United American Insurance News and Gossip.

What do you think -- is this company going to survive and thrive? Are they looking to expand their staff, or do you think layoffs are inevitable?

How does United American Insurance stack up against the competition?

I received a call from them today. I knew it was a scam: they want me to sell. I am not a sales girl. If a person doesn't want it, they don't want it. I asked about the position when they called me (got my resume off Monster.com) and the lady would not tell me more about it, just said to come and see for myself. I see them advertising all the time. It is all about commissions and sales. If you are into that, great. I am certainly not. I went on an interview for a different company, same type. They show a PP presentation and want to you sign up immediately- trying to sell you on them. I don't think they can keep anyone, to be honest. I wish them well.

Leigh,

I think you're right about Sales. If it's not your bag, don't do it. I went to one of their presentations today and felt good about it. I have been in sales and recruiter for alot of years and understood everything I was told. The bad part is that others are attracted to this type of environment because they want to make more money. It's not an overnight get rich thing but can be very lucrative. The key is knowing what you're getting in to and sticking it out more than a couple of months. That's where the money is.

I started for UA this week. I have been looking forward to all of the $$$, but am very confused. What's this about a loan? I only made one sale this week and am considering dropping out before I make any more money for my "manager" (who only went on one call with me). The sale was for a $177/mo. package. I was told that I would get 200%, which would equal $354 right? Why did I only receive $144. Very curious indeed. I cannot sustain a 5 member family on $144/week. Any advice?

I went to a meeting this past week and the whole thing sounded good. Later I talked with a very good friend who wasin the insurance business for 25 years. He told me that UA is bad news. He told me the products they sell suck and it's not worth the headaches. I've cooled on the whole idea and am looking elsewhere for employment.

Honestly, I would quit while you are ahead! From what it seems, they will be more trouble than they are worth. They are making "false promises" to you. I wish you well!

Wayne said: I went to a meeting this past week and the whole thing sounded good. Later I talked with a very good friend who wasin the insurance business for 25 years. He told me that UA is bad news. He told me the products they sell suck and it's not worth the headaches. I've cooled on the whole idea and am looking elsewhere for employment.

You might want to look at some of the posts on this company at www.insurance-forums.net/forum in the health and agent section.

I suggest you stay away. there are many more reputable companies to work for.

Steve said: You might want to look at some of the posts on this company at www.insurance-forums.net/forum in the health and agent section.
I suggest you stay away. there are many more reputable companies to work for.

I told my "manager" that it wasn't a right fit for me. Thinking back on the whole situation, I really should have known better (or at least researched more). I was in a tough financial bind at my past job, which is something I shouldn't have shared with the recruiter. He used it as emotional leverage and sold me. I had no idea that I would be "independent" (NOT!!!) nor did I have a clue that the 2 inch thick stack of leads would mean that I would drive 3 hours to an abandoned shack (Yes, really). The branch manager didn't want us to prequalify, which I now find completely absurd. Out of the 25 appointments I set last week, 2 sold, 6 cancelled, 3 "rescheduled", 2 were "call backs" and 11 were no-shows. The "call backs" have yet to call back. I called 10 class A (20.00 leads) and probably 200 class B's. Not to mention the business list. 2 appointments out of 200 leads...1 sale per 100. Not according to the recruiter... I made $386.00 (which wasn't the 200% ommission highlighted during recruitment) and spent about $120.00 in gas. Nor did I have the faintest clue that I would have to buy my own agent manual and presentation kit (in the hole an extra $50.00) But, hey, with all the money that I would make, $50 would seem like squat. I don't like being lied to...not that the recruiter lied, perse, but withheld information that might make me cold on his presentation. I suppose I just feel a bit foolish because I went into the "interview" wanting to be sold. I was easy. All said, I don't think that UA is fundamentally bad, just not good for me.

Thanks for the site...it is very eye-opening. BTW: I really don't want to waste my license...what do you know about Primerica?

