Agents Should be FREE to Choose and Change their FMO
187
Signatures Received
Your voice matters. Sign the petition today!
We are calling on Insurance Marketing Organizations (IMOs) and Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) to provide agents with release upon request. Additionally, we urge Life Insurance Carriers to eliminate the protection currently given to IMOs requiring agents to secure a release before they can submit business through a new IMO/FMO.
Licensed annuity agents are being held hostage by their current IMOs and FMOs, making it impossible for them to operate without consent. We have witnessed first-hand the struggles of our colleagues. One agent was left hanging with a client's check for weeks, unable to get a response from his FMO to write a contract. Another agent was completely alienated by his FMO, who refused to sign a release out of sheer personal dislike. These instances are not uncommon; they reflect an archaic system that treats agents as property rather than independent professionals.
Currently, for an agent to transition from one IMO/FMO to another, the existing IMO/FMO must sign a release, or the agent must have produced no contracts with the carrier for over six months. This system, often supported by Life Insurance Carriers, creates a vice grip with no outlet. If an IMO fails to keep promises, underpays agents, or proves incompatible, agents lack any medium to appeal to a carrier and shift their business towards a more suitable IMO/FMO.
This needs to change. We ask for a review and modification of these policies to empower agents with the freedom to move their business independently. This is about leveling the field, ensuring equitability, and securing a fair choice for the professionals who work relentlessly to support the insurance industry.
Join the Agent Revolution. Let agents decide who they want to work with. Sign the petition to bring about a necessary change in the annuity landscape.
We’re collecting signatures from agents and IMOs across the country who believe in agent freedom. Your signature isn’t just a name on a list—it’s a powerful statement that shows carriers the depth of concern within our industry.
2. Aligning Industry Leaders
IMOs on Board
We’ll also present a second petition, signed by IMOs who have committed to supporting agent freedom. These organizations stand with you and recognize that agents should have the freedom to choose where and how they do business.
3. Leveraging Regulatory Pressure
Citing the FTC Ruling
We’ll reference the recent FTC ruling that outlaws non-compete contracts in many industries. This sets a precedent for fair competition and reinforces our argument that restrictive agreements in our industry are not only unethical but may also face legal challenges in the near future.
4. Engaging Carriers with the Petition
Presenting the Petition to Carriers
Once we’ve reached our goal of [target number] signatures, we’ll take this petition directly to the carriers that still enforce restrictive agreements. We will demonstrate the overwhelming support from agents and industry leaders for ending this outdated and unfair practice.
5. Recognizing Carriers Who Do the Right Thing
Showcasing Supportive Carriers
We’ve compiled a list of carriers who have already abolished these restrictive agreements. We’ll use this list to demonstrate to other carriers that eliminating these policies is not only possible but is quickly becoming the industry standard.
6. Expanding the List of Supportive Carriers
Encouraging Change
As carriers agree to end their restrictive agreements, we’ll add them to our list of supportive carriers on this website. This public acknowledgment will not only recognize their commitment to agent freedom but also encourage other carriers to follow suit.
7. A Future Without Restrictive Agreements
Final Goal
Our ultimate goal is to see all carriers abandon these restrictive agreements, paving the way for a fairer, more open industry where agents have the freedom to choose the best options for their clients. Your participation in this petition is a critical step toward making that future a reality.
