AMERICAN INCOME LIFE INSURANCE- SCAM OR NOT?
Photo by: Fábio Pinheiro
Lots of rumors circulating around the net regarding American Life Insurance. Many ex-employees do not seem to be particularly happy with their experience with the company.
The company has a lot working FOR it, though:
1. It has been rated A+ for financial strength and credit quality by AM Best (recog. by US Securities and Exchange Commission).
2. It is a sister-concern of TorchMark Corporation, owners of the well-known brand name, TMK.
3. Have been successfully in business for more than 50 years.
So, what’s wrong?
It may be seen by some people as a scam in the sense that it is more of an MLM company than your regular insurance company. Perhaps, this fact has not been communicated outside properly.
The company offers jobs as agents who are expected to sell their insurance policies. Payments for this is based on commission. People join expecting to work in a regular job and anticipate, at the end of the month, to get to carry home a fixed income. They realize later than sooner that this is not actually the case. Turns out to be something they may not have bargained for when joining the company.
Secondly, being based on the MLM business model, an agent really starts making some money when he/she has other agents productively working under him/her.
Failure to make money leads to disenchantment and suspicions about the company. The company gets a bad image when the disgruntled ex-agents start circulating their experience with the company, negatively.
This seems to be a case of poor PR on the part of the company. They can save themselves such trouble by explicitly stating to agents how they can expect to be paid.
Related posts:
February 14th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I WAS RECENTLY HIRED ON, STUDIED HARD AND
GOT MY INSURANCE LICENSE. BUT, I STARTED TO
THINK, EVERYONE THEY INTERVIEW AND ITS ALWAYS A LARGE GROUP, THE COMPANY HIRES.
I SENT MY FRIEND TO CHECK IT OUT AND THEY
HIRED HER. SHE IS THE ONE WHO SAID SOMETHING IS WRONG. I ALSO, WHEN HIRED HAD
TO PURCHASE AIL’S SOFTWARE FOR $300.00. ANY
WAY THAT I CAN GET A REFUND??
February 18th, 2008 at 10:43 am
It is more usual, that company fails in communication with customers. But also agents are important and not every company realises their significance. Good team is essential when trying to get long lasting relation with client. I always try to have the best people by my side in my term life insurance team. And that is rule on all stages - from top managment to agents…
February 28th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
The company is not exactly a scam per se, but anyone with experience with AIL will tell anyone not to associate with this company in any way.
All recruits know very well they are paid only on their production before signing up-it’s just that the recruiters lie about the average income that you will earn working there-that is how they obtain hires and that is why 98% of agents quit within 6 months. Income projections are exagerrated upwards of 200%-300% to prospective agents.
Further, the entire company is known for its unscrupulous conduct from the top executives down to the bottom.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:20 am
This company is a scam per se, because it’s simply another dressed up ponzi scheme, yea, there are actual sales, but don’t forget how little they care about their end customers! That means they only care about making you sell, makeing people “under” you to sell, the compensation structure is totally a ponzi scheme, just like social security, but why is it as legal as social security? cause my friend the definition of a scam means total exploition and crooking of money, while actual sales does happen in this company, but it’s ponzi sheme sale, the only charecteristics and resulting outcome of this regime is TONS OF LOSERS, LITTLE winners, so decide for yourself, they are not a insurance company, only a reseller of existing legalized insurance policies, the whole business mainly works like a cash flow processing department in an investment bank, and exploit all its profit from (no matter if it is) their contracters or employees by this ponzi scheme compensation system. well… boy, this f***in country is really hard on everybody… f**k united states of s**t!
April 30th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
They wanted $700 from me to start working there… I dun’think so.. No REAL job makes you PAY to work for them!
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Thanks for the information, i am glad i did a bit of research before calling these people to set up an interview
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I am also glad that I did not call these people because I new something about this was wrong, and I am glad I verify it. Thanks for the heads up.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:48 am
AIL is a scam…
They have 4 year old leads…
They want to seduce you with big lies and the woman who I “interviewed” with was obviously an actractive actress who was there to seduce men to take the bait…
May 10th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I almost took the job. After their series of interviews and working through the chain of command, they made it seem as if you were really the best candidate and then you show up for your first day and the place is once again packed with people, either waiting to interview or new hires. Can their really be that many leads to feed all of these people. Or is this why they want close to $700 to train you ect. Anyway glad I finaly wised up and didn’t invest 700 for a 50 dollar license. Good luck to them and to their cusomters. Think I will stay away from selling insurance.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
thankyou i am glad that i did e research little bit about the company, i was gone go for interwie thanks good i check this website. I can belived they make you pay 700 dallars to started working, i will just look somewhere else in my accounting.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I thought something seemed out of place. The interviews go just everyone says,although I new something seemed fishing. Over 600 reports of these people scamming people out of there hard earned money, thanks for the tip.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:04 am
@ T.G.
You’re so right!
@ charisse, BJ, Mida, tb…
You are most welcome…This is what motivates us!
Thanks for paying a visit and taking the time out to comment!
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Thanks for all information! I already gave the phone number to call!
But still i am happy, Now i will not schedule my interview!
June 4th, 2008 at 10:56 am
No one is taking your money folks, agencies do not make a single dollar off new recruits. That money you need up front is for LICENSING. Look into it, call your state insurance dept to find out the cost of school, testing, fingerprints and the actual license. The amounts will be accurate. Since when do agents make money only when they recruit, that is an absolute blatant lie, At my agency we have many happy career producers who want no part of management and make an extremely comfortable living, check out Spotlight on the AIL website http://www.ailife.com. And Bob said we are resellers of existing policies?? What?? another lie. 4 year old leads at an agency would be the exception and not the rule. In house PR which PROVIDES leads to the agents at NO-COST are pretty darn successful at AIL. Most leads at my agency were returned after the 1st of the year. This place is for the brightest, most energetic, most ambitious people. The complainers are the same people who will never earn more than 100K. 4.7% of America earns over 100K. AIL gives regular Joe’s an opportunity to join that elite group. Good luck to all
June 5th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
You know, I’ve got to agree with moby on this. Any company in any industry will have some employees in love with the company and some employees who despise the company. Usually the ones who despise the company are the ones who just could “cut the mustard” so to speak, and find it justifying to blame the company for THEIR problems. I know two AIL employees. One absolutely loves what he does. He works hard at it also. He is always on time for his appoinments, always has his professional face on, and analyzes his words, technique, and approach in order to discover areas of needed improvement. This guy brings in roughly $150,000/year. The other AIL agent I know is completely opposite compared to the first. He pretty much goes through the motions, he’s lazy, he’ll even admit it to you! This guy makes a “barely getting by” income from AIL. Somehow, although this guy can admit to you that he is lazy, it hasn’t crossed his mind yet that his work ethic might in fact be the problem, not the company. What I would suggest, if you are looking into getting into REAL sales, you are going to have to realize that no one is responsible for your problems but you. AIL presents the opportunity to either make yourself or break yourself just like any other commission based career. Just because you didn’t have courage to take control and accountability of your own financial future, does not make the company a “SCAM”. Take an objective look at the situation, do you really deserve the kind of income AIL informed you what possible with them? Really? How hard are you willing to work for it? Oh, 40 hours a week? Obviously this wasn’t the right career move for you. You are still in dream land where you can amke a six figure income for doing nothing. How’s that working out for you?
June 6th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Well, if they are asking me for money then that’s BS. Even being a bus driver, the company pays for your training. I tried that route and somehow one of the old fat hags didn’t like a young attractive fit female and I was told I past everything but I’m just not to “serious” enough. WTF? I should not be putting out money. I thought it was odd that I call some toll free number and it felt like cattle call to give some woman my info.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
you out of 2 out of 16 people are saying the same thing it seems that this company need to be reported and look into more I WILL NOT CALL THIS PLACE i have a friend that works in the the same field and i ask him about this and he says that he says that they are a scam hands down DON’T bye into there crap he says to me lol so i am not anyone reading this STAY AWAY
June 9th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Wow, I am glad as well that I checked them out. I thought it was odd to receive a call from someone at 8pm on Sunday. When I asked directly if the position was a sales job, the recruiter did not answer the question. she simply stated she did not know but that I would learn more when I attend the meeting. She had very very little information to provide- which is always a clue. Any reputable company will provide the basic information about the job upfront. If not - you know something isn’t right. Thanks for letting me know as I am a former subprime employee looking for a new position and don’t have gas to waste nor $700.
June 11th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Oh gosh, I am so happy I came on here to find more out about the company. I actaully just got a call from this lady and she made a interview for me. I was a little taken off when I asked her if I had to pay anything and she didnt say anything to me, all she said was we will talk about it when you come in. What made me ask? Well I am orginally from California I moved here to Minnesota and back home I kind of was looking for a job like this and they wanted me to put money down before I started making money, and it didnt make sense to me. I am obviously looking for a job because I dont have money. Thank you guys for this information.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I sent in a reply to a craigslist posting and someone called me 5 minutes later asking me to come in for an interview to work as a recruiter. I have worked as a recruiter before so i went. When i went for the interview they hired me right there no questions asked. I never signed any papers of employment and when I decided to leave they SAID they would send my paycheck……… well folks it’s been over a month and no paycheck. I have started buggin them about it so we will see what happens. I know the guy that got hired with me at the same time and he hasn’t been paid either..
