For Agents & Agencies
Thinking About Switching Uplines? Start Here.
A practical checklist, written for agents and agency owners. Use it with any upline you are considering, including us.
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Your Checklist
Nine Steps Before You Move
Every agreement is different. This is general information, not legal advice.
- Read your current agreement first. Look for who owns the client book, any non-solicit or notice terms, what happens to commissions if you leave, and how releases work. Check any non-solicit terms with your own attorney before you make a move.
- List your carriers and your commission levels. Write down every carrier you are contracted with, your level with each, and whether you are contracted directly or through your current upline.
- Find out what you owe and what you are owed. Ask how chargebacks and first-year Medicare Advantage advance payments are handled if your contract ends, so nothing surprises you after you move.
- Ask your current upline for a release in writing. Keep a copy of the request and the date. Release timing varies by upline and by carrier, so start early.
- Be careful with data and files. Know what belongs to you and what belongs to your current upline. Take only what your agreement allows, and keep your client relationships and your own records organized.
- Gather your documents. Your NPN. Your resident state license, plus any non-resident licenses you hold. Your E&O declarations page. A voided check or direct-deposit information for carrier pay. Your current-year AHIP or NABIP certification. A release letter, if you are moving existing contracts.
- Ask the seven questions of every upline. Who owns my book? Will you release me, and how quickly? What does this cost? What commission level do I get? Who pays me? Do I have to recruit or buy anything? Who do I call when something goes wrong? Our free guide explains what a straight answer sounds like.
- Plan for timing. Once your application is submitted, most carriers appoint you within 48 to 72 hours. A few take longer, and carriers that run an extra background check can take 7 to 8 business days.
- Agency owners: plan how you will talk with your agents. We do not contact your agents about moving unless you ask us to. You decide who hears what, and when.
Before You Sign Anywhere
Talk It Through With Us First
What we will do
- Talk through your current agreement with you, if you bring it.
- Explain how any contracting change affects your existing business, before it is made.
- Grant an open release at the carrier level, on request, with no fee.
What we will not do
- Take your client book. You own it.
- Contact your agents about moving unless you ask us to.
- Pressure you. If it is not a fit, we will both know after one conversation.
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