When you're looking to purchase, research, or review your life insurance policy, an experienced life insurance professional is essential. But how do you gauge their knowledge level, experience, and expertise? Here's a breakdown from a professional perspective to give you a clear picture of what to look for:
Knowledge Level
At a minimum, your advisor should have at least 4-5 years of experience with multiple types of insurance products. This matters because working with multiple companies allows them to compare products, services, costs, features, and benefits. It's also important to see how the cash value of policies performs over time, ideally after three years or more.
Experience
In addition to professional knowledge, an advisor's personal experience with life insurance is crucial. Do they own life insurance themselves? If they believe in the products they sell, they should have policies in place. Their working experience also matters—specifically, their appointments with different insurance companies and their experience reviewing policies. This ensures they have a well-rounded understanding of various products.
Expertise
Most life insurance agents focus on sales, which is where they make the most money. However, servicing policies and conducting policy reviews is where insurance professionals gain the most insight into how life insurance really works. Understanding the real impact of cash value performance, how it aligns with what was originally illustrated, and claims processes is essential for policyholders.
At LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR), we specialize in life insurance reviews. We're trained to understand how policies are designed, how they work, and how to structure them within a financial plan. We are well-versed in topics like policy costs, charges, rates, and renewals. We also understand inforce illustrations—while salespeople focus on potential, we focus on the specifics that matter most.
Certifications
Certifications show a deeper level of expertise. Here are some key designations to look for:
CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter): The most respected designation in life insurance, dating back to 1927. It represents a deep understanding of life insurance products and client servicing beyond what a basic license requires. Lastly, it's the hardest and most comprehensive designation to achieve for life insurance professionals.
ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant): Focused on financial planning, with an emphasis on utilizing life insurance in comprehensive plans. This is also the second most challenge desigantion after the CFP to achieve.
CFP® (Certified Financial Planner): The gold standard in financial planning and one of the hardest designations to obtain. It is fiduciary-based, meaning CFPs are required to act in the client’s best interest.
Others Designations: There are also lesser-known certifications that may not carry the same weight or credibility. Many of these designations are easy to obtain and may be more about marketing than demonstrating true expertise. It's important to recognize that not all credentials are created equal.
For more complex matters like tax benefits associated with life insurance, the most qualified individuals include EAs (Enrolled Agents) or CPAs specializing in tax planning.
For policies with investment options, such as Variable Life Insurance, agents must have at least a FINRA license (e.g., Series 6 or 63). For more advanced investment advice, Series 7 or Series 66 may be required.
For estate planning related to life insurance, it's important to consult with an estate planning attorney or an insurance professional who holds a CLU®, ChFC®, or CFP® designation.
The Business Model of LIR
At LifeInsuranceReview.com, we operate with a unique and transparent business model that sets us apart from the traditional life insurance professional industry. Our focus is not on sales quotas or commission-based incentives. Instead, our business is built around serving the consumer as a trusted advisor and fiduciary. We are dedicated to performing comprehensive life insurance reviews to ensure that your policy serves your best interests, not the agents or brokers.
Unlike many insurance brokers who prioritize selling new policies, our goal is to help you understand and improve the coverage you already have. Whether it's identifying hidden costs, adjusting policy structures, or evaluating the real-world performance of your life insurance, we provide unbiased recommendations tailored to your financial goals. At LIR, we do not outsource or share client information—your privacy is a priority, and you'll work directly with one or more members of our in-house team.
Meet Our TEAM: Expertise That Matters
The professionals behind LIR are not just life insurance insurance licensed professionals—they are seasoned experts with a wide range of designations and backgrounds. Our team includes Estate Planning Attorneys, CPAs, CFPs, CLUs, ChFCs, each bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table. But it’s not just the advisors that matter—our support staff plays an essential role in ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.
Each member of the LIR team is trained to support client reviews, policy evaluations, and inforce illustrations, and they collaborate closely to deliver the best possible outcomes for every client. Whether it's conducting thorough financial reviews or working with attorneys, CPAs, or CFPs who refer their clients to us, we pride ourselves on being trusted professionals in the industry. These strong professional relationships ensure that our clients get the most accurate, timely, and personalized advice possible.
Our office professionals are integral to our mission—they ensure that every policy review is conducted meticulously and that client questions are addressed promptly. We understand that life insurance can be complex, so having an experienced team behind the scenes helps to create a streamlined, stress-free experience.
Why Choose LifeInsuranceReview.com? - Experience Experts Matters!
At LifeInsuranceReview.com (LIR), our team is best positioned to be on your side. We have unmatched breadth and depth of experience, and we operate as advocates and fiduciaries—100% focused on the consumer's best interest. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and expert advice needed to make informed decisions about your life insurance.
We believe in building trust not just with consumers, but also with the attorneys, CPAs, and CFPs who confidently refer their clients to us, knowing they'll receive expert and ethical service.
Remember, when choosing a life insurance professional or life insurance review expert like us, experience, expertise, and relevant certifications matter. At LIR, we stand by our commitment to unbiased, professional life insurance reviews that prioritize your financial well-being. With our business model focused on your needs and a team of seasoned professionals, we're ready to help you navigate the complexities of life insurance with confidence.