IT’S A SCAM and A HORRIBLE COMPANY!!!!!
June 11th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Confirmed! Another Satisfied Non-employee. Hey guys, another piece of info for those in a secure job looking to do better, but might be limited in your current company. I went to the first interview today and they said they would call me between 2 and 3pm. They did and of course it is a FULL COMMISSION job, not a $50K-$80K salary like they had mentioned to me in the beginning.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
You guys have no clue do you, what do you think the $700 goes towards? (and the cost varies state-by-state) Do you think any professional doesn’t have to pay for their license? Nurses? Doctors? Real estate agents? They all have to pay for the preperation for the state exam. The insurance school in most states/provinces is not cheap. Plus books and supplies, the online course if there is one, background checks, the testing facility, etc. Whoever said that it costs only $50 to get their license doesn’t have a clue what they are talking about.
And about this MLM thing…their PR dept builds relationships with unions and associatons and when these groups(teamsters, firefighters, electrical workers, police unions) decide to work with AIL, there is a mailing sent to all members of the group with a response card. The one’s that want their benefits and more info send these response cards back and the sales associates only contact those members. Plus they contact policy owners and referrals.
Can someone PLEASE PLEASE explain to me how this marketing structure falls under MLM? This is Niche Market Marketing, not Multi-level-marketing.
Not all, but too many people on these forums don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Be careful about slandering a company that is owned and supported by a Fortune 500(better yet, Forbes Platinum 400 company) when you don’t have all the facts. And about these disgruntled ex-employees…maybe there’s a reason why SOME of them are not there anymore. Remember, many people leave their employer on bad terms. Of course they are disgruntled!!
And about the people who came in for interviews and didn’t get hired, or decided not to join…or even if you never showed up for the interview…..well, I guess you’ll never know for sure.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I went over there for my first interview 3 days ago and although i had very limited experience was told that i was qualified and the salary they said i would make, made me very suspecious,they offered a second interview,don’t want to waste my time..
June 17th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
This is an excerpt taken from a blog I found online about one guys interview process. It was an excellent blog - I would encourage all to read it if you are thinking about interviewing:
http://www.blog.jonathanharrington.com/2003/04/interviews-with-american-income.html
I expanded my Google search for information on Torchmark and AIL by throwing in the keywords lawsuit, fraud, and scam. I found that adding these terms returned a lot of hits. I reviewed dozens of the hits to find all of the following issues. Consumer groups note that the primary product offered by AIL, commonly known as burial insurance, is itself largely a scam. Customers pay monthly premiums over the years that soon outweigh the benefit of the policy. They would be better served by some simple financial planning or a good home economics class. The company founder has ties to Hillary Clinton with regards to the Hubbles and Whitewater. The company is under investigation in Florida for racially biased policy pricing. The largest agency in California is being investigated for systemic fraud and corruption. Veteran and retired agents get screwed out of their vested renewals because the company forces new agents to sell new, replacement policies to existing customers (a sales source never mentioned in any of my meetings thus far). The final straw for me was the list off complaints on the Rip-off Report. Everything that these strangers from other parts of the country said were right in line with my experiences so far.
(I am not affiliated with the writer of this blog and really don’t have permission to put it here, but I thought his information was incredibly helpful and he probably won’t mind it being shared. If so, sorry)
June 18th, 2008 at 3:01 am
@ sbh…
Thank You for your valuable comment!
Best Wishes!
June 18th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Mike,
TMK is NOT and NEVER WAS a Fortune 500 company. Forbes honored Torchmark as a platinum 400 in 2003 ONLY. That doesnt mean they are a Fortune 500 company or are in anyway now supported by Forbes-did you just listen to some bozo at your agency and took it as fact without checking? Ladies and gentlemen: I give you a prime example of AIL leadership-lying.
AIL is a multi level marketing company because their recruiting incentive either equates or outweighs its sales incentive. It has unsalaried sales people who sell a product for the parent company while turning over percentages of the commission upwards. The incentive to join is also that you will receive commission from those you recruit (while its not required at AIL, it is encouraged). It is not a pyramid because its possible to jump the income stream of who recruited you and AIL does not require recruits to purchase its product. I never understood why AIL strongly denies being MLM-just admit it? It is legal, ya know.
AIL also does make money by charging sign-up fees. You can claim they didn’t at your agency, but it happens at most. Licensing and course fees are obviously required-can’t argue that.
Most of the leads are sour. I used 8 year old leads often. You get mostly cold calling Globe leads and a few decent ones-but generally they suck-it is up to you, not your lead, to cement any sale.
Many unions are distancing themselves from AIL. Police are called to hotels on roadtrips and also when people get scared and suspiciouswhen the same person drives around their neighborhood 10 hours straight. Unions complain all the time about this company, many union heads tell their members not to let AIL in their door.
I worked for this company for a couple months, wrote over $10,000 ALP my first full month and realized that was still not a lot of money after absorbing the ludicrous expenses associated with making sales, not to mention I was surrounded by liars. I took my $1k bonus and quit the next day. This is NOT a good opportunity for ANYONE, no matter what your situation.
Average income of AIL agent: Below $25k after working 60plus hour weeks/weekend and nights. How did I get that? Take the last quarter filed with the SEC and divide by the # of agents (probably around 2200 or so right now). Look it up yourself online, just don’t take the word of anyone working for AIL-their income statements are lies.
Caveat: Do not listen to anyone who works for this company, such as Mike. They are brainwashed and perpetuate falsehoods told to them by their masters.
June 19th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Is all this stuff about AIL true? Are they really a scam? An agent from their
company emailed me after seeing my resume on Monster.com. I thought it seemed strange that they would contact someone who does clerical work and they’re talking about being a sales associate. Thanks to everyone who found out the truth about them!
June 25th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I was about to drive 62 miles roundtrip at $5/gallon here in Chicago to interview for a benefit rep position. However, I asked the recruiter yeterday a very simple question. Is this a salaried or a commission position or a combination. The recruiter says I would have to ask the person interviewing me. She didn’t have that information. Please, so I rescheduled for today. Did some research and found this site as well. I am not going. Thank you all for your input.
June 25th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
The problem with companies like this is that they are ashamed of what they do. I don’t know anything about them, but you can NEVER hide or mislead folks, which it appears that this company does.
I own an insurance agency (in a suburb of St.Louis) and when I am looking for life insurance reps. I am brutally honest with them, YES, you can make a great income…but it only comes with hard work. I am upfront about the pay structure, because quite frankly I don’t want the canidate to waste my time. It frustrates me when some companies hinder the reputation of my chosen industry.
June 25th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Where to begin? I can’t possibly remember all the lies about how much money you can make or how you make your own schedule.
I was working 7 days a week making endless harassing phone calls and driving around the city (gas was 2.50 at the time). Not only did I not make my own schedule, my boss was calling me at 10pm and 8am to see what I sold and when I would be in.
PLEASE make the best decision of your life and do not fall for their lies!!! Everything I read here is true and is just like reliving a nightmare.
June 25th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
what kind of job is that i have an interview soon and i’m not about to pay anyone nothing to start a JOB THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Thanks soo much for the heads up everyone!
June 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Jeesh, how would a career legal secretary be “a perfect fit” for this job? That’s what I was told by a tentative, very youthful-sounding woman who cold-called me today. I can’t imagine getting a cold call from anyone NOT looking for a legal secretary based on my resume, so I did a little online research and ended up here. Thank you, all, for an invaluable public service. I too would have driven approx. 90 min. round trip only to be scammed.
June 30th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
what the heck I have an appointment next week, I thought it was fairly odd when the lady called me and I told her I had no experience in fact my resume says nothing about that type of experience and she said that was ok. Then I asked her how much would I be paid and the lady told me that it would depend and that she really couldn’t say. Now after reading all these responses Im feeling a little funny about all of this.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
all these complaints about the company seem to be from ex-employees or people that interviewed with the company. If it’s such a scam, why are there no complaints from the policy holders or union members? Sounds like to me all you people that are negative, why don’t you look at yourself and ask if there was any accountability on your part rather than something was wrong with the company or system. Sales is not for everyone and certainly not selling insurance, most of the insurance companies that I know are commission base and do not provide leads. No doubt, income potential is great in the insurance industry but it’s not easy. I would think that it’s only common sense that if you want to make a lot of money, you have to work hard for it. Nothing comes free! I wouldn’t mind doing more research on the company but I wouldn’t take advise from ex-employees. Check out the BBB or find complaints from customers instead of listening to all these complainers that are probably still looking for a job. Good luck!
