Start with the reason for a change
Write down the work that needs to improve. Use specific questions to compare the service relationship, rather than a general promise of better support.
- Who answers employee questions, and where can your team follow the conversation?
- Who coordinates enrollment, eligibility changes, billing questions and renewal preparation?
- What should stay in place, and what would you want a new advisor to evaluate?
Compare the advisor and proposed scope
Check the producer’s license with the applicable insurance regulator. Ask how the agency evaluates options and explain the support you expect.
- Ask who would serve your account and how an issue reaches an experienced person.
- Compare fees, compensation disclosures, available markets and the services included in the proposed scope.
- Ask how the advisor would work with your existing HR, payroll, carrier and administration partners.
Confirm the carrier process before signing
Ask the carrier and proposed advisor to explain the exact authorization required for your plans. Keep a copy of what you approve.
- What would the authorization change, and when would it take effect?
- Are there carrier requirements or renewal milestones that affect the proposed timing?
- Would any plan, policy, employee instruction or administration arrangement also need to change? Confirm each separately.
Name the owners of the handoff
Build a short responsibility list before the transition. An advisor review does not by itself authorize policy cancellation or enrollment changes.
- Identify open service requests, renewal decisions and employee communications that need continuity.
- Confirm who will request records and how confidential materials will be shared appropriately.
- Agree on access, introductions, milestones and the point at which employees should use any new service route.
Agree on the first check-in
Make the next conversation useful: review the agreed action list and resolve anything that is still unclear.
- Confirm that service contacts and access instructions match the agreed transition.
- Review unresolved requests and upcoming deadlines with their named owners.
- Keep the evaluation focused on your organization’s needs; a change should have a clear purpose.
Sources and next steps
Source links checked October 22, 2026. General education; your plan documents and applicable rules determine coverage and deadlines. External sources are maintained by their publishers.
- Maryland Insurance Administration: choosing an insurance producer ↗
insurance.maryland.gov · Opens a new tab
- NAIC: choosing an insurance agent ↗
content.naic.org · Opens a new tab