10 Questions to Ask Before You Join Any Insurance Agency
The first conversation with a new agency is usually about the upside. These 10 questions get to how the agency actually makes money, and what happens to you if things do not go to plan. Ask them all, and ask for the answers in writing.
Pay and levels
- What is my contract level with each carrier? Not a range. Your level, in writing.
- How do I move up a level? If the answer involves recruiting or team size, you are being asked to build a downline, not a book.
- Is recruiting required to keep my contracts or my level? At FEX Careers, the answer is no.
Money you could owe
- How are advances and chargebacks handled? Ask for the carrier's chargeback schedule. Many recover the full advance on early lapses (Kadence).
- Am I responsible for anyone else's chargebacks? Under many agreements, unpaid downline debt rolls up to the upline (LegalClarity).
- Do I have to buy leads from you? At what price, and can I buy elsewhere?
Your book and your freedom
- Do I own my book and my renewals if I leave? Read the agreement. Who keeps renewals depends on your contracts.
- Will you release me if I want to move? Carriers must handle appointments and terminations by the rules in each state (NAIC Producer Licensing Model Act), but release terms are set by your contracts.
Support
- What does training actually cover? Ask to see underwriting and compliance material, not just motivation.
- Who do I call when an app gets stuck? A real person with carrier experience matters more than a big team chat.
Watch the reaction. A good agency answers these quickly and puts them in writing. If you get "don't worry about that" on chargebacks or recruiting, that is your answer.
More on this: 7 signs an agency cares more about recruiting than selling and our carrier contracting guide.
Sell. Own your book. Skip the recruiting.
Request top-level final expense, life and Medicare Advantage contracts. No recruiting required. One contract is fine.
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