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Hey BJ:
You must be an uneducated employee who is unqualified to do anything else except memorize a sales script and spit it out over and over again. If you have something a company wants (usually your brain) they will pay you for it, quite the opposite of AIL. See the difference? Maybe not since you seem to be under the control of the Sunshine Carpet Cleaners
Have fun making your cold calls and driving around aimlessly!
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Thanks for all the useful information. I found the whole thing kind of funny, ended up here and saved myself alot of trouble. Thanks.
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Guys I work at AIL as a producer. I make a solid income, say like 60 a year. I can sell well, but I am very unconfortable with the lies we are trained to tell. “It’ll only take 20 minutes”. “I just need to witness your signature”. “I’ll allow you to pass these union benefits on to a non-union member”. There is no integrity and you make $$ by decieving union members. I already have another job lined up. And then they tell you if someone cancels a policy, they just take the $$ back from your “bucket”. Well they actually just deduct it out of your next check. And if you try management, you have to constantly train people that are just going to quit. But ultimately the worst is lying to union members and then telling them in the house that if they don’t buy it today, then we can’t come back for 3 years. These scripts are actually printed lies. Well I could go on and on but I’m done for now
July 5th, 2008 at 2:32 am
Unlike most of you, I’m not interested in getting into a pissing contest or to see who can personally insult another person or their comments.
I live by a simple creed: “There is nothing wrong with earning a steady pay cheque, unless it directly interferes with your ability to earn what you are truly worth.”
Personally I work for London Life, an affiliate of Great West Life Insurance. I have been with them for over ten years and am a member of the “Million Dollar Round Table,” if anyone here knows what that is. Prior to that I had a career in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Let me tell you something, sure in my case the company paid for my licensing upfront so I didn’t have to, but then garnished my advance until I had repaid them.
So let me ask you, how is paying for a professional designation any different, regardless of the profession? Do you think Century 21 pays the $5,000 fees for individuals to obtain their license before they are allowed to start earning their commissioned income? When was the last time you heard of an Accounting firm footing the bill for a student to get their professional designation; or an investment house paying for a trader to get his license.
The simple fact is that commission based sales is not for everyone, accept that and respect those that can make a living that way. If it isn’t for you, move on and I wish you all the best.
The industry average for sales in the Life insurance industry is 70 phone calls to one sale. Allow me to explain:
It typically takes 10 phone calls to arrange one appointment.
It typically takes 7 appointments to secure one sale
Ergo, you need to make, on average 70 phone calls to ensure one sale. Obviously this is different if you are talented enough and have the reputation, to secure referrals from your clients.
I have seen some people on this page actually complain that they had to work “old” leads. I have also heard that the leads are actually families that are responding to a letter that was sent out. Do you know how many of my colleagues, myself included, would jump at the opportunity to only contact people that have expressed an interest in hearing about my products??? I don’t care who you are, or what industry you are in – if you truly work in sales you will understand how golden that is!
Bob, you seem to have a passionate case for disliking this company. I’m curious, aside from the fact you temporarily worked for AIL, what is your professional background? Is it in sales?
I have to comment on this one section. Bob, you wrote, and I quote: “It has unsalaried sales people who sell a product for the parent company while turning over percentages of the commission upwards.” How is what you say any different from the thousands of insurance brokers that solicit for numerous companies at the same time?
So how is this company any different? For those of you that are actually speaking from a sales background, do you not receive a bonus for reaching your sales target for the month, quarter or year? Do you not think your sales manager gets a larger portion of his annual remuneration based on the performance of the team?
Does anyone else on this sight have any resume experience with commissioned income or in sales?
I’m curious only because you refer to this insurance company as being MTM and justify it by saying that the manager earns money off of the representative – doesn’t that happen with every company? Where do the salaries and incentives come from to pay managers and executives if not from the front-line sales force?
Bob, you claim to be an authority on the company, so please correct me if I’m misled on this. Is not the company broken into State General Agencies; each running with relative autonomy from each other and their parent company namely AIL? So I guess the real question is this:
Is your negative energy being correctly directed at the parent company or should it actually be directed as a specific SGA?
Secondly, I put this out to all of you; the primary grievance seems to be with regards to the “registration” or “administrative” fee. Please permit me to field two general questions.
1) Have any of you that have complained about the $700.00 actually contacted the actual Course provider or your local Insurance Council to verify the cost being asked of you?
2) Do any of you have a post secondary education? Unless it has changed in the past fifteen years, all Colleges and Universities charge their students a registrars (administrative) fee for being at the school; a course fee for actually sitting in the classroom with the instructor and expect the student to purchase all of the required reading on top of everything else.
Instead of being so negative in general and towards this one company in particular, you should be grateful that the Insurance industry as a whole is so highly regulated that it required all writing agents to have a professional designation.
And in closing, permit me to offer some valuable advice to any and all that receive a phone call from this company or any insurance company about a possible career. If you are truly interested in learning about a particular insurance company, contact your local Insurance Councils. After all it is the Insurance Counsels that determine if a company will have a license to practice in a particular State or Province.
Ladies and gentlemen let us be honest for a second. IF you were looking for a doctor or a dentist, would you check the Internet to see if they are any good or would you contact the College of Physicians to see if there were any complaints or legal proceedings against the doctor or dentist in question?
Why, then would you listen to some nay-sayers that apparently have nothing else to do but make derogatory comments about a company that either wasn’t the right fit for them or refused to hire them?
I remain.
July 5th, 2008 at 8:12 am
The Chicago office is a slick production. Lots of bravado and big $$$ talk. I was hired on site and given a binder with the company promo and the sales pitch. I found it ridiculous to knock on somebody’s door, ask them for the names and addresses of their relatives, mooch canned food items, give them shitty AD&D benefits, then try to sell them a policy their never sought to buy.
July 5th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Spartan;
Sadly and obviously you did not bother to read what I wrote. It is a shame, but not entirely surprising considering the overall degeneration of society.
I’m curious about a passage you wrote, and I quote:
“I found it ridiculous to knock on somebody’s door, ask them for the names and addresses of their relatives, mooch canned food items, give them shitty AD&D benefits, then try to sell them a policy their never sought to buy.”
Correct me if I’m wrong, but did you actually go through the hiring process? I have, out of curiosity, and it was pretty clear the importance of the Union sponsored food bank. I lived in Calgary, AB a few years ago and TELUS (the communications company) went on strike. It was in the newspaper that thanks for the generosity of union members and the coordination of AIL (Altig Agencies.)
That a 5 tonne truck full of food stuffs were delivery to the picket line every two weeks during the three month long strike. Are you aware that most unions only provide $150.00/week strike pay to their members during a strike and that usually only starts after the first week of picketing? Are you also aware that union members have to picket a minimum 16 hours a week in order to be entitled to the $150.00?
I might be wrong, but it seems to me, if I were on strike, that food would come in pretty handy. Wouldn’t you agree, Spartan?
After reading the other entries here, it occurs to me that you are mistaken on the door knocking aspect. From what I have read, and commented on, you are only contacting people that have expressed an interest in hearing about the programs being offered so how are you trying to sell something that they “never sought to buy?”
I’m sure that you are a learned and educated individual, so clearly you are not posting for the sake of enflaming the situation more. What level of experience do you have in sales or the insurance industry as a whole?
I’m curious because the percentage of people that actively seek out life insurance (except when the banks unlawfully force it on unsuspecting mortgage applicants) in less than 5% of everyone who has a policy. Forgive me, but I’m confused with your last comment.
Also, you use a derogatory comment to describe AIL’s AD&D coverage. What is your experience with AD&D policies? Are you aware that less than 3% of all AD&D policies make a claim? But isn’t the point that every little bit helps a family in need?
Lastly, and most incredulously, do you have no personal comprehension of how the industry works?? IT is ALL about collecting referrals – they are GOLD!! If you were to go to any insurance company they are going to want a detailed list of at least 100 people that you personally know, because they are the first 100 people that you are going to “try to sell them a policy their never sought to buy.”
After you have done that, your survival in the industry will either be the phone book or your ability to collect referrals from the prospects and Clients that you have. Have you never heard of the term, book of business???
Again, I respect that people might have a negative feeling about this company in particular; but at least speak form the position of knowledge and not simply to be heard and to try and inflame this forum further.
Please remember and respect, that simply because this industry or company is not for you doesn’t mean that it might not be perfect for someone else. This world would come to a grinding halt, in a heartbeat, if there were no professional sales people. I say professional, they are NOT the people that can sell the proverbial “ice to the Inuit.” They are people that take their career and profession seriously and strive to continually better themselves and do what is best for their Clients.
I remain.
July 10th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Thanks! I cancelled my interview I don’t need to pay any company any money to work for them!! My skills and experience will get me they type of postion I deserve.
