NLIC.org

Ted Said:

Do you know anything about Universal American Insurance?

We Answered:

Never heard of them. Check with the Department of Insurance in your state BEFORE signing up. A link is below. Just click on your state.

Willie Said:

Work for insurance agency & am applying for job with one of our agency companies - can I contact this carrier?

We Answered:

I've been in this position - it's going to depend on your personal relationship with the director. As you don't have a personal relationship with them, I wouldn't contact them. If one of the agency principals does, then they'll get the "word" that you're on the street looking for a new position - which could jeapordize your current position.

Joshua Said:

Which job should I choose?

We Answered:

From the way you phrased it, it sounds like the sales job has no base salary, so it's 'commission only'. I've been in sales (mostly software) for 15 years. One of the first things that I learned was I was not the type of person who felt that 'commission only' gigs were right for me. I worked selling magazine ads when I first began. I did it for commission only and I regretted it the entire time.

Being able to budget personal expenses is tough enough when working with a base salary, plus commission. With a 'commission only' scenario it is far too "feast or famine".

The draw of the $60,000 earning is a lot more appealing than the $25,000 you would make as a claims processor. But ask yourself why they would offer a good paying job, with no base salary to someone without sales experience. It's because there is very little risk to them. The responsibility to sink or swim is all on you.

If you go for the sales job, you have a couple of strikes against you already:
1) No base salary to keep your bills paid in between commission checks.
2) No sales experience, or understanding of what it will take to do the job successfully.

Ask the company more qualifying questions, like:
- How many sales does a 1st year agent need to average to earn $60k?
- How long is the typical sales cycle for a sale?
- What is their agent turn-over like? How many agents are still there after 3, or 4 years?

These types of questions will help determine how people have fared in the position before you. They will hep you to determine your likelihood of success. Think of more and don't be afraid to ask. This is your career and you're entitled to know. Then ask to speak to a couple of agents and ask them questions about what it takes to succeed in the position.

In the end you know yourself better than anyone. If you think that you have the character to really hustle and get out there and sell, then consider the sales job. But if there is any doubt in your mind that you may not have the work ethic or skill, then I would strongly consider the processing job.

Good luck!