1. Getting Contracted

Contracting is the paperwork that makes you an official, appointed agent who can write business and get paid. You do this once per carrier.

Before you start

Have these ready. Missing one is the most common reason contracting stalls:

• Your resident life insurance license number (see Licensing & Certifications if you don’t have it yet)
• National Producer Number (NPN) — find it on the NIPR registry
• A voided check or bank letter for direct-deposit commissions
• E&O coverage confirmation, if the carrier requires it
• Government ID and Social Security number for the background check

Steps

1. Get the contracting link from your upline partner. AGM contracts agents through the carrier’s onboarding portal. Do not start a contract directly with a carrier without your partner’s link — it can attach you to the wrong hierarchy and cost you overrides.
2. Complete the background questions honestly. Any “yes” answer (bankruptcy, misdemeanor, prior termination) needs a written explanation attached. Hiding it fails the check; explaining it usually passes.
3. Submit and wait for the appointment confirmation. The carrier runs a background check and confirms your appointment. This takes anywhere from a day to two weeks depending on the carrier.
4. Save your writing number. Once appointed, the carrier issues a writing/agent number. Record it — you’ll enter it on every application. Losing it is a common cause of delayed commissions.

Common holdups

Problem	Fix
Contract “pending” for over a week	Check email/spam for a carrier request for more info
Appointment rejected	Usually an unexplained background item — resubmit with a written explanation
Wrong upline showing	Stop and call your partner before writing any business under it

Caution

Do not write an application before your appointment is confirmed. Business written before appointment can be denied commission entirely.

Next step

Once you’re contracted, finish your Licensing & Certifications if you haven’t already.