How to Get Contracted with Life Insurance Carriers Fast (Agent Guide 2025)

October 1, 2025 12:48:35 PM

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Getting contracted with life and final expense insurance carriers is one of the biggest hurdles new and experienced agents face. The faster you get appointed, the faster you can start writing business and earning commissions. But too often, contracting becomes a frustrating bottleneck — paperwork, compliance, background checks, and waiting weeks for approvals.

If you’re ready to move quickly, here’s what you need to know.

Why Getting Contracted Quickly Matters

Time is money. Every week you’re not appointed, you’re missing out on new policies, client relationships, and commission checks. Agents who streamline their contracting process:

• Start selling faster

• Gain access to multiple carriers instead of being stuck with one

• Have backup options when a client doesn’t fit a certain carrier’s underwriting

• Build credibility by offering top-rated products right away

Steps to Get Contracted with Life Insurance Carriers Fast

1. Work Through a Strong IMO or FMO

Going direct to a carrier can be slow. Partnering with the right Independent Marketing Organization (IMO) or Field Marketing Organization (FMO) means:

• Pre-established carrier relationships (faster turnaround times)

• Centralized contracting teams who handle paperwork for you

• Access to multiple carriers under one contract packet

At Final Expense Brokerage, we’ve helped agents cut contracting time dramatically by handling submissions and tracking status on their behalf.

2. Have Your Paperwork Ready

Carriers can only move as fast as you do. While every carrier has its own requirements, most will ask for some or all of the following:

• Copy of your insurance license (state-specific)

• Direct deposit form for commission payments

• Background check authorization

Some carriers may also require:

• Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance – protects you and your clients (not always required, but highly recommended).

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training certificate – most carriers accept the free LIMRA training, but not every carrier requires it upfront.

Pro Tip: Ask your IMO which carriers require E&O/AML so you don’t waste time chasing paperwork you may not need.

3. Use “Just in Time” Appointments

Many carriers offer Just in Time (JIT) appointments. Instead of being fully contracted before you sell, you can submit an application and the carrier finalizes your appointment when the business comes in. This can save weeks and lets you move forward immediately.

4. Lean on Carrier & IMO Tech Tools

Many carriers now have e-contracting portals (SureLC, SuranceBay, etc.). Use these to auto-fill your data, upload docs once, and apply across multiple carriers without repeating everything by hand.

Common Mistakes Agents Make

• Submitting incomplete paperwork (missing E&O, expired license)

• Applying directly to carriers instead of through an IMO

• Waiting until they “have a client” before starting the process

• Not knowing which carriers require pre-appointment vs JIT

Final Word: Speed Comes from Support

The fastest way to get contracted isn’t doing it alone. It’s having a partner who’s done it thousands of times and knows the shortcuts, requirements, and follow-ups.

At Final Expense Brokerage, we help independent agents get contracted quickly, access top carriers, and start writing policies without weeks of wasted time.

Want to get appointed fast? Click Here To Get Contracted.