Bell & Associates | Life Insurance Specialists
Please check out this excellent article written by Kenneth A. Shapiro 4 things life insurance producers can expect in 2012
We are pleased to announce that our new Facebook has just been launched!
Our Facebook page will be an excellent source for industry articles and videos as well as an online meeting place for our agents to connect and discuss new products, sales ideas, and current issues affecting the insurance industry.
Please stop on by and "Like" us so that you can be alerted as news items and product announcements are posted.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
**Click Here to Link to WTBA Facebook Page**
Announced in January, West Coast Life and Protective Life will be combining into a single independent brokerage distribution channel under the Protective Life (PLB) brand. As of August 1, 2011 any new producers will automatically be contracted under the new PLB channel; however, if you are a producer with an existing contract, additional action may be required. If you plan to write new business you will need to be reappointed under the new PLB channel.
In order to get reappointed, or for new producers, appointed, you will receive an email invitation from our office. Once you have received the email, you will be required to complete the online application, which our office will then review and approve for proc...continued
As they say, knowledge is power; unfortunately trying to keep up with the never ending onslaught of information can be overwhelming. Being able to access and utilize resources proves key during the underwriting process and many times even before you get to the point of a formal application. Most all insurance carriers provide you with an Underwriting Guideline to help you identify certain areas that they may excel or shy away from in a medical or financial underwriting capacity. While it is our job to know the ins and outs of this area, we understand that being an independent financial professional isn’t just a 9-5 job – it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and that you may need or want access to this infor...continued
Pacific Life’s Vice President of Marketing Services for the Life Insurance Division, Alyce Peterson, explains in this month’s “Field News” what CPA’s wish you knew about their business.
“While CPA referrals are coveted by insurance professionals, it often takes a long time to get them. [Pacific Life’s] kit is intended to help you be more effective in your efforts. Successful relationships are the result of understanding each other’s needs. Look for unmet needs and concerns.”
While Alyce’s statements are spot on, a kit alone is not going to be able to get your foot in the door when attempting to approach a new CPA referral &...continued
Mutual of Omaha has recently announced their “Circle of Excellence” destination for 2012 – Sydney, Australia! For more than a decade, Mutual of Omaha has taken Circle of Excellence qualifiers to some of the most incredible places on earth – and 2012 will be no exception. Call our marketing department today at (800) 308-2355 to find out what products Mutual of Omaha and United of Omaha are offering now that will bring you to the top, only to take you Down Under!
Effective January 1, 2011 new disclosure requirements took effect for New York producers. The New York State Insurance Department’s Regulation 194, Producer Compensation Transparency, requires producers selling insurance in New York to disclose compensation either orally or in prominent writing at or prior to the time of application. Please refer to Regulation 194 and its accompanying Circular Letter No. 18 for additional guidance on what information needs to be provided if the purchaser requests additional compensation information.
800.308.BELL
12/13/2011
Life Insurance is an excellent alternative for your investment clients
Life Health Pro has an excellent article on using LIfe Insurance with your investment clients. Please click on the link below:
Life Insurance: Stll a Safe Haven For Investors
Life Insurance: Stll a Safe Haven For Investors
12/06/2011
Some great things to think about as we look forward to 2012
Please check out this excellent article written by Kenneth A. Shapiro 4 things life insurance producers can expect in 2012
11/07/2011
West Coast Life - Important Changes
To our Valued Agents,
Effective 12/1/11 West Coast Life (WCL) is merging with its parent company, Protective Life, and the WCL name is being retired. So what does this mean for you? Products/Commissions:The products at Protective have the exact same pricing, commission, etc., however they have different names.
Contracting:Since all existing agents are being “terminated” at WCL, you MUST completely re-contract under the “new” Protective contract to continue to write business. Please contact Darlene Hester darlene@wbassoc.com to get re-contracted under Protective Life Brokerage to avoid any delays in new business.
...continued
Effective 12/1/11 West Coast Life (WCL) is merging with its parent company, Protective Life, and the WCL name is being retired. So what does this mean for you? Products/Commissions:The products at Protective have the exact same pricing, commission, etc., however they have different names.
