who have received a DUI and need SR-22 certification or those whose driving record is less than perfect. Freeway provides affordable cost, choice and convenience and is rated a 4.6 on the TrustPilot rating system. Franchisees receive top-of-the-line training and ongoing support. Veterans are welcome.
Typically, an investment of up to $25,000 is required for this company.
Standard brands that may have franchises for sale in Kentucky include the following.
Farmers Insurance
Farmers is a multi-line insurance company with more than 85 years of experience. They offer ongoing training and support and have received awards for their training programs. Included in their payment opportunities are quarterly bonuses and performance rewards.
Farmers requires a minimum liquid capital of $50,000 to get your business up and running.
State Farm
State Farm offers franchisees the ability to choose and grow their own team. Commissions, incentives and bonuses are available to supplement income. Paid training is offered, with benefits included and franchisees receive ongoing support and resources. State Farm offers a 24/7 support center with IT help.
State Farm asks for $50,000 in liquid assets to open your office.
Allstate Insurance
Like other nationally-known brands, Allstate has brand recognition to help franchisees attract business. This brand also offers comprehensive training and ongoing support. Allstate also offers a calling center service so you can be in the field.
Typically, an investment of $100,000 is required to get your Allstate office off the ground. This is not a franchise fee, just the amount Allstate estimates you will need for the outlay and overhead of opening a new business.
GEICO
With strong brand recognition, this company offers multi-line products with a friendly green gecko for a mascot. Customers are more likely to work with companies they know, so your partner should be easily recognizable, too.
Top 3 Territories in Kentucky for an Insurance Franchise
With Kentucky’s natural abundance throughout the state, it’s still important to decide on the perfect place to set up shop as an entrepreneur. Although you’ll find plenty of opportunities in the bigger cities, don’t be shy about exploring franchises in a small town, especially if you are looking at your own hometown. Here are 3 spots you may consider in Kentucky.
Louisville
Louisville is known for some amazing things, including being the home of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Since it is the 27th-most-populous city in the U.S., growth opportunities abound. Franchise opportunities in Louisville, KY. are numerous and needed.
Lexington
Next in size after Louisville, Lexington is a hub in its own right for growing business opportunities. Located within the Bluegress region, there is plenty here to support a new franchise. If you are looking for a business for sale in Lexington, KY., consider one that will grow with the city.
Bowling Green
As the third most populous city, Bowling Green is home to numerous manufacturers. This city claims General Motors, Spalding and Fruit of the Loom among its inhabitants. All those workers will need insurance, so check out a Bowling Green business for sale when considering your franchise opportunities.
Get Started with an Insurance Franchise from Freeway
Whether you are a “Kentuck” native or thinking about moving there, you can find a rewarding and fulfilling career by becoming a franchisee for Freeway Insurance. Freeway is an award-winning franchise opportunity just waiting for you to reach out. You’ll find encouragement and amazing training and ongoing support. Veterans are welcome to apply.
Start an insurance agency with us today and take the first step towards becoming your own boss.
Visit our website or call (877) 822-3024 to learn more!