Lindsey of Louisville said:
I told my "manager" that it wasn't a right fit for me. Thinking back on the whole situation, I really should have known better (or at least researched more). I was in a tough financial bind at my past job, which is something I shouldn't have shared with the recruiter. He used it as emotional leverage and sold me. I had no idea that I would be "independent" (NOT!!!) nor did I have a clue that the 2 inch thick stack of leads would mean that I would drive 3 hours to an abandoned shack (Yes, really). The branch manager didn't want us to prequalify, which I now find completely absurd. Out of the 25 appointments I set last week, 2 sold, 6 cancelled, 3 "rescheduled", 2 were "call backs" and 11 were no-shows. The "call backs" have yet to call back. I called 10 class A (20.00 leads) and probably 200 class B's. Not to mention the business list. 2 appointments out of 200 leads...1 sale per 100. Not according to the recruiter... I made $386.00 (which wasn't the 200% ommission highlighted during recruitment) and spent about $120.00 in gas. Nor did I have the faintest clue that I would have to buy my own agent manual and presentation kit (in the hole an extra $50.00) But, hey, with all the money that I would make, $50 would seem like squat. I don't like being lied to...not that the recruiter lied, perse, but withheld information that might make me cold on his presentation. I suppose I just feel a bit foolish because I went into the "interview" wanting to be sold. I was easy. All said, I don't think that UA is fundamentally bad, just not good for me.
Thanks for the site...it is very eye-opening. BTW: I really don't want to waste my license...what do you know about Primerica?

Oh Primerica is bad news. Why don't you go with reputable companies like NEW YORK LIFE?

I've been doing alot of research on insurance companies lately. Look at National Agents Alliance (NAA)Can't find any negatives about them.

that is because no one has the guts to put the truth about them out there! Where did you look, on their website?

Yes, I looked on their website and on ripoffreport.com. A few negatives on ripoff. I assumed that the person posting was sour or had an axe to grind. I also searched the BBB and found 0 unresolved issues.

NAA is bad news, period. Stick with a company with training. New York Life and Monumental are amazing for new agents. They have a very good training program and base pay, along with benefits. If you do want to be independent, sign with a few health companies and start cold calling. I use GoLeads.com at 9.95 a month for unlimited business listings.

Lindsey in Louisville in Foristell, Missouri said: I started for UA this week. I have been looking forward to all of the $$$, but am very confused. What's this about a loan? I only made one sale this week and am considering dropping out before I make any more money for my "manager" (who only went on one call with me). The sale was for a $177/mo. package. I was told that I would get 200%, which would equal $354 right? Why did I only receive $144. Very curious indeed. I cannot sustain a 5 member family on $144/week. Any advice?

Hi Linsey:

I talked to a recruiter yesterday at some length and then with the Unit Manger and Assistant Unit Manager.

The manager broke down the percentage to me as:

1st month - 100% of what you originally sold
2nd month - 140%
3rd month - 30%
4-12 months - 10%
Then 10% on renewals 13th month on for small business owners and single business ownders and 15% on for Medicaid supplment insurance.

The training is six weeks with both reading, classroom and your manager, unit manager and/or assistant unit manager both calling back leads and then having you do those and going out with you on sales calls until you're ready. He put all of this in writing.

Yes, you have to pay for your own licensing but that's because you take it anywhere in your state. That only makes sense.

Leads come in (and I know this because I put my info on the internet for insurance information) directly through the internet and the call back day to set up appointments is Monday evening.

The manager also gave me some websites and told me to write down any questions I may have and then set up a time to meet with them next week.

When you first start, you get advances as your manager or someone else is actually doing the sales. That's the scary part. I will continue to do my research on this company before I agree.

can anyone tell me about liberty national? looking for a company to get started in.

Lindsey in Louisville in Foristell, Missouri said: I started for UA this week. I have been looking forward to all of the $$$, but am very confused. What's this about a loan? I only made one sale this week and am considering dropping out before I make any more money for my "manager" (who only went on one call with me). The sale was for a $177/mo. package. I was told that I would get 200%, which would equal $354 right? Why did I only receive $144. Very curious indeed. I cannot sustain a 5 member family on $144/week. Any advice?