Contracting:Since all existing agents are being “terminated” at WCL, you MUST completely re-contract under the “new” Protective contract to continue to write business. Please contact Darlene Hester darlene@wbassoc.com to get re-contracted under Protective Life Brokerage to avoid any delays in new business.
...continued
11/01/2011
November is LTC Awareness Month
November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month
Ward T. Bell and Associates is proud to be working with the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance to help raise awareness regarding the LTC products and services that are available to your clients. We offer a wide range of products and carriers that offer protection for your clients should they ever need Long-Term Care. Please contact one of our marketing representatives today at 800-308-2355 to obtain any marketing materials or ask any questions you may have regarding the many available LTC products.
Long Term Care Assoication Homepage
Ward T. Bell and Associates is proud to be working with the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance to help raise awareness regarding the LTC products and services that are available to your clients. We offer a wide range of products and carriers that offer protection for your clients should they ever need Long-Term Care. Please contact one of our marketing representatives today at 800-308-2355 to obtain any marketing materials or ask any questions you may have regarding the many available LTC products.
Long Term Care Assoication Homepage
10/28/2011
End Of The Year Sales Contest With West Coast Life
We are excited to announce the rollout of the Bell & Associates Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/BellandAssociates)and our end of the year sales contest with West Coast Life (now Protective Life)! Featured Prizes include a 55" 3D LED TV, Apple iPad 2, and other great items. Please see the image below for contest details or contact us.
With the rollout of the Facebook page, we’re trying to get as many Facebook “likes” as possible on our page so make sure to click here http://www.facebook.com/BellandAssociatesand simply click on “like” at the very top! It will just take a second from your mobile phone or computer and will help us out. To sweeten the deal, any agent ...continued
With the rollout of the Facebook page, we’re trying to get as many Facebook “likes” as possible on our page so make sure to click here http://www.facebook.com/BellandAssociatesand simply click on “like” at the very top! It will just take a second from your mobile phone or computer and will help us out. To sweeten the deal, any agent ...continued
10/25/2011
Bell & Associates Has Partnered With NAILBA
Bell & Associates is pleased to announce that we have recently become members of the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies!
This new partnership has given our agency additional tools and resources to help our agents with insurance carrier contracting, product marketing, field underwriting, and getting those tough cases placed and inforce.
We are excited to start taking advantage of this new partnership and look forward to using these resources to assist our agents!
NAILBA Homepage
NAILBA Welcomes Bell & Associates
This new partnership has given our agency additional tools and resources to help our agents with insurance carrier contracting, product marketing, field underwriting, and getting those tough cases placed and inforce.
We are excited to start taking advantage of this new partnership and look forward to using these resources to assist our agents!
NAILBA Homepage
NAILBA Welcomes Bell & Associates
10/19/2011
Bell & Associates Has Joined Facebook!
We are pleased to announce that our new Facebook has just been launched!
Our Facebook page will be an excellent source for industry articles and videos as well as an online meeting place for our agents to connect and discuss new products, sales ideas, and current issues affecting the insurance industry.
Please stop on by and "Like" us so that you can be alerted as news items and product announcements are posted.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
**Click Here to Link to WTBA Facebook Page**
10/12/2011
Life Settlement Market Update
The life settlement market has seen a steady decline in overall transactions over the last few years due mainly to revised life expectancy tables and a lack of funds to purchase policies. This, coupled with clients inflated expectations of life settlement returns has led to a lot of very viable policies either lapsing or being pulled from the marketplace. At Bell and Associates we have been able to continually find attractive offers or loan programs for our clients looking to use life settlement as a financial planning tool. The funders are out there and all signs are pointing to sunnier skies on the horizon. There have been several articles written lately about reported growth among life settlement transactions and ...continued
09/19/2011
Interest Rate Change - Annuity Care Product Line
One American - Annuity Care & Annuity Care II/III Interest Rate Notice:
In response to the current sustained period of low interest rates, changes are occurring with the State Life Annuity Care® and Annuity Care II/III products effective October 1, 2011. We are, however, pleased to announce that each of the Care Solutions will remain available for you to offer your clients.
