Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) from Agents who have contracted through ADVOCATE FINANCIAL Life & Health Brokerage for their insurance carrier needs.
Who is ADVOCATE FINANCIAL Life & Health Brokerage?
We are the independent insurance professional’s free expert consultant. ADVOCATE FINANCIAL Life & Health Brokerage was started in 2009 by a father and son team with over 35 years experience specializing in Medicare Insurance, Life Insurance, and Annuity products and since then has grown to be one of the nation's foremost premier FMO marketing firms working with independent agents nationwide. As a national marketing firm (FMO/NMO/IMO), we recruit, contract, train, and support licensed insurance agents building their business, all at no cost to the agent. We have held a consistent “A+ Rating” with the Better Business Bureau for years - so you can partner with confidence knowing we are third-party verified and proven. And agent’s love working with us! See our testimonials. We are an Agent’s #1 Advocate, and a powerful catalyst for business growth.
What does it cost to work with you?
Zip, zero, zilch! There is no cost to work with Advocate. And YOU own 100% of your book of business. We are your free expert consultants. There are no fees, no hidden charges, no commission splits. The Insurance Companies compensate marketing companies like us for efforts training and support agents, and it’s completely free to the agent. That’s why nine out of ten licensed agents use FMOs (Field Marketing Organizations). FMOs are a thick extra layer or support, expert insight, top notch training, and provide marketing opportunities not provided by going direct to the insurance carriers.
Do you hand out free leads?
Advocate coordinates with the carriers to help pay for 50-100% of your lead budget when you enter our VIP Agent Program (restrictions apply). We are your lead experts. We help agents develop robust pipelines of year round leads to fit any budget.
Watch our YouTube video below now to learn more about who we are!
ADVOCATE FINANCIAL Life & Health Brokerage is designated as an NMO/FMO/IMO. What is that?
NMO - National Marketing Organization / FMO - Field Marketing Organization / IMO - Independent Marketing Organization. We are one of the nation’s highest producing marketing firms in the areas of Medicare Insurance for the top 5 largest carriers in the nation. We connect agents with the industry's leading products and insurance carriers and help them thrive. The team at ADVOCATE FINANCIAL Life & Health Brokerage has worked very hard over the years helping agents succeed, and is proud to be a part of this very short list of premier national marketing firms in this category.
What makes ADVOCATE FINANCIAL Life & Health Brokerage different from other organizations?
ADVOCATE has built its sterling reputation on integrity, unmatched service, fast track training, 24/7 support, and seasoned expertise. We are proven, loyal to our partners and committed to our agents - and it GREATLY sets us apart from a sea of other FMOs. Because of this passionate dedication to our agents - agents believe in us and see our relationship as a true, trusted partner helping them grow their business, and winning together. It’s the Advocate Advantage. We are honored to work with our agents. We are your free expert consultant.
How do I get leads?
Advocate will train you how to get leads in our thorough ProfitableProspects training course. Compliance is key to protect yourself in this regulated Medicare Insurance arena, and keeping you above board is a top priority for us as your partner. We do periodically receive carrier leads during the enrollment season, but never use it as an enticement. Honesty is the best policy.
10,000 Seniors turn 65 every day, needing an agent for Medicare Insurance correct?
Yes, according to the Pew Research Foundation! Medicare Insurance is a rapidly-emerging, booming, niche that industry savvy agents are flocking to for real growth and to better serve their client and prospect base. There is a shortage of licensed agents, and a surge in senior demand. The service requirements are low, the lifetime renewals are high, and the need is great. Now is the time to get involved, trained and certified.
Is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) the most lucrative time of year for agents to sell Medicare Insurance? Can I sell it year round?
AEP is a booming bustling time for certified agents - and they love it. There are over 50 MILLION people on Medicare, and every year they need to review their plans with an agent to make sure they maximize their benefits and have the right fit. The problem is there is a shortage of licensed agents. This means big opportunity for the agents getting into the Medicare arena. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7) seniors can change their insurance plan with the help of a certified agent. It’s a very busy time for licensed agents in the field, and one of huge growth. There are also year round selling windows, and that’s what makes this such a big opportunity for new revenue with great lifetime renewals. Seniors need your help.
Do you have a number of insurance carriers?
We work with over 50 of the nation’s very best, top, industry-leading insurance carriers in the areas of Medicare Insurance, Life Insurance, Annuities and Ancillary Products. And the list grows every year as we are constantly evaluating markets and product environments. There are hundreds of carriers in the industry, but we don’t need them all - only the best ones. You’ll see that with our offering - reputable, reliable, with robust service & support units, agent friendly, and growth focused for you.
I’m an independent agent, am I bound to using your carriers only?
No. Working with Advocate you are 100% independent. We are just an extension of the insurance company helping you grow your business. You can pick and choose what carriers make sense with Advocate, and which don’t. We strive to earn all of your business, but it’s not a requirement.
I’m an agent at an agency that wants to add Medicare Insurance to our offering, how can I do that?
By speaking with one of our team members we can determine how to setup your e-contracting. We work with agents across the country and every year they do this with tremendous success, since they have so many clients over 65, and they already have an established relationship. Whether a large or small agency, we have the resources, team members, and path to help make your new contract a great success.
How are you different from competitor FMOs?
We are available 24/7/365 via phone and live chat. A huge, distinct advantage. And our support and expertise sets us apart even further. We always have marketers on standby to help you help your clients and make sales. Where other FMO’s take days or weeks to respond, we work in minutes or seconds. And we love agents! We see our relationship as a true partnership. We are in it for the long haul. Our goal is a lifelong relationship, and our actions show it. Give us a call or attend one or our upcoming local agent trainings and you’ll see why more agents are choosing Advocate. We are truly an agent’s #1 Advocate. We only succeed when you do. Our top goal is growing your business as your free expert consultants.
Who pays my commissions?
99% of the time you are contracted and paid direct from the company. That’s how we prefer it. We don’t want to be in the accounting business if we don’t have to be. A select few smaller carriers require us to pay out commissions, but it’s rare.
Who owns my book of business?
You do, 100%. That’s not always the case with other FMOs. Again, working with Advocate is 100% free. We are your expert consultants at no cost to the agent. The insurance company compensates us for our time, based on results. You are 100% independent! It is a win-win. Some industry FMOs do not operate this way, and actually own your book of business. With Advocate, only you own your book of business, and you own the renewals, and you contract directly with the carriers. You also get paid direct. Our goal is to build you up and give you full control. There is no downside to working with an independent FMO. That’s why 9/10 agents do. It’s important to know this!
More questions? Just call an Advocate.
1-800-943-2386 or Live Chat us now below. Advocates are standing by.