It's to bad that your Manager only went on one appointment with you, but how many appointments did YOU set for that week. $144.00 for 1 hour of watching your Manager sell a deal seems like alot of money just to watch someone else work. By now you should be setting 10-15 appointments a week and earning 1k-2k a week in advances.

M.Penwell: Do you work for UA? If so, for how long?

Primerica, UA, and AON are all scams! They take your money or part of your money that you put down on "licenses and kits" and hope that you don't take part in the "job" and want a refund. The problem is that you don't actually get a full refund. They keep part of the money as handling fee or whatever they might call it at the time. That's how they make ALOT of their money, off of their own people!

The other scary thing is the people they hire to sell their products usually have ZERO experience in the business they are in. They go to a couple of one or two hour classes and then they're thrown to the wolves. They are brainwashed into thinking they're going to make a killing when in actuality they are killed so the people above them can make money off of them. It's called a PYRAMID SCAM!

The last thing are the customers, or as I call them the victims, that are taken advantage of. Most of these people are either senior citizens that don't know any better or people in dire financial straits that are desperate for a loan or something to stay afloat. The senior citizens sign crappy insurance contract that doesn't do anything but take their cash and the financially strapped people put their homes up as collateral for a loan they know they can't pay for.

It's pretty DAMN sad! You'd think these people would've been shut down by now but in this world of Greed feeding off of Greed I guess not!

Are you guys all freaking retarted? They want your money??? They do not even ask for money. The only thing you pay for is you liceance. The only way they make money off of you is if you sell. As for a Pyramid, it is not a true pyramid, because you make what you sell. Unit managers and Branch managers just get bonuses just like at a carlot. Do you think carlots are scams? The problem is that sell is not for everyone. It take a hardworking selfmotivated individual. If you do not try and are scared of being told no, then do not get into sells. They have been in business for 47 years i think. This is not Enron people this is insurance. So look into something isnstead of reading forums and taking what people that have not even been in the business say for the truth. This company even buys leads for you, and good ones at that. So try it before you put it down. There is alot of money to be made in insurance and you are turning people away. So if you are interested in United American, just ask yourself if you like dealing with people, long hours, if you are self motivated, and you can't be scared of commisions. This is not a get rich quick while watching tv job. It takes time to develop. It is not the up front commisions that makes you the money it is the renewals. And just to throw this out there, the worste car at my office is an 04 BMW. So think about it.

Oh and the license money goes to the state of florida, and the classes not a Couple of hours. It is more loke 40 hours which has nothing to do with the company. It has to be taken through a incurance school. Like Gulf Coast Insurace. So again, learne the facts before you run your mouth.

Mr. White~

Aside from your objectionable vernaculars and parochial spelling, I have to agree. Since UA has been in business for so long, they must be law-abiding. As for my experience, I took ZERO hours of classes (except for the online tutoring—which MUST be completed, state exam passed within 5 business days). I know that sales offers virtually limitless financial opportunity, I have been in sales for over 10 years. Insurance really isn’t my game, though.

Additionally, Mr. White, you should check your facts (and refrain from “lowering” yourself to my level). I bought my own presentation folio. The leads were often people who register online for a free XBOX, not information about (never mind a policy) insurance. As for the “scam”…when new agents leave, any residuals go to their unit manager…I think that where this idea may have come from.

PS
My Branch Manager drove a ’95 Chevrolet truck. My Kia was the best at our branch LOL:)

Best Wishes!

Though you made fun of my parochail (do you read the freaken dictionary, i like to expand my knowledge but in more constuctive areas) spelling with you snazy vernacular, I thank you for your input. As for the leads, it all depends on the source, price, and branch manager that buys them. The commisions structure is designed for a team. The company as a whole makes more if everyone is not out to cut each others throat, just the other companies. As for the xbox thing i said the same thing at the interview. That is how i found out about the quality of leads.

P.S. A Kia is nice and great on gas especially in the newer models. My mom had a 98 Sephia while i was in high school. I was made of for it because of the Bill Clinton commercials, though it could take a pretty good beating.

