Do I need an upline?

[AMDLG]

Hello everyone,

I am a new agent, at the moment only selling Medicare plans, but I'm looking into branching out into the life insurance business. My license is for both, life and health. I've only been selling the Medicare plans for two months, and I have an agent manager with UHC since I am a captive agent. I also worked internally for the Producer Help Desk with UHC for a year, so I know an upline is required, either directly contracted or through an FMO. Since I really don't know a whole lot about life insurance, is an upline in the life insurance business required? I want to maintain being an independent agent. Any insight or advice is appreciated.


Thank you

 

[rousemark]

Hello everyone,

I am a new agent, at the moment only selling Medicare plans, but I'm looking into branching out into the life insurance business. My license is for both, life and health. I've only been selling the Medicare plans for two months, and I have an agent manager with UHC since I am a captive agent. I also worked internally for the Producer Help Desk with UHC for a year, so I know an upline is required, either directly contracted or through an FMO. Since I really don't know a whole lot about life insurance, is an upline in the life insurance business required? I want to maintain being an independent agent. Any insight or advice is appreciated.


Thank you

Depends upon the company... Soem will contract direct... Others will only contract through an IMO/FMO.. Since you are new, I would suggest you get In touch with some of the IMO/FMOs who are regulars on here... Talk with David Duford (Rearden), FEX Contracting (Newby), or Todd King.. Would say David would probably be best for a new, inexperienced agent.

 

[AMDLG]

Thank you so much for that information! I will definitely look into that.

 

[WinoBlues]

Hello everyone,

I am a new agent, at the moment only selling Medicare plans, but I'm looking into branching out into the life insurance business. My license is for both, life and health. I've only been selling the Medicare plans for two months, and I have an agent manager with UHC since I am a captive agent. I also worked internally for the Producer Help Desk with UHC for a year, so I know an upline is required, either directly contracted or through an FMO. Since I really don't know a whole lot about life insurance, is an upline in the life insurance business required? I want to maintain being an independent agent. Any insight or advice is appreciated.


Thank you

Some agents say they are independent, but are attracted to agencies / uplines that are captive independents not necessarily a bad thing but not independent IMohsoHO.
There are also IMOs that do not require you to have / the majority of your contracts with them.

Just decide which business model we works best for you.

 

[AMDLG]

Thank you WinoBlues! I appreciate your advice.

 

[bill3173]

The only large carrier with a good mix of all types of life products,that I know, that gives direct appointments to non captive agents is Ameritas.

 

[Life Hawk]

Truth be known... if not direct to carrier, you will always have an up line.

Few give direct contracts... most companies do not want to deal with large numbers of agents directly, they like an upline to handle charge backs if agents go mia.

I think it's more of a business model than anything.

 

[Tearmann]

Yes it is and as a new agent there are some very good IMO's mentioned here that are setup to train you as a new agent. Life sales is very different from health sales and you'll need the training they can provide to get a good start.

 

[Newby]

Thank you so much for that information! I will definitely look into that.

Thanks for the mention Rouse. Yes we can help you maintain your independence and just add life insurance to what you are already doing. And I always have an abundance of overstock direct mail leads in Arizona.
Would be happy to talk to you about what we do.
Getting Started with FE Sales

 

[scagnt83]

There are also IMOs that do not require you to have / the majority of your contracts with them.

This is exactly what to watch out for. It means you are no longer independent. I would never contract with an IMO that requires something like that. The good ones do not.

Also make sure to get their "release policy" in writing. Some will grant instant releases, some will make you wait out the 6 months. Best to know going in than going out.