Agent education
Choosing or leaving an FMO
The time to understand an FMO’s release policy is before you sign with it. Here is what to ask, how transfers work, and exactly how Topflight handles releases.
01
Questions to ask before you contract
- ◆Is the release policy in writing, and what is the release window?
- ◆Do I own my book from day one, with no vesting?
- ◆Are contracts street level and paid by the carrier?
- ◆Who do I call when a commission is missing, and how long does it take?
- ◆What training is delivered live each week, and what is recorded?
- ◆What co-op or marketing support exists, and what are the conditions?
- ◆What happens to my contracts and renewals if I leave?
02
How a transfer works
Your contracts are with the carriers. Moving to a new upline is a transfer with each carrier, and every carrier has a deadline before AEP after which it will not process one.
- ◆With release: your current upline signs a release letter and the carrier processes the transfer immediately.
- ◆Without release: most carriers impose a 60 to 90 day waiting period before the transfer takes effect.
- ◆Blackout dates: each carrier stops accepting transfers before AEP. Topflight lists the AEP 2027 dates for 54 carrier and transfer-type combinations.
- ◆No-blackout carriers: some carriers accept transfers any time, with or without release.
03
Topflight’s policy as the example
- ◆Releases are granted between January 2 and August 31.
- ◆Allow up to 14 business days for Top of Hierarchy signatures after the reciprocal release is returned.
- ◆No release within 90 days of marketing support, reimbursements or event sponsorship.
- ◆There are no contract-length requirements, and you own your book from day one.
- ◆Forms and deadlines: Releases and Transfers.
Frequently asked
Questions agents ask about Choosing or leaving an FMO
When can I leave Topflight?
Releases are granted between January 2 and August 31, with up to 14 business days for signatures and no release within 90 days of marketing support.
What is the difference between a transfer with and without release?
With release the carrier processes the move immediately. Without release most carriers impose a 60 to 90 day wait.
Do I lose my renewals when I change FMOs?
No. Your contracts and clients are yours; renewals follow the carrier contract and move with the transfer.
Last reviewed: · Reviewed by Joanna Wyckoff, Founder. Published by the Topflight Data Desk.