July 11th, 2008 at 6:48 am
It’s pretty obvious - if London Life were an an MDRT member, he wouldn’t be wasting his time here defending an obviously deadbeat company like AIL. He seems like a real high-brow A.H.
July 11th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for all the info. Now I dont have to waste my time with the interviews.
July 13th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I interviewed last week and thought the opportunity was great.
Things I liked
1. Most real sales people know good warm leads mean hundreds of chances to sell. Other insurance companies make you sell family and friends. Leads are always better then cold calling prospective customers.
2. I have made over 100k a year and I had to work 60 hours a week. Every richer person I know works over 60. The hours they require sound reasonable for the pay.
3. The person who contacted me said the job was a sales position and paid commision only and was I comfortable with that.
4.My interview was very typical for a sales job. All the information they told me matched what my experience told me it would take to make that much money.
Things I didn’t like.
1. Why so many different interviews? It is boring and repetitive.
2. Most sales companies always promise good leads but rarely come thru. It would have been nice to hear how my day would go but all that was said was we would work Monday thru Friday 1-9 and Saturday because that is when people are home.
I thought overall they were very honest and some people who start there will do very well financially but most will fail because they are not real sales people.
July 16th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I just got my interview today…. I think it could be a good opportunity, but now that I read all this I’m confussed…. They did not ask me to pay for anything, just pay myself for my license, fingerprints and test… They explained very well the comission plan, I think they were honest about everything… I would like to know what someone that’s being working with company have to say….
PLEASE help
July 16th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Two days in a row there, & all I saw were people streaming
into the office. Receptionist said: “your resume please”
“your resume please” “your resume please” “your resume please”
“your resume please”……
Dozens of different faces I saw in those 2 days.
Here I was sitting with my suit on, black shiny shoes,
thinking I was special, because I was called & called again
for interview. Fool I am. I wised up & left during interview.
WHERE/WHEN was the actual business conducted. Seemed like all
the people in the back were involved in the hiring process. Saw
no business activity in those 2 mornings. How can these employees
live with themselves?
July 17th, 2008 at 2:05 am
It’s strange for me to see all the negativity directed towards AIL. I have a long history of being a commission only sales rep (auto industry, wholesale account executive in the mortgage industry) and none of my previous positions provided me leads, had a set base customer (union members) who have to contact you first (warm leads) and gave me residual income for all the work and hours I put in. In fact, I am struggling financially now because I don’t get residual income and neither one of those industries is financially producing presently.
I don’t know if AIL is the end all be all of insurance companies but I don’t have a negative feeling about it like Bob.
The only money out of my pocket was for the 52 hours of online training, California state test and Live Scan. My particular branch gave me free study guides and instructions on how to pass the test, which I did. The pass/fail rate here is 50% and I saw and spoke to many people at the test who failed and had paid $400-700 for 2-3 of in depth studying. Compare that to what I was told when I interviewed for AFLAC. There I was told I would be paying $400 for an outside training course plus my licensing and live scan. I didn’t pay a total of $400 at AIL.
I have worked for crooks before and the one thing I don’t see with my group is a bunch of crooks. The SGA gets paid more money by helping every one else get money and that is put out there from the beginning.
Concerning the interview process. The first interview was a large group interview of 25-30 people. Out of that group only 4 of us came aboard. I spoke to many that wanted to but were not invited back. I did have a 2nd and 3rd interview and at no time was I asked to pay a $700 fee. They had recruited me for about 9 months and I finally decided to give it a chance since getting a job paying the money I’m used to is very hard in this economic climate.
The leads are real leads. Some of them are a little older, but these are from people WHO HAVE ASKED TO BE CONTACTED and will receive free benefits whether they purchase a policy or not. Believe me I refuse to do any cold calling or door to door solicitation. I have never paid for leads and they are given to you once you prove you are capable of using them productively.
I would also like to make clear that I have never been asked to lie or misrepresent myself, the company, it’s programs or the benefits to any one at any time. I take my reputation seriously and have never had to lie to make a sell. If that is ever the case, then I need to get a better product and/or another career.
If you are looking into the company, please don’t listen to the fanatics that are posting here. Contact the organization that runs insurance in your local area or state and check out the companies reputation.
You should also look at how the company works and see if it’s program fits your personality and work ethic.
I don’t fit PrimeAmerica because my warm market is limited and I don’t enjoy recruiting large amounts of people to work with. No hating on PrimeAmerica, but the system they use does not work for me.
I do like American Income because I have a great niche market (unions), no cold calling, no giving my warm market to a superior to work and make money on. I can just be a Personal Producer and worry about me or I can move into management, get myself an Agency and build a team under my SGA until I become a SGA.
Once again I was in the automobile sales industry for 9 years. The average career for a sales rep in that industry is 30 days. 30 days. Heck, because any new sales man was a threat to our income we would see how quick we could get them to quit. If you were strong enough to stay then we accepted you. That was cut throat.
In AIL all I’ve received is positive motivation, positive reinforcement and assistance. In my first group interview I was told the money is available to make, but it will not be easy. In my second interview I was told I would be working very long hours for the first 90-120 days until I was at a level where I could maintain. I was encouraged to get my license so I could work in the field and make a living. I have nothing bad to say about that.
I went out today with the top producer for a ride along. We had nothing but no shows and reschedules. This doesn’t bother me. I know about the law of averages and how they work. I’ve also seen his checks and bonus checks and the money is real. It just isn’t easy.
I’ve also called leads and set appointments and no one is angry I’m calling. This isn’t a MLM or pyramid. It’s insurance and from my life experiences, very good insurance that gives people a lot of benefits they lack even if they have a large amount of coverage already.
Lastly, I can only speak for the group I work with. Others may not be so good. Find a company and a SGA you will be comfortable with.
Peace, Love and Prosperity.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:01 am
DC and LondonLife (by the way Londonlife, you obviously work for AIL so please stop lying): Do you ever wonder why AIL is the only company with literally thousands and thousands of testimonials alleging this company is either a scam or unscrupulous at best? WHy don’t we see New York Life or MetLife, or AIG or any other company on these websites? ITS JUST AIL-AND FOR A GOOD REASON. Do you really think everyone who left is a failure who wasn’t cut out for sales? Please think rationally here. You look like fools defending this company. And I don’t have a “negative” attitude-I have a “realist” attitude about what happens at AIL. I’m just trying to save people from wasting time.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Im sorry just one more thing: if you want to talk about law of averages here is a law I learned: the average worth of each vehicle in all of AILs parking lots is probably less than $1.5k. Yes, anyone with AIL drives a junker, with maybe an exception here or there. Further, our regional general agents shared a crumby apartment together; one drove an old saturn and the other a mid 90s Ford Escort…these were our REGIONAL GENERAL AGENTS! THey had been with the company for years and that pretty much sums up their financial condition! I am not kidding here-just that one fact pretty much tells the story of AIL: Salesmen who put on a big show and cannot admit they are broke!
July 19th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Before all of you go-getters embark on your six figure opportunity, ask youselves one question. Did you even know that AIL existed before they called you for an interview?
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Hey everyone, I live in Michigan and just interviewed today. Everyone seemed very professional. I did see some other people coming in to interview, probably at least 12. They did invite me for a 3rd interview this Friday, although I didn’t realize I had done the second interview already. They did say it was entirely commission and I would be driving my own vehicle, no cold calling, 50-70k for the first year after a 45 day training period. They told me I would have to pay $200 for the class to get licensed and $100 for the test.
After reading all of this I am very nervous and confused as to where to go from here. I thought this was a good opportunity but now I’m not so sure. Does anyone have any more info on this that works or has worked there that maybe didn’t have a horrible experience?
July 24th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Well I just went in for my interview yesterday. To be honest I wish I researched more than their website. I guess I was a day late. Well, at the current moment I am a recently finished grad student with a Masters (4.0 gpa)and a business degree(3.91 gpa). I completed both of those in 5 years and was contacted by this company who was more than excited to get ahold of me. They told me that they were hiring and I asked for what position they said Sales. I said no thank you and they said they were hiring for Manager of Sales Force as well. After hearing that, I agreed to set up an interview. Well, I drove and hour and a half, changed my work schedule thinking this could be the right job and when I went in there, there were 4 other people there with me. I went in for the interview and in 2 mins I was told the interview was over. The interview began when the male interviewer asked be about myself. I said my hard work speaks for itself in regards to school. Then, he asked what I wanted to do with my life I said management or possibly HR. He smartly remarked most people that apply here know exactly what they want out of life. He then asked what do I not want to do? I answered SALES and after that, he ended the interview. I was confused. I asked “why?” Isn’t my interview for management? He told me no, its for sales. He said that he was sorry for the mix up and he would inform his HR of the problem. I called an hour later and the company said it was my fault I misinterpreted the interview opportunity. It was a management trainee position where you start in sales…. BS (SALES) Wow, not what I heard on the phone a week ago. Well, 110 miles of gas wasted to be lied to and these people say we are not motivated. I’m not motivated enough to be unethical.