Hello, Several years ago I worked for United American Insurance Compamy. The office was located in Hurricane Wva. The manager was Marion Parker Sr.. The key is I worked. I didn't play, there is quite a contrast between the two. Mr. Parker provided excellent training and The company did everything they said they would do. I am truly sorry for your unfortunate experience. Don't blame the entire company on a few bad apples.

Your Success depends on your attitude!

I don't know if this question was directed at me or not if it was then let me say this. If their leads didn't work, mine did. Sir go to a cook book that tells you how to bake a cake. If you follow the instructions you'll get the same results everytime. Chocolate cake use the chocolate cake instructions. Many times we need someone else to blame for our failures. Every successful sales person knows unless you're really good it probably takes 10 interviews to close one sale. You need to see at least 15 people a day (talk to) to have a good week. 15 MULTIPLIED BY 5 around 75 interviews per week.So do you want to be successful? Then forget the sour grapes and go for it. I am not a stooge, I am an Insurance Selling Machine.
I don't work for that company anymore. I don't live in that state anymore. Many of the people who were there are still there and making alot of money. If you don't like the company maybe it was not for you. I personally wish you lots of success.

The individual who interviewed me was straight forward with me and has been very successful with this company. How did he get that way? Could it be hard work? I got down-sized by a Fortune 500 company that paid me a decent salary after eight years of employment. They decided to "tweak" the responsibilities, and changed the title of the position and offered it to someone else for 15,000 less. I told myself never again will this happen. If you go into sales? You need to treat it like your own business. All I need to do is pass that test!

Once you pay to take the test and the books that go with it you will ride along for a day or so and then your off. Ask about the turnover rate of agents? I hope your successful it's just not likely you will make over 30k after expenses. If you are truly an independent agent then ask them if it is ok to sell other products. What happens when you can't memorize the script they give you? I hope the leads provided for you turn out to be good. They might be because of the unions where you live. I suspect that they will be old, worked over a few times or even dead. GOODLUCK to ya bro, your gonna need it! My guess is 70+ hours a week and 50k mileage first year.

I received a call from a UA agent today...he informed me that my resume was found online, Monster.com to be exact. He asked if I have availability for an interview tomorrow!?! After reading all the previous postings, I'm thinking I should back out. I've never done direct sales and have absolutely NO insurance experience. Any thoughts??

Sorry so late getting back to you. I am sure they asked you to bring a copy of your resume because your resume was sent along to them and they would like to review it. You will sit in a room with up to 10 others and the person leading the group interview will tell you that this isn't for everyone. Then go into a spiff/commission matrix that looks darn good.
It gets better and better, ask them about agent turnover etc...You will never see more back pedaling unless they are honest. Go to interview with the knowledge this position is not for everyone...It's not for anyone who wants to spend time with family, who doesn't want to sell his/her soul to the devil. It's not for someone who wants used up worked over leads. Google american income life is a scam and see what you think.

Lindsey of Louisville in Flinthill, Missouri said: I told my "manager" that it wasn't a right fit for me. Thinking back on the whole situation, I really should have known better (or at least researched more). I was in a tough financial bind at my past job, which is something I shouldn't have shared with the recruiter. He used it as emotional leverage and sold me. I had no idea that I would be "independent" (NOT!!!) nor did I have a clue that the 2 inch thick stack of leads would mean that I would drive 3 hours to an abandoned shack (Yes, really). The branch manager didn't want us to prequalify, which I now find completely absurd. Out of the 25 appointments I set last week, 2 sold, 6 cancelled, 3 "rescheduled", 2 were "call backs" and 11 were no-shows. The "call backs" have yet to call back. I called 10 class A (20.00 leads) and probably 200 class B's. Not to mention the business list. 2 appointments out of 200 leads...1 sale per 100. Not according to the recruiter... I made $386.00 (which wasn't the 200% ommission highlighted during recruitment) and spent about $120.00 in gas. Nor did I have the faintest clue that I would have to buy my own agent manual and presentation kit (in the hole an extra $50.00) But, hey, with all the money that I would make, $50 would seem like squat. I don't like being lied to...not that the recruiter lied, perse, but withheld information that might make me cold on his presentation. I suppose I just feel a bit foolish because I went into the "interview" wanting to be sold. I was easy. All said, I don't think that UA is fundamentally bad, just not good for me.

