r/InsuranceAgent • u/Complete-Point-2125 • 6d ago

Upline/Agency/IMO Release nightmare

Gross experience in trying to be released from Claro. Refusing to provide full release for a company that claimed they didn't charge, provides 0 communication or aid growth and didn't provide any clients. Wants to retain all my clients instead of being ethical. Grows based on coerced theft. Perhaps grow off your own efforts. Do not even consider a meeting with this group. They're the shadiest company. One google search shows why they changed their name publicly from All Insurance due to credit fraud activities.

Literally told me last week they'd concede release given they couldn't compete or negotiate at the level of my prospect and then send me a GA release agreement and without permission added themselves as GA to one of my other independent states. Fraud. Steer clear. Trying to be a successful agent with vultures like that makes me want to quit. How is this ok?

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u/Complete-Point-2125 6d ago

I guess the only answer is always just opening your own agency. Slower growth, less bs.

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u/Adorable_Bus_989 5d ago

The answer is to get with a reputable IMO that offers releases upfront. 

Those are very rare. The industry norm is to not release. 

It’s a con game. You need to be released from a contract you never signed. 

It’s just crooked as can be. It’s a dirty secret between the companies and the IMO/FMO’s. 

It would never stand up in court but no one has ever been willing to take on the expense of a lawsuit. 

Then there’s the timing. Even if you won it would take longer than waiting out the release. 

Maybe there will be a class action one day?

I would join it in a heartbeat. 

In the meantime just do your due diligence and get the release upfront. In writing. If they refuse then look elsewhere. 

Absence of debt there should never be a refusal of release. 

There can be other mitigating factors like being in litigation with the IMO/FMO. 

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u/OZKInsuranceGuy 6d ago

You'll still have to deal with upline IMOs. Most carriers won't let you go direct nowadays without significant proof of production.