SORRY THE HONEST REASON I DON’T WANT TO DO SALES IS BECAUSE I DON’T WANT TO LIE AND SCUMBAG PEOPLE JUST TO MAKE MONEY. I FEEL IT IS WRONG. I WOULD BE BAD AT SALES BECAUSE I WOULD TELL THE TRUTH. REMEMBER, DO ON TO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD WANT DONE ON TO YOU. I KNOW I WOULDN’T WANT LIED TO AND TRICKED SO I WON’T DO IT TO OTHER PEOPLE.
The sales pitch is shady, so if you are motivated to be shady and a liar by all means go ahead and do it.
Don’t ever say I am lazy, you AI ******** or that you are more motivated. Get your masters and work hard at school while you have a million distractions going on then you tell me what motivated is.
It all about ethics. I have it, you don’t.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:17 am
It sounds like most of you are just whinners. You want everything handed to you.
July 26th, 2008 at 7:51 am
“Here at AIL you can have a six figure income”
Oh, by the way….we need an agency fee of $50.00 per week from you.
Oh, by the way….after 6 months all of your leads should be self generated.
Oh, by the way….you are an independent contractor but you have to work 60 hours per week.
Oh, by the way….most of your appointments will have seen a different AIL agent within the last two weeks
Oh, by the way….those leads we promised to be near your home are a little further away, but thats okay…you’re making so much what’s a few fill ups at $4.50 per gallon.
Oh by the way…if you don’t surrender your life to AIL, you’re a lazy loser!
AIL is a legal MLM scheme. Maybe they should just tell that to prospective agents right from the start. I think what happens is that most who sign on have made an investment of time and money and give it a go before walking away. As a result those up the AIL food chain benefit.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:55 am
To All;
I am a current rep. whom has been with AIL for almost 3 months.
I don’t feel the company is bad or that the nature of the leads are deceptive. However, what they don’t say when they do say “hard work and long hours” is that this equates to 12-18 hours a day 6 days a week and some on Sunday. They don’t say they encourage you to multi-task while you drive, such as setting appointments. They don’t say to have a better life with there company it is to the exclusion of your current life for years. My SGA is a Russian immigrant who was very successful. But, he worked 100 hours a week.
They don’t say you have to be in constant contact every day of the week. Exceptions are made on Sunday. They don’t say they expect you to knock on the door of an appointment at 11-12 pm at night. They don’t say they schedule your appointments 1 hour apart, which is not enough time to make a presentation, use rebuttals and it there is a sale, do the paper work. They don’t say you may be driving to appointments that are 2-4 hours away from your area before you start your appointments and at the end of you appointments. They don’t say a lot about what is involved with being successful with this company.
After this 3 months of working I am still in the hole to the tune of about $5000 with the expenses of school, license, equipment (GPS), and the enormous expense of gas ($4 + gal). Do I have an option of moving on until I find something more suitable for me, NO!!!!!!!!!
They also don’t tell you the Monday morning meetings are, simply put, a show and tell or horse and pony show for the new recuirts. And, they do the same thing week in and week out. Talk about the sucess stories of the week. It has been my experience that you are in the “Penthouse” or the “Crap” house decided by your sales for that week.
In closing think long and hard about what is really expected and do your homework, I didn’t. I was looking for an opportunity. This is an opportunity if you are willing to give up your life for years to accomplish what you are lead to believe.
July 27th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
PS: I have my very good weeks, average weeks and not so good weeks. I have put $3350 in my account so far this month. But consider the gas and time this is nothing. Oh, the first month I was a ride-along due to licensing issues. So actually I have only been “on my own” 7 weeks. In this time, not including the first month expenses school, etc., I have actually made nothing for the amount of time and effort I have put in. So a word to the wise, look before you leap.
July 27th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
PPS: Whiner I am not. I don’t mind working hard or working 60-65 hours week. I don’t mind having appointments on Saturday, if necessary. I just don’t want to work 70-100 hours a week and work every Saturday and Sunday. I do expect to have some life outside of my work. So, IF you are willing to GIVE YOUR LIFE OVER TO AIL for 5-10 years, you will be successful.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:00 am
AIL_Rep,
I was a former rep for AIL in Framingham, MA about a little less than 5 years ago. I lasted 3 months and averaged $50/week in income. It’s not that the long hours bothered me; it’s the long hours with nothing in return.
Get out now while you still can.
July 29th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Dear Dan,
If you only averaged $50 a week you’re just not cut out for the sales world. I work for AIL as well, and have been with them for 6 months now. I have never dropped below $1500 a week. So, maybe you should go work at McDonalds. Maybe, you should all go take a look at fortune.com, We are listed 602 on the top 1,000 companies.
July 29th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Thanx to all for this very important info!! I just scheduled an interview and I also found it very odd that they didn’t even tell me what position I was being interviewed for! I’m really glad I took the time to investigate AIL before wasting all that gas to eventually pay for something before it can pay you.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:16 am
It is not a bad company. If you don’t mind giving up your life to make the money, then great. But, no job or career is worth giving up your life for especially when that is what you are working for. The biggest selling point to life insurance is “Dont wait for tomorrow because it may not come or it may come with devastating news”. So if I give up my life today will there be a tomorrow? Who knows? That is what AIL wants, your today, tomorrow and every day after, to accomplish the goals and dreams it sets forth. And so you get it finally after years. What have you missed with your family that you can’t get back? Is it worth it? That is the question to ask. Sign me AIL REP NOW A X-AIL REP AS OF YESTERDAY.
July 30th, 2008 at 11:12 am
AIL agents talk about money so much that it becomes humerous. They make claims that they make “150,000″ or more without actually knowing what they really make. They drive below average cars, share apartments, and generally live a low luster marginal life style. Yes, AIL MGAs, RGAs and the rest of your ilk, go ahead and brag about big money you make, but then explain to people why you don’t own a nice home with that income.
July 30th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
WOW, I was really thinking that this would be a great start for my career, but after reading all of the above statements I’m not quite sure that this is the best path for me. Thanks to all of the individuals that were honest
July 31st, 2008 at 10:58 am
TJ, Maybe you should look up other companies as well. Almost every company out there is slandered all over the internet. If you live your life going by what people write on the internet I can’t imagine where you’ll be in a year.
August 1st, 2008 at 11:51 am
I received a call from AIL this morning, and they wanted to set up an interview time. They implied they were impressed with my resume, which they found via Monster.com. Funny thing is there is absolutely NOTHING on my resume that tells I have even a smidgen of a sales background. I get the feeling they AREN’T genuinely impressed by me, and I don’t want to waste my time interviewing with them.
There are way too many negative comments on this discussion board, and way too few positive ones. It appears to be a remarkable ratio. This is my personal opinion, but if there is THIS many people speaking against AIL, it’s likely that I also won’t be a fan of the company if I go through its interviewing process. So I’m not gonna take the risk of doing the interview at all.
I’m gonna go interview for positions I TRULY WANT, not for positions that MAYBE BUT PROBABLY DON’T TRULY WANT ME.
Yeah, so that’s my advice: Research organizations you truly do admire — organizations that you could picture yourself happily working in. Apply for positions there! Maybe you shouldn’t be wasting your time interviewing with random, obscure companies that call you out of the blue.
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 am
You asked to hear from someone who was had experience with AIL, I have been with this company for over 6 years. I cannot imagine doing anything else. I have been blessed to meet some of the most incredible leaders that have seen the value in my skills and have mentors that encouraged me to be more than I ever thought possible. I have peronally met the owner, CEO and leaders of the agencies in this company. There are many leaders and they all have there own way of managing their agencies and only know that my managers have been supportive and wonderful mentors.
I believe passionately that when I help a family with their benefits that I have added value to their lives and helped them protect their families future when they will need these benefits. I am an honest professional and will not hire anyone who is not honest, these people are always found out. When I hire someone they are always told that they will need to work hard to be successful and are give specific details on the hours required to meet their goals. If you want to know why some many people are interviewed is because we need to find qualities in those we hire so when we invest our time and resources that the time will be with someone that can succeed. It does not mean that this person will have experience in this field but have the qualities to meet with people and the ability to learn a difficult profession which as has been mentioned it not easy.
Even though I have been here for a long time before all the great bonuses the company has recently implemented I have never made less than $40,000 per year and recent year much more than that so your figures are not reflective of the majority of this company. AIL is a A+ Superior rated company that does not advertise and has been serving families for over 5 decades.
Is it so hard to believe you can find a company that actually pays you what you are worth and gives you a chance to realize your dreams? This MLM comment is just a scare tactic, I have yet to find a company that does not reward their management with in increase of income based on the success of their department/store. When we build a successful team with quality individuals then we are rewarded and I apprecaite the opporutnity to not only show others how to acheive thier goals but to tell my company I appreciate the opportunity they have given me.
