Why do my licenses decide which states I pick?
Your licenses decide your states because an agent must hold an active insurance license in each state where they sell. If a senior from a state where you are not licensed calls, you cannot write their policy. So the first step is to list every state where you hold an active life insurance license.
Most agents hold a license in their home state, called a resident license, and add non-resident licenses for other states through each state's insurance department. Each state's department of insurance or commissioner's office handles licensing for that state.
Do I need carrier appointments in each state?
Usually, yes. Beyond a license, many carriers require an agent to be appointed with them before submitting business, and appointments can be state specific. Check with your carriers or upline which products you can sell in each state you plan to pick. A state where you are licensed but have no carrier options is not much use for inbound calls.
How do time zones affect my state choices?
Time zones decide when callers in each state are awake and available to call. The continental United States spans four main time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific, and Alaska and Hawaii have their own. A state that is three hours behind you will be calling later in your day.
Some states are split across two time zones, so check the areas you are serving. Picking states in your own time zone or close to it makes your hours simpler to plan. Picking states across several zones can widen your useful hours if you can cover them.
How do my hours fit with the states I choose?
Your hours and states should overlap well. If you are in the Eastern time zone and choose only Pacific states, your morning hours may be very early for those callers. If you choose a mix, your morning can serve Eastern and Central callers and your afternoon can extend into Mountain and Pacific callers. Read how to choose your final expense call hours for a full approach.
Should I choose many states or a few?
Choose as many states as you are licensed, appointed and ready to serve, and no more. More states usually means more possible callers, which affects call volume, as explained on how many final expense calls can you expect per day. But each state adds products, rules and paperwork to know. A few states you know well can be easier to start with.
Do state insurance rules differ?
Yes. Each state's insurance department sets rules for agents, such as continuing education, replacement forms and disclosure requirements. Final expense products and rates can also differ by state. Know the rules for every state you pick, and follow them on every call. We do not give legal or compliance advice; check with each state's insurance department and your carriers.
How do I build my state list step by step?
Step one: list every state where you hold an active life insurance license. Step two: remove any state where you lack carrier appointments or products. Step three: note the time zone of each remaining state. Step four: compare those time zones with the hours you can cover. Step five: keep the states that fit both, and start there.
You can add states later as you get more licenses or appointments. Call (470) 597-3831 to discuss changes.
Do agencies pick states differently?
Agencies can cover more states by combining the licenses of their agents, as long as each call is routed to an agent licensed in the caller's state. Agencies also have more flexibility on hours. Solo agents and agencies are both welcome. Learn how routing works on how inbound final expense leads work, compare lead types on inbound final expense leads vs other lead types, and see pricing on the pricing page.
Should I start with my home state?
Many agents start with their resident state because they know its products, rules and time zone well. That makes the first calls easier to handle. Once you are comfortable, add non-resident states where you are licensed and appointed. Starting narrow and growing is usually simpler than starting wide and learning several states' rules at once.