Annuity Care and Annuity Care II/III minimum guaranteed interest rates are decreasing to 1.5% effective October 1, 2011
Given the structure of Annuity Care II/III, which uses the internal values of the contract to pay for the monthly charge for the continuation of LTC benefits (COB) provision, there may be instances wh...continued
In response to the current sustained period of low interest rates, changes are occurring with the State Life Annuity Care® and Annuity Care II/III products effective October 1, 2011. We are, however, pleased to announce that each of the Care Solutions will remain available for you to offer your clients.
Annuity Care and Annuity Care II/III minimum guaranteed interest rates are decreasing to 1.5% effective October 1, 2011
Given the structure of Annuity Care II/III, which uses the internal values of the contract to pay for the monthly charge for the continuation of LTC benefits (COB) provision, there may be instances wh...continued
09/07/2011
Four States Prohibit Non-Variable Licensed Producers from Recommending the Replacement of a Variable Life Insurance Policy
Four states now forbid a life insurance producer not licensed to sell variable products from recommending the replacement of a variable contract or policy: Arkansas, Iowa, Utah and Vermont. More states are expected to enact similar laws or issue consistent guidance on this topic.
Please see below attachment for additional information.
Please see below attachment for additional information.
08/24/2011
West Coast Life Transitions to Protective Life Brokerage
Announced in January, West Coast Life and Protective Life will be combining into a single independent brokerage distribution channel under the Protective Life (PLB) brand. As of August 1, 2011 any new producers will automatically be contracted under the new PLB channel; however, if you are a producer with an existing contract, additional action may be required. If you plan to write new business you will need to be reappointed under the new PLB channel.
In order to get reappointed, or for new producers, appointed, you will receive an email invitation from our office. Once you have received the email, you will be required to complete the online application, which our office will then review and approve for proc...continued
08/01/2011
Underwriting Guidelines
As they say, knowledge is power; unfortunately trying to keep up with the never ending onslaught of information can be overwhelming. Being able to access and utilize resources proves key during the underwriting process and many times even before you get to the point of a formal application. Most all insurance carriers provide you with an Underwriting Guideline to help you identify certain areas that they may excel or shy away from in a medical or financial underwriting capacity. While it is our job to know the ins and outs of this area, we understand that being an independent financial professional isn’t just a 9-5 job – it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and that you may need or want access to this infor...continued
07/04/2011
Learn How to Work Smarter With CPA's
Pacific Life’s Vice President of Marketing Services for the Life Insurance Division, Alyce Peterson, explains in this month’s “Field News” what CPA’s wish you knew about their business.
“While CPA referrals are coveted by insurance professionals, it often takes a long time to get them. [Pacific Life’s] kit is intended to help you be more effective in your efforts. Successful relationships are the result of understanding each other’s needs. Look for unmet needs and concerns.”
While Alyce’s statements are spot on, a kit alone is not going to be able to get your foot in the door when attempting to approach a new CPA referral &...continued
04/05/2011
Mutual Of Omaha: Circle of Excellence
Mutual of Omaha has recently announced their “Circle of Excellence” destination for 2012 – Sydney, Australia! For more than a decade, Mutual of Omaha has taken Circle of Excellence qualifiers to some of the most incredible places on earth – and 2012 will be no exception. Call our marketing department today at (800) 308-2355 to find out what products Mutual of Omaha and United of Omaha are offering now that will bring you to the top, only to take you Down Under!
01/01/2011
New York Regulation 194
Effective January 1, 2011 new disclosure requirements took effect for New York producers. The New York State Insurance Department’s Regulation 194, Producer Compensation Transparency, requires producers selling insurance in New York to disclose compensation either orally or in prominent writing at or prior to the time of application. Please refer to Regulation 194 and its accompanying Circular Letter No. 18 for additional guidance on what information needs to be provided if the purchaser requests additional compensation information.