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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.)
Do I have to be contracted before submitting an app?
No - you are welcome to do the paperwork in advance if you like, but we can submit your first application along with your contracting papers --- and the case can be underwritten while your producer code is "pending."
Do you represent companies other than Guardian?
We have added the products of Berkshire Life, which merged with Guardian in 2001. In addition we have access to other companies for life insurance and disability insurance in situations where Guardian is not suitable for the client.
Will you go on joint sales calls with me?
Yes! About 80% of Lanny Levin's time is spent as a "broker's broker." Bill Thar is constantly helping producers with their disability insurance cases. Both would make sales calls and/or do case consultation with you as needed. Sometimes all you may need is assistance in working with the client's advisors. Let either Bill (847-266-2248) or Lanny (847-266-2244) know what help you need.
How are the commissions on joint cases split?
This is handled on a case-by-case basis. Usually there is no split of the agent's commission if Guardian products are purchased-but no expense allowance is paid. If non-Guardian products are used, The Levin Agency normally retains 50% of the commissions.
Does a case have to be large and complicated to use your firm?
No - if you would like to establish an ongoing relationship with us, we welcome all of your quality business and we will help you with any case or situation. One of the advantages of using our firm is our expertise and experience --- by working with us you will probably find that we are able to expand the size of the cases you will write.
What if I need product or technical training?
You've come to the right place! We have been training and helping agents for over 25 years. While we are not equipped (or inclined) to train brand new inexperienced agents (those who are new to the industry), we are constantly sharing knowledge with experienced agents who want to better develop sales relating to wealth preservation, executive benefits, and business continuity.We have three versions of our seminar on "The What, Why & How of Opening Life Insurance Sales" --- one for accounting firms, one for benefits producers, and one for property/casualty brokers. We run periodic seminars and meetings on technical and marketing subjects, we email newsletters and bulletins on tax and insurance matters-always trying to keep our brokers up to date with what's going on in our corner of the industry. We also make available the substantial training and educational resources of Guardian Life via its intranet for producers and its publications and courses. What if I need to shop a life insurance case?
We can help you shop an impaired risk case. We will give you our agency authorization form for client signature, and we will gather all the Attending Physician Statements and shop the case to Guardian and others. If we submit the case routinely to Guardian and get declined, we have the ability to seamlessly underwrite the case at Innovative Underwriters, a subsidiary of Guardian.
What if I want to become affiliated with you as a full time Guardian agent?
Guardian is an outstanding career agent company. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. The Guardian Financial Representative ("FR") contract is one of the best in the business. It is ideal for the producer who is capable of producing at least $50,000 of first-year life insurance commissions with Guardian on a steady basis.. Just call Lanny Levin at 847-266-2244 or email him, expressing your interest.
Do you have a broker-dealer I can join?
Park Avenue Securities, LLC is Guardian's broker dealer. PAS has a wide range of products available-mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life, etc. We make it available to producers who do life and/or disability insurance business with us regularly. It is an excellent choice for the insurance producer who wants to provide clients with high quality securities products in addition to competitive, attractive life insurance products. Just call Lanny Levin at 847-266-2244 or email him, expressing your interest.
What if I only write an occasional case — am I still welcome?
Yes - we have many brokers whose specialty is P&C, group benefits, investments or accounting. We will happily work with you when the opportunity arises to develop an insurance sale. We would also welcome the opportunity to show you how to do more than occasional business!
What if I’d like to meet you before doing business?
We would be happy to arrange a meeting at our office or yours-or at breakfast or lunch (on us!).
What if I’ve previously done business with another Guardian office?
No problem. We can contract you with our office and you can do future business with us. There is no requirement that you notify the other office or terminate your other contract. You get a new producer code with us, and it will not interfere with commissions from any business written elsewhere.
What if I am not licensed for life insurance or accident and health?
If you are a practicing accountant, general insurance broker, or securities representative we would be glad to discuss this with you. Just call Lanny Levin at 847-266-2244 or email him, expressing your interest.
Who arranges for medical requirements and handles APSs for my cases?
We do - we have two full-time New Business coordinators. You supply your client's contact information and we will arrange for exams, blood tests, stress EKGs or any other medical requirement. We also follow up on the APSs required on the case.
Will you run proposals for me?
Yes! You can always get illustrations and proposals from us - usually within 24 hours or less. Use the web site here to order what you need - or call or fax in your request. We will email back your proposal (or fax or mail it if you prefer).We can make our software available if you or your staff feel you would make use of it. Can I obtain software to run my own proposals?
Absolutely. If you expect to do frequent business with us, we will make Guardian's software available to you. (And this will not prevent you from calling us for proposals whenever you find it convenient to do so.)
What is
 ? / How do I get the Adobe Acrobat Reader? What is
 ? / How do I get the Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer? If you don't have PowerPoint, there is a shareware PowerPoint viewer that can be downloaded at no cost by following this link to Microsoft's web site.
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