Thanks for the site...it is very eye-opening. BTW: I really don't want to waste my license...what do you know about Primerica?

Part of Citi-Group. After you sell your family and friends good luck!

Leigh,

I just "had" to reply. Leigh, what are you thinking, girl? If you are in Insurance, it IS sales! What else would it be??? That makes it a scam? Please! I agree that it's not for everyone; probably only about 2% of the population. What's the turnover? HUGE! Why? Probably only abouth 2% of the population. Other companies are the same. You may just not be cut out for sales. No big deal; neither is my wife. But, I still love her! Real Estate is the same thing. It's not a scam if it's all about sales.

Leigh in Richardson, Texas said: I received a call from them today. I knew it was a scam: they want me to sell. I am not a sales girl. If a person doesn't want it, they don't want it. I asked about the position when they called me (got my resume off Monster.com) and the lady would not tell me more about it, just said to come and see for myself. I see them advertising all the time. It is all about commissions and sales. If you are into that, great. I am certainly not. I went on an interview for a different company, same type. They show a PP presentation and want to you sign up immediately- trying to sell you on them. I don't think they can keep anyone, to be honest. I wish them well.

Mike in Newport, Kentucky said: Sorry so late getting back to you. I am sure they asked you to bring a copy of your resume because your resume was sent along to them and they would like to review it. You will sit in a room with up to 10 others and the person leading the group interview will tell you that this isn't for everyone. Then go into a spiff/commission matrix that looks darn good.
It gets better and better, ask them about agent turnover etc...You will never see more back pedaling unless they are honest. Go to interview with the knowledge this position is not for everyone...It's not for anyone who wants to spend time with family, who doesn't want to sell his/her soul to the devil. It's not for someone who wants used up worked over leads. Google american income life is a scam and see what you think.

Mike,

Most of everything you have said is true. I'm not here to disagree with you. However, you are steering people away from United American, because of the things you post, and the way you post. Are you right about the turnover rate? Sure! But this is why: 97% of the population NEEDS someone to tell them to go to work. Look at Nelson's post. Are you currently with United American? I am. I've only done it for 6 months. That makes me one of the highest producing agents in my branch. I think that reflects more on the manager, than the company. Is it hard? Yeah. But, "I" don't think that it should all be handed to me on a platter. If it wasn't work, they wouldn't call it a job. It seems that some of the people on this board, mostly new to the industry, think that just because they passed the insurance test, money is going to start to roll in. It doesn't work that way. If you want that, you need to work for someone else, and get a guaranteed pay check, as long as you do what they say. "THAT" is what you should be telling people in your posts. Not everyone is cut out for sales.

Good response to harsh criticism, well thought out and countered very nicely. I am very aware that a career in sales is not for everyone and hard work is what it takes.

That is not the focus of my posts though. My beef is the way in which you are recruited and what you are not told when you sign on for them. I agree that manager is responsible for his office and I believe you would agree that the majority of new hires really don't have any clue what they are getting into. (poor management if you ask me)
Seems to be alot of that management style in that company and they are the ones collecting the over-rides of the departed agents.

You have been there six months and are the highest producing agent, That's sad if you think about it. Where is everyone else, why are they not reaping the rewards of residuals and over-rides at this point? I wish great success and hope you feel as positive in 6 months to a year.