I usually would not take the time to respond to this hate mail about a company that has done so much for my family, but I want all of you that are not interviewing with AIL because someone told you not to or you skeptics that would turn you back onto this incredible opportunity please check out the right reporting agencies. If you are going to do your research go to an unbiased source that actually had accurate data and knows what they are talking about.
Good luck to all of you in finding a company that treats you as well as AIL treats those that dedicate themsleves.
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:20 am
I got a visit yesterday from an AIL Agent in Florida. He spent 3 hours at my home on a saturday evening, trying to sell a whole life. I was also looking to buy a whole life policy. I corected him twice and he changed his statements as to what kina return i would get at an investment point of view and also he had to call his senior manager’s 5 times in that so well, i think he was kina new in this field. He admitted that, he learned something new too, because maybe the people who he visited so far did not do their homework or did not know about things in details, and hence did not ask hime so specific questions…
End of story,
He got an immediate lead because my wife is a union member.
He came early once and i was not home, so came this week.
Works on Saturday.
He was in this fied from about 2 months(fresh) and still messed up on some figures.
He had to call his supervisors 5 times and that creates a bad repo on the customer/client.
End of 3 hours, i ask him to come back again as i need time to think. (Think on the figures, think about AIL just because i know New york, AIG and Met life but dont know aobut AIL)
So, as a customer i feel, if you are new, working weekends, getting leads but because new are also messing up on figures or presentation, after 3 hours with one customer if you are late at other meetings, or are not closing the lead then not earning your commision. If you are not ready for this, u are bound to talk negative about the company etc….
It was up to you to forsee, if the deal will be closed or not, up to you to be specific about figures, be focused, understand the need of the client, and then work your way through to close this or move to other lead and not waste your time, which you have spared from your weekend etc… This all comes with experience and a being a hardcore sales guy. Its not a normal life where you get paid for hours you put in, so its not for everybody, and hence many things said above are not from the right people.
The reason i was searching on the Internet about AIL and came across this is, i want to know that how is AIL as a company,(not as a employer or employee) but if i were the policy holder, then at the time of need, do i get what they really promise. I want to know how is AIL for me, (me being) a prospective Policy holder.
So, please tell me about it, I want to call him and sign it if AIL is a good insurance policy company.(eventhough he said, i am not allowed to come again to the same household, i know he will.)
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
CJoy;
Your comments are true for the most part. However, it was not my experience to have full disclosure. And, if I was able to see myself netting $40k in my first year and had the funds to carry myself through the months that followed I may have stayed to. But, how many people want to work 80-100 hours a week to the exclusion of their family’s and the stress of not knowing if they have the funds to go on the next week or are they going to be able to pay their bills. Some of us are not natural sales people and have to work at it to be successful. I lived on my credit cards the 3 months I was trying to make this work. Do I believe in the product absolutely. DO I believe I helped family’s absolutely. Do I intend to stay in the field absolutely. Was I properly trained absolutely not!!!!!!!!!! Which is another issue I have to face with an Errors & Omissions issue. So do I feel I personally was giving full disclosure absolutely not. Again, I do not feel AIL is a bad company. Just that not all SGA’s and training are uniform or adequate. And, FULL DISCLOSURE SHOULD BE MANDITORY WITH A SIGNED DISCLOURE FORM TO BE AVAILABE AT INTERVIEW. AND, STOP THE SHOW AND TELL FOR NEW RECRUITS. BE HONEST UP FRONT ABOUT THE FINANCIAL AND PERSONAL INVESTMENT REQUIRED TO ACCOMPLISH THE MONITARY LEVELS STATED IN THE GROUP MEETING. LET THE RECRUIT MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE. AIL DOES NOT DO THAT UNTIL YOU ARE HOOKED AND HAVE MADE AN INVESTMENT EITHER MONITARY OR/AND TIME WISE.
All companies should have a straight forward approach to recruitment and disclosure.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:47 am
B:
As a company, AIL is an A+ Superior rated company by AM Best. Which is the an industry watch dog and ranks companies according to it’s financial strength and such. A+ is one of the best ratings a company can have. Please look up AM Best and similar companies. As for investment, it depends on what your objective is and what kind of return on premium you are looking for. Typically, a whole life policy is based on just that “your whole life” that is how premium’s are computed. If you objective is to get a great return on the monies invested for retirement look very closely at the cash value at the time you would like to take the cash out and surrender the policy. If you are looking to leave your loved one’s money above and beyond your final expenses it is a good way to go as you will never put into it more than you get out. Also depending on your objective look at your paid up options if your age etc. will allow you to accomplish your goal. Whole life as a product is far more guaranteed than any other insurance product out there because it states in the police exactly what is guaranteed.Please investigate the company on financial strength, customer service satisfaction and any other concern you have.
As for the agent who came to your home, it is an example of poor training and pushing agents into the field before they are really ready in the name of meeting production requirements. As for him calling his manager, I would think that trying to get the correct answer and admitting his lack of knowledge would be of some relief as opposed to giving an answer which he did not know or was guessing at. As a person whom has worked for AIL for only a short period and also had training issues, I can understand this persons mistakes. Know this, I am a person who does understand the concept and can do the math but if you are not properly trained in these areas or in the fine points of the particulars of the company it is very easy to find yourself in the situation you mentioned.
What you see here is mostly for the ones whom are being recruited. To advise them to do their research before they make the commitment they are being ask to make to achieve the results they are being lead to believe.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:51 am
B:
See my eariier comment to CJOy for reference to training.
Best Regards.
August 10th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
A lot of rhetoric and opposing perspectives on this site. I do offer one thought…check out your respective state’s department of insurance website and investigate any viable complaints against AIL. In California, the DOI investigated 67 out of more than 2400 filed complaints (2002) from AIL Individual Disability policy holders. Out of the 67 investigated complaints, the DOI issued 44 citations against AIL. The carrier was also ranked 38th out of 50 carriers for their overall complaint ratio. If integrity is important to you, consider the reputation of the company you will be representing, regardless of the industry. In addition, I was also lied to about the job being salaried when an AIL rep called to schedule an interview. It doesn’t take a college education to decipher or qualify the problems here.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I am really glad that I looked into this company. I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow, and I will not be going. I was called and told specifically that this was NOT a sales job. That the job I would be interviewing for would be one of explaining benefit choices to employees of union companies who offered such insurance. First of all, what CEO of ANY company calls on a resume he just happened to find on careerbuilder? For that matter, what President? I should have known it was a scam because I could hear the call center noises in the background–exactly like you hear while on the phone with an annoying telemarketer. I am eternally greatful for all comments on this subject–good or bad. Obviously the bad outweighs the good, but regardless- the ethics behind tricking people into coming in for interviews under false pretenses should be punishable by law. I suspect if they continue these questionable practices we will nolonger need to view this scam website for updates on AIL, their troubles will be aired on the nightly news! I would love to hear about an undercover goverment agent busting this company!
August 13th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I had very similar experience to those described above. Since my background isn’t business/sales, I did not question the interviewing process. I knew that it was commission based and since I was having trouble finding work in my own field at the time, I gave it a shot. What made me leave was the feeling that I was scamming people that already have difficulty making ends meet. Most of these people that AIL has “leads” on aren’t even aware of what they’re signing up for. These agents are trying to get these people to buy more insurance; giving them horror stories about losing everything. I just couldn’t see myself doing that.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I hate these websites because they feed the misinformed and lazy fat that has drove this country into the ground. But I saw something that I literally laughed out loud when I read it, didn’t even bother reading the replies and came straight to replying myself… So i apologize if this has been repeated already.
Bob was talking about how there are RGA’s drive Ford Escorts and living in appartments, etc. Average worth of AIL cars is $1,500 or something stupid like that.
Ok first of all, when is a person’s worth based on his or her car? Have you ever heard of making your money work for you? I have a significant amount of money in savings, money markets, etc. instead of tied into a stupid $100,000 car that will be worth $60,000 in a year.. If you ask me, aside from anything to do with AIL, I think investing your money and buying the cheapest car your comfortable with is probably a smarter idea than wasting your money on a depreciable asset. So maybe people who work at AIL are smarted than everyone after all?????
Kidding aside, I just looked at a spotlight from a few months back, don’t have the recent one in front of me and saw that $1.6million was paid out in bonuses so far, some individuals up to $25-40K! Man if they drive a Ford Escort they must be loosers!! Or maybe their just smart with their money.
I know agents who make great money who have crappy cars, so what. But to entertain the comment, here’s the lineup of vehicles coming out of my office… Cadillac, mercedes E500, c230, 1 clk 55, cls 55 amg, range supercharged, ml55, 2 a4’s, and an a6. Guess were a bunch of broke a$$ liars.. and about have of those are agents.. and the others have normal cars like tahoes, escapes, hondas, etc. I’d say average is about $45K
I think the problem is that managers are offering the opportunity to make some serious money to too many people who have no work ethic and try to shoot holes in anything thats good for those who try and they get mad and come to stupid websites like this.
