Appointment Clause
Defines the carrier lines, products, and authority level granted to the producer; explains appointment mechanics and any carrier filings the agency will perform on behalf of the producer.
A formal agreement clarifies expectations, preserves commissions, and creates enforceable obligations under state insurance law and contract principles. It protects agency assets, documents licensing and appointment status, and reduces disputes over compensation and customer ownership.
Agency owners, managing general agents, licensed producers, and compliance officers commonly use this agreement to document appointments and pay arrangements.
The document also serves carriers, payroll teams, and auditors who need a clear record of producer authority and commission terms.
Defines the carrier lines, products, and authority level granted to the producer; explains appointment mechanics and any carrier filings the agency will perform on behalf of the producer.
Sets commission rates, payment timing, chargebacks, overrides, and reconciliation procedures; specifies handling of refunds, cancellations, and adjustments to avoid later disputes.
Requires the producer to maintain state licenses, disclose disciplinary actions, and provide current license numbers. States and carriers may require prompt notification of changes.
Defines geographical or market territory, rules for customer ownership, prospect assignments, and non-solicitation obligations after termination.
Specifies cause and convenience termination mechanics, notice periods, effect on commissions, and post-termination reconciliation and reporting obligations.
Protects proprietary agency data, requires appropriate insurance or indemnity for negligent acts, and limits agency exposure from producer misconduct.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signing Order | Sequential order: Agency principal then producer |
| Authentication | Email plus optional SMS code for higher assurance |
| Attachments | Attach current license and W-9 before routing |
| Audit Trail | Enable timestamps, IP, and signature certificate logging |
Ensure your eSignature provider supports retention of audit trails and can export signed documents in PDF/A for long-term storage.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Agreement effective on the signed effective date
Carrier appointment filing time varies from days to weeks
Commissions usually payable after policy issue and premium receipt
Monthly or quarterly reconciliations are common
Renew promptly per state schedule to avoid gaps
The agency owner or authorized officer who has corporate authority to enter contracts. This signer accepts responsibility for filing appointments, issuing commission payments, and maintaining required insurance and corporate registrations.
A licensed insurance producer who accepts appointment and commission terms. The producer must maintain active licensing and notify the agency of any disciplinary or licensing changes during the contract term.