Again, what you say is true. Of course, I don't know how they attempted to recruit you. For myself, you're right in the fact of the process that they recruit you. They tell you all the money that you can make. However, they didn't tell me all the money that I "WILL" make. But, I don't blame them for this. For instance, during an interview for a time clock type of job: They don't come out and actually say, "OK, great; you've accepted the job. However, if you don't do what I tell you, I'm going to fire you on the spot!" It wouldn't go far in recruiting new people, would it, Mike? So back to my interview, they didn't tell me if you don't work, you won't make any money. It's kind of an unsaid "given". As far as me being top in the office after 6 months, and where is everyone else? Well, here's the thing: They're not here. It always gets said, but really noone really hears, or understands. "20%of the people do 80% of the business". If you want to be brutally honest to the new recruits, you could tell them,"OK,there are 10 of you in this room. Look around. In 3 months, 8 of you will be gone. In six months, 9 will be gone, and the last one will be struggling financially, But will be the top in the branch. Do any of you still want the job?" Well, Mike, here's me: I have the drive and the determination, and know that I won't be able to start a business from scratch, and make $100k the first year. That's why I'm still here. That's why the other nine aren't.

Once again you have yet to refute my original claim, and that is fine. I do hope you make the $$ and have the same attitude 6-12 mos. from now. Using your own numbers, 90% are going to bust-out and who knows how many make it to year two. The ones on top who constantly recruit and refill the ranks make the big bucks. Who collects the residuals on the business on the agents who have sales then realize they cannot support a family on the actual income after expenses. Any company that allows its turnover rate to sky rocket has issues. Where I work (to remain nameless) the interview process is no less than 3 interviews. The selection of new associates is pretty stringent and there are minimum education, or experience levels that must be met. No mass recruiting of anyone who has a pulse, or uses the bus for transportation.
I seriously hope you have the same drive and determination in the next 6-12 mos. It's not a pyramid in a true sense, but it has many of the same characteristics. No, I don't really want to get into that discussion about what constitutes a pyramid scheme.Just recognize some similarities. It would be nice hear that your expectations have been realized, please respond to this in 6 months and give an update on how things are going.

I have been contacted several times by email and phone after posting my resume to online career sites. The emails and calls only identified the company name and never mention insurance. Having had no experience in that (I'm a Class A CDL truck driver)made me wonder why they would think I have the qualifications they were looking for. I don't think its prudent for me to spend a couple days examining/researching their practices and policies, but my observations so far, are thus: They seem to recruit pretty much anyone regardless of experience or interest. Of course a company who seeks clients thru cold calls may be expected to use the same means for employees. The big downside to this is the same as it is for those who purchase their policys. I have had enuf business experience to know that if you are going to have integrity, you have to explain the pitfalls of your business (and policies)as well as the benefits. This takes additional time and means you risk losing a sale, whether of potential employee or potential policy holder. If I go into sales (insurance or otherwise) with the single goal of making money I do myself and my clients a disservice. If my mindset is to make sales, instead of best meeting the client's needs, I'm going to spend time explaining something that will MAKE me money, rather than spend time explaining something that could COST me money. Just a quick examination of the UA website reveals that they don't offer major medical (by omission), their prescription benefits are only mediocre, and group plans have a minimum of 25 participants, effectively eliminating 3 highly desired features for many seeking health insurance. These limitations alone mean agents must convince clients that available policies can meet their needs, whether they actually do or not. If I have posted here anything misleading or untrue please let me know, without resorting to verbal abuse.

Host said: What do you think -- is this company going to survive and thrive? Are they looking to expand their staff, or do you think layoffs are inevitable?

How does United American Insurance stack up against the competition?

This is a solid company but that is the end of the positives. Each agent that agrees to write for UA has a unit manager that spends all of his time recruiting more agents to keep his or her group at full capacity.

The group I was involved with had a very nice and wealthy unit manager, however, a significant percentage of the recruits he had were unethical. It was embarrassing to me after I realized how corrupt the agents were in this group. The manager didn't care. He was getting rich on the business that everyone drug in to the office. I see no benefit in joining this group unless you know that you can sell a lot of their business ethically. The ethics I observed are at the lowest level I have seen in this business.
Try to do something else if at all possible. If there are any positive commments here they are probably unit managers trying to save face or new agents that haven't figured out the shortcomings.