Oh well done wasting my time.. Yes its 7pm, yes I’m STILL at work, Yes I make more money that I ever have, Yes I’m going to back to recruiting.. thanks
August 14th, 2008 at 2:37 am
I had my interview today there are several things that makes me question this entire ordeal..
1. Why would they call me and not explain the “opportunity. Someone calls and says they want to setup interview and they have an appointment at 8:30, 10:30 and 1 something.
2. During the initial interview receptionist didn’t discuss the “opportunity”. Had no knowledge of whats going on.
3. During the “presentation” story about a musician, being average “joe”, and not having parents and full of street knowledge without really completing high school seemed to be the theme.
4. Huge stories about how everyone makes ungoddly amount of money within first year.
5. When I saw the presenter in the hallway, he didn’t smile or aknowledged me.
Its just weird. I don’t get positive vibes from the overall situation. By the way, I am not worried about paying for testing and classes, that is handled differently from company to company because every company wants to protect their own investment and if the new hire quits in first few weeks, months, they are out 700.00.
Any thoughts?
August 14th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Thanks for the HEADS UP PEOPLE!!!
I had a phone call today for an interview. I’m glad I did my research before going in!!!
August 14th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Being an SGA of AIL was the most disgusting 10 years in my life. I lied to people to get them to come work for me, I lied to clients to get them to buy insurance, I lied to credit unions, associations, unions, etc. to get their mailing lists. The whole organization is a lie. The Altig’s, which are mentioned above, have this all fine tuned. I hired anyone and everyone. Being an AIL salesman is far worse then being a used car salesman or a company that loans you money on your car title. Our Policy Owner Service salesperson sold a seventy five year old woman a term life policy. The premium was $890 a year. The payout on her policy when she dies was $790. Where is the truth in that? I worked from 8AM to 3AM everyday. I took orders from the higher ups in Waco, Texas which cost me money but never cost them a dime. My last 1099 was $550,000.00, but I had to claim bankruptcy since I owed them over $2 million. They also took all my residual income from all the insurance sold during my ten years. My residual income would have paid off my debt and left me with about 3 million. But they were able to withhold all my residual income. I am not the only SGA that feels this way. Several SGA’s have sued AIL - but AIL has deep pockets. Consider AIL a vampire and stay away and keep a cross in your pocket. It is truly an evil empire.
August 14th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Good Afternoon to all:
I received a call earlier today for an interview with this company. The young lady who I spoke to had no telephone etiquette at all. In fact, I couldn’t even understand her that well and asked her to repeat the name of the company 3 times. She didn’t explain anything, I had to ask what the position was because I only apply for administrative/office manager job opportunities. I set up the interview, which I will be cancelling tomorrow, and hung up. Then I immediately went searching on the Internet for some info. I’m so glad I came across this sight. The woman told me the position was for Benefits Representative for Union Reps so I’m thinking its in the HR Department or something which made me even more happier because thats what my masters is in. Then I started thinking, wait I don’t have any experience in this!!! I called the HR woman and left a message stating that she please call me to explain the position and she didn’t call me back. Tomorrow I will be cancelling this interview. Something just didn’t sit well with me and I was searching for 5 hours before I found this. I thank each and every one of you for listing your thoughts and I wish everyone who is still looking for work the best of luck!!! Thanks again!
August 14th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I am scheduled to interview tomorrow morning and I’m so glad I found this page tonight. I got the same type of phone call as another of the constituents above, where the interview details were very vague. I’ve been interviewing with A LOT of companies and something just did not seem right. I believe I will be saving my gas & time. THanks
August 15th, 2008 at 8:16 am
protecturfarm, I can’t thank you enough for the laugh you gave me! I owe you a bit of gratitude. I’m glad you don’t care that your company has the worst of all life insurance companies in the world. The bs about the cars in your parking lot was a great joke also, thanks! You folks churn out excuses for your shortcomings in creative ways-bless your imagination, brother. THe fact is, when someone works for a company for a few years, all the while touting they make over 6 figures, while driving a junker and MORE IMPORTANTLY NOT OWNING A HOME, they are clearly full of it. Keep working 80 hours a week and eventually smarten up and realize you know squat about insurance. Get into property & casualty if you want a real career. You’re a captive agent who knows nothing about your industry.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Additionally, the only way they will let you buy their insurance is if you allow them to ACH your checking or savings account. That means whenever you want to cancel your policy it takes months for the message to get across and all the while money is being taken out of your bank account. If you don’t allow them to ACH your bank account, you can buy insurance but you have to have 6 months premium up front. I had four public relations people to call on unions, assn., etc. They said whatever they had to in order to get the lists of the members of whatever assn they were speaking with. The post card that cames with the letter did not say anyone would be coming to your house. Our phone room was trained to say that their “free benefit” had to be signed by both husband and wife while an AIL representative witnessed it. This is the biggest lie. They don’t have to sign anything to receive the crummy $l,000 accidential death policy. They only thing they sign is the application and check for new insurance that is pushed on them. These poor blue collar workers who get by paycheck to paycheck are coerced to buy insurance by a high pressure, silver tongued liar. They tell you the policy cannot be cancelled…but what that really means is that AIL won’t cancel your policy if you keep on paying.. but when someone calls and tries to cancel they are reminded that the policy can’t be cancelled. I could go on and on and on - but now I have a real job, with real hours and a real paycheck. I don’t know how these people sleep at night. God knows I did all the years I worked for them. Stay away. Do yourself a favor, save gas and the insults. We used to interview 20 to 30 people at a time and we hired all of them. It’s just a numbers game. Remember somebody gets your renewal commission if you aren’t around to get it. Don’t take a job where you are making money for the slick liars.
August 15th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Thanks for having this site up. I too have had them call and email me, 2 days after I started my Monster.com profile. Funny, because I do 3D modeling… not sales. But I guess that’s a perfect fit for them, right?
My girlfriend just today got a call from them also, 2 days after she started her Monster.com profile. She’s pretty lucky that I let her know about this questionable company before she got suckered in.
Use common sense, people. Ask questions to the person calling you because you are “such a great person for this job”. If they really want you, they will answer the questions you ask. Read the email… does it have your actual name in it? What specifically did they like about you? Is your email the exact same as what other people received? (Google and look at other sites for that)
Obviously, the people working at AIL and want to stay have every right to do so. They must either be making something that keeps them happy, or they are thinking that someday they too can make it. That’s great. But I’m also noticing that the defenders of AIL seem to come out in spurts. “Hey dude, we might lose out on some people to make money for us! Go to this website and try to make everyone bashing AIL seem like they are unmotivated losers who couldn’t make it in the company!”
I honestly think that AIL probably already has some scripts for people to copy and paste into these sites that speak half-truths or words in their favor (look at the BBB website like one defender claimed. To no surprise, American Income has a ’satisfactory’ rating). They are picking their battles to where they can win, and ignoring the ones where they will lose. Smart way to argue. Most of the “educated” defenders of AIL graced their replies with near perfect grammar and spelling. Oh, and great paragraph use, also. For easy reading. I might be wrong, who knows?
Also, your car, house, and clothes do reflect your income, my friend. Funny, how you chose to ignore that part of people sharing apartments. I guess they were also saving money, right? I mean, what’s $150k income if you can’t fill up your shared apartment with stuff, right? People with money spend it. I’m not saying they don’t spend it wisely. But if I had the money, I certainly buy a decent looking car, house, clothes. I’m still making lots of money on top of it.
I’m sure most of you found this site on Google. I wouldn’t know what your keywords were, but even if you just wrote “American Income“, and that’s it, you’ll find that the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th result is about it being a scam. Just about every company is slammed on the internet, but not that badly on the first page. Also, the tactics used to “recruit” new hires is certainly questionable and raises alarms.
Good luck to those who don’t heed the call.
(Don’t even bother calling me out, I won’t be back here)
August 19th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I worked for AIL for over 2 yrs, was GA- General Agent, sometime made $2000 a week and sometime went on with $100/week, i was overall sucessful, Do i recommend ? NOT AT ALL. this company is legitimate with lots of illigal practice. eventually my sales were improved, i was closing almost 60% of the presentations. so why i am not recommending it? cause closing technics is almost lie. you lie when people ask question, or manipulate. i had to ethics left. i had to close the deal in home, coz i needed money. when you’re working 80-90 hrs a week, spending on gas like crazy, and cant make any money with being 100% honest, it will lead you to be most unethical person. in my office all successful producers are master on manipulation. then we lie in paperwork. we misrepresent their medical info, if they dont give their banking info,we used to put false bank account number to get advance upfront, if they cancel the policy we used to do fake signature to keep acocunt on book to maintain our retention bonus, lie to recruit new people and then take huge policies on your friendz and put it on their acocunt, so they make nothing coz advance they earn on it is being taken away by managers but they have to pay tax on that income. i can just keep going on and on how many illegal activites are being performed in this company. so are you ready to be unethical? moralless person? then you can think of joining this company.still success is not guaranteed. Leads are from union member but when you book an appointment, they dont know that you’re gonna sell them insurance,( how come its a lead?). i think i can write an entire book to outline each and every illegal act. dont trust those guy favour this company, they are either bunch of immoral people or completely brainwashed. they do have a sneaky technic to brainwash people, if someone like me with 3 reputalbe degree could be decived, i can imagine, people with less education could be decivied by them. guyz theres a possibility of making good money not guarantee, but the price you pay for it, is give up your social life, be ready to be bankrupt at any time, be unethical and immoral, be excited to lie.
i was making good money but i quit, coz i couldnt ignore the fact that i ruined so many lives by lieing to them and hired and left them being bankrupted, i lied to clients to sale the insurance. now i literally hate myself, that i did all these only to drive a decent car? or spend crazy on drinking?