You know most of these negative comments are from people who are not cur out to be sales agents. OK, try something else, but bashing a company for your failaures is not the way to go. United American has a great rating with all of the government insurance bureaus, they have very low complaint ratio with the BBB, and they live up to their promises. I am not a sailes agent. Only a customer, but I have been extremely pleased. And, I have a friend in Medical Claims Collection and he says that United American is one of the few comanies that he does not have to haggle with . They actually PAY their bills. He recommended I stick with them. And they have great premiums. I don't know what y'all are whining about. You are poor sales people .....too bad!

I have been with United American for over 11 years as both an agent and Unit Manager.

First, the Branch Manager buys leads from lead companies. Just the same as any other insurance company or brokerage. There is no way to screen leads to find out who just wanted an IBOX or new computer. Leads are a matter of luck. Yes, we do "recycle" leads simply because situations change. Just because 4 months ago a prospect wasn't able purchase a policy does not mean he/she could not be able to move forward now.

Second,United American does not sell Major Medical policies. We have Specified Benefit plans. These plans were not meant to be the be all and end all of health insurance. These plans were designed to help people who otherwise did not have any health insurance coverage or people who could not qualify for a Major Medical plan. If you were trained by a manager to lie or mislead, you have a bad manager and YOU should not pitch illegally. Take responsibility for your actions.

Third, yes United American recruits all people from all walks of life. A person does not need to have a degree or a backround in sales to be a great agent. I do not have a college degree. I worked at a Grand Canyon Airline tour company at the check-in counter. I had no experience in sales. United American changed my life and gave me the opportunity to have a career and learn a trade. No, sales are not for everyone and much of it has to do with work ethics. I cannot even begin to tell you how many new agents I have seen start with high goals and good intentions, until they realized that sales means hard work and sometimes long hours. If sales were easy, everyone would be doing it, and everyone would be making $100K a year. I am grateful that United American does not discriminate against any person and that every person has the same opportunity to EARN his/her position and income.

Fourth, as a Unit Manager, when any of my agents write a deal and then leaves United American, I do NOT receive any of the commissions he/she would have received. Yes, i still get my override commission, but only for ONE YEAR. The saddest part is that as the Unit Manager I end up handling all the service work anyway, for the life of the policy.

Ethics: I have neither the time nor patients for agents who lie. I have had the pleasure of firing dishonest agents. Yes, it is easier to lie and get a deal (regardless of what company you happen to write for). One, I don't need the chargebacks for bad business. Two, I don't need to deal with clients who have been lied to by an unethical agent. Three, I wouldn't do it myself.

Yes, I have been defending my position. But please understand that not all insurance managers and agents lie, cheat, and scheme their way to success.

Good luck to you all.

Dara or anyone else with this knowledge:

You sound both experienced and positive about United American. As such, I wondered if you might answer a couple of questions if you can.

I was contacted to attend a presentation in Tampa and with many dubious offers that are proliferated, I am doing some research before attending.

My questions are: What are the start-up cost that I may personally be responsible for? Is the training for licensing at my expense? Are there pay structures in place during training? Finally, are there long office hours, or is this a personal, work-at-home type employment?

As I have may years experience in Sales and Management, and have been told that I can sell sandals to Eskimos, I am aware of the fact that sales take effort, and that every "no" brings you one step closer to a yes (sound familiar?).

While I am not afraid of hard work and long hours, my main concern is that I really don't want to invest my time to find out that this will take months to see any type of real income. I also do not have the luxury of incurring considerable front-end expenses, while understanding that the common reply would be that it's not an expense, but an investment in my future. I have a wife and three children that agree with me, and drive me on this point.

I appreciate any reply,
Gary

A UA rep called me yesterday to invite me to a "job fair" today, promising sales and marketing career opportunities (my field is marketing communications). I knew something was wrong when he wouldn't even tell me what company he worked for until I asked, twice! If UA had a good reputation, their recruiters would come right out and proudly tell you the name of the company. They would also take the time to qualify prospects instead of cold-calling people who have zero sales experience.

Dara in Las Vegas, Nevada

Hi Dara,
Can you send me the information to sign in your group?
Please let me know

Lindsey of Louisville in Flinthill, Missouri said: I told my "manager" that it wasn't a right fit for me. Thinking back on the whole situation, I really should have known better (or at least researched more). I was in a tough financial bind at my past job, which is something I shouldn't have shared with the recruiter. He used it as emotional leverage and sold me. I had no idea that I would be "independent" (NOT!!!) nor did I have a clue that the 2 inch thick stack of leads would mean that I would drive 3 hours to an abandoned shack (Yes, really). The branch manager didn't want us to prequalify, which I now find completely absurd. Out of the 25 appointments I set last week, 2 sold, 6 cancelled, 3 "rescheduled", 2 were "call backs" and 11 were no-shows. The "call backs" have yet to call back. I called 10 class A (20.00 leads) and probably 200 class B's. Not to mention the business list. 2 appointments out of 200 leads...1 sale per 100. Not according to the recruiter... I made $386.00 (which wasn't the 200% ommission highlighted during recruitment) and spent about $120.00 in gas. Nor did I have the faintest clue that I would have to buy my own agent manual and presentation kit (in the hole an extra $50.00) But, hey, with all the money that I would make, $50 would seem like squat. I don't like being lied to...not that the recruiter lied, perse, but withheld information that might make me cold on his presentation. I suppose I just feel a bit foolish because I went into the "interview" wanting to be sold. I was easy. All said, I don't think that UA is fundamentally bad, just not good for me.

Thanks for the site...it is very eye-opening. BTW: I really don't want to waste my license...what do you know about Primerica?

Thank you so much Steve
I will stay away from UA

I have to 100% agree with Dara. I work for United American and I love it. It is the right opp. if you are the right person. The Austin Branch is a wonderful team filled with support. It is a second family for most of us. I think one of the biggest reasons people don't succed in United American is because they didn't take the time to ask for help! Those type of people will never suceed and I know that I don't want them on my team!

I've got nothing good to say about UA. Anyone that wants to know how I was a top selling agent, not making any money, and left the company to become a top selling agent, making money, please feel free to ask me any questions.

stayfit in Fort Mill, South Carolina said: Mike,

Most of everything you have said is true. I'm not here to disagree with you. However, you are steering people away from United American, because of the things you post, and the way you post. Are you right about the turnover rate? Sure! But this is why: 97% of the population NEEDS someone to tell them to go to work. Look at Nelson's post. Are you currently with United American? I am. I've only done it for 6 months. That makes me one of the highest producing agents in my branch. I think that reflects more on the manager, than the company. Is it hard? Yeah. But, "I" don't think that it should all be handed to me on a platter. If it wasn't work, they wouldn't call it a job. It seems that some of the people on this board, mostly new to the industry, think that just because they passed the insurance test, money is going to start to roll in. It doesn't work that way. If you want that, you need to work for someone else, and get a guaranteed pay check, as long as you do what they say. "THAT" is what you should be telling people in your posts. Not everyone is cut out for sales.

It's been several months and I am curious if your still enthusiastic about the company and have made your goals in regards to income. This would be the perfect opportunity share your experience. Either positive or negative.

People will be successful, but it seems to me that United American is more concerned about their recruiting goals, than retaining the folks they have.

Those of you who are with the company, and those who no longer are. What is the experience recruitment vs retention ??

Mike wilson in crestview, Kentucky said: It's been several months and I am curious if your still enthusiastic about the company and have made your goals in regards to income. This would be the perfect opportunity share your experience. Either positive or negative.

I worked at UA for a few months. But the expenses (gasoline mainly) just ate
me alive. Traveling miles for "Let me think about it" or "I need to talk to my wife/spouse/significant other et al" was ludicrous in my opinion.

WOW ! thank you everyone! i had just been hired to be a UA agent TODAY. and was very skeptical considering i have worked for Vector Marketing selling cutco knives for a summer. All the info on here was great. i appreciate it. I called the online testing center direct and got m money back right away. 129 for the class. DANG !!! Thanks all. Greatly Appreciated.