STAY AWAY from AIL, there are still 100 more managers are waiting to ruin your life and making money out of it.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:18 am
i am so scared after i read what everybody said i have to go to an interview with them this friday; but they told me is for a supervisor position; do you think i should go now???
August 20th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I got a message for an interview and decided to investigate. I came across this site and read your messages.. Thank you all for sharing your experiences.
I came across something very simular a few years ago with another company that sells you on helping the lower income become more financially stable, by selling them life insurance and debt consolidation plans.. the company is also a branch of a very large company.. begins with a C… anyway what happened was I was deceived into believing I was being trained for a manager position, the so called boss wanted money to train me, then wanted me to purchase insurance, when I told him I wasn’t interested in purchasing insurance from him (that I had pleanty of insurance from my FT employer) his true colors showed… he became rude and agressive and tried to bully me into buying it. I was leary before showing up at his home office the 2nd time and I’d had enough of his sales pitch, so I decided to play him at his own game and force the truth out of him by asking so many questions that he finally got tired of playing with me. I left and told him I’d think about it and call him back in a few days.. that didn’t happen and I’m so glad.. AIL seems to operate the same.. get people under you that buy from you, then have them do the same and you collect the bonus% until they sell enough or get people under them and on and on.. Oh yeah don’t forget to sucker your friends and family into the mess too…
Thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to share their experiences!!!
August 21st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Ex-Sga, I’m just curious, not attacking, what was your balance and net worth on your ap&p when you left? What was your retention when you left?
August 21st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Okay I am going to keep it real because I am a liscened insurance agent in the State of Delaware and I am working for a insurance agency, and yes I did work for american income life insurance.
The scam is not in the fact that you have to pay money because you do have to pay money to be a agent, because you have to be liscened and that is any state.
The reality is that they blantly lie to their recruits saying you will earn a guraanteed amount of money and then later revealing that you are on commission from the very beginning.
Most good insurance companies are commisson only just ail prefirs to lie about it and then wonders why everyone quits within six months including myself. Not because I could not cut it because I am about to become a manager with another insurance company but because they lie plain and simple. And yes their leads are garbabage. You have to wonder when they hire everyone that wants the job and in six months everyone is gone.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Thank you everyone for your information I too got a call this morning, I called them back and the guy told me all the information, just like everyone else it was a little vague. He told me I could make 65k to 75k in the first year. I called my mom she told me to be cautious about something like this so I called my grandmother to ask if she had ever heard of the company. Of coarse she had not so I ended up here, guess something like this was too good to be true.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Everyone who says they ‘make you pay’ to work there are no that well informed about the insurance licensing requirements.
States have different standards for licensing but most all require a certain amount of hours of education (usually around 40) before you can even take the test to get your license. That is what you are paying for. You don’t have to go through AIL’s school, they just make it available to you. I did all my education online.
Before all of you go blaiming AIL for making you go to those classes maybe you should do research on your state laws on how to obtain an insurance license. Then if you are still interested you can talk to whoever interviews you and ask about the online classes (which are cheaper, but not as in depth) or about other programs that fit your budget. I guarantee that they will not reject you because of this.
Its not about making money off of new hirees, its about hiring people that will be successful at what they do. Most of the people that have negative things to say about this company are failures at it. They weren’t good enough to keep their jobs or make enough money so they gave up. Instead of talking bad about a ligitmate company, maybe they should have studied more about the company’s product and pick up a sales book or two so that they may have made theirselves a success. because in the end, if it was all a scam, then how could the company have succeeded since the early 20’s?
August 28th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I retrieved my voice mail and found a call from Jordan of AIL Canada. He said he found my resume on Monster and wanted to schedule a phone interview. I asked him what kind of position this was for and WHO was AIL Canada. Finding this all too suspicious; vague job description, called an Alberta number and person answered simply “Hello, they are magicly here in Ontario for interviews the next day. Hmmmm, and then I found this web site. I called the person back and said I found out about their little scam and the girl says, “Do you believe everything you read on the internet!” I almost laughed. Yeah, I believe it when hundreds of other people have fallen pray to the same scam. Don’t bother returning these calls. It’s a bunch of BS.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I recieved a call from these people regarding my resume on monster.com, which is odd because I have not updated that resume in over a year. I have zero sales experience and most of my work history is in recruiting and media relations and I found it interesting that they thought I was a “perfect fit”. I attended their interviews and sat thru their sales presentation. They showed us a mailer they send out to the union members to generate leads. The mailer shows their benefits and at the bottom says something to the effect of “PS: An AIL representative may be contacting you to speak to you regarding your union benefits.” It did clearly state that the bennefits would be something they had to purchase; it sounded like the person would be calling to make sure everything would be ok. I was offered the third interview, even though the person did not see my resume once. (I met with two different people and the second person never saw my resume)
I’m not saying that this is a scam, but this type of position would be suitable for a very specific type of person. The complete commission based earnings, the 60+ hour a week, working 2 hours away from home, paying for liscense/software, and the constant pressure made me very uninterested. Interestingly, the person doing the sales presentation even addmitted that if he has a bad week he gets nervous and doesn’t sleep well at night.
Just take everything on here in consideration if you are going to interview with this company.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:30 am
What I think is funny are the comments left by AIL “managers”. I was lucky and smelled a rat early on. Don’t waste your time.
August 30th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
OK…..i have interviewed, been hired, and worked for AIL. I have every right to leave a comment here. I got the same call everyone else did about this wonderful job that will pay me more money then i would know what to do with…. I went for the first interview and was amazed. I went for the second interview and was very impressed.
I am a very smart person and i know what i am worth. The “product” they are providing is not a scam. I highly believe in the health and life insurance they provide to people who work for companies or associations that would otherwise not provide for them. I thought i would be a great agent. I understood that i would have to pay to get my insurance licence. But once i thought about it, i lived an hour from the office already and i drive a car that is not so good on gas and i would like to be home to eat dinner with my family every now and then…..i decided that the job was not for me but i did want to work for the company some how. I ended up getting a job as Assistant Personnel Director/ Hiring Manager. Yes, i became the enemy people! I became one of the people who call you for an interview!!!! OMG i know!!!
What you have to understand is simple.
1. It is a great place to work for if you have the means to get started.
2. It takes a special person to be able to sell something and still be truthful. With the “product” they offer, its not hard to stay truthful, you just have to know how to explain it to people.
3. AIL is all about their clients. We wait until our clients are home from work and then we schedule our agents to go to them. We make it very easy for they clients. We do not want to inconvenience them in any way.
4. You WILL make good money once you get started. Its kind of like any sales job where you have to build up clientel. Once you get a few clients under your belt, then every month and every year you profit off of them when they pay their bill or they renew their policy. Its very very simple if you can think that deep.
I sat and listened to a meeting of the agents one day when they passes out the weekly and monthly bonuses. and yes they announce it because they want everyone to know everyones progress so it motivates you. OMG, like i said, you can make big bucks once you get started and get working. With AIL, you will make as much money as you want as long as you work and do what you want to do. If you dont care and only go to a few of your appointments a day, then you are only going to make OK money. If you go to all of your appointments, then you are going to make good money.
And as far as the “traveling” goes, yeah you might have to drive someone “far” but most if not all of your appointments for that day are in the same city. So its not like you are driving 30miles to one appointment and then you have to drive another 30miles to another. NO, they are based in one city for that day. Granted i am in North Carolina and worked for the office in Raleigh but im sure its just about the same no matter where you live.
Its a job that IS for some people, and is NOT for some people.
If you have the means and the support to get started as an insurance agent, i will say GO FOR IT!!!! but if you dont and you are used to working pay check to pay check and have 400 kids running around, dont do it. Its not for you.
When you into the interviews also, they will find out if you have a car, if you have kids, if you have other jobs, etc so they know if they want to hire you or not. they are not going to hire someone that they know will not stay.
Its not a scam. Its a business. You may like it, you may not. But you will never know unless you go in for that first interview.
September 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Hi everyone,
I empathize with ALL of you. I worked for AIL and have family who is still a MAJOR part of this company and I can tell you that it is a rogue company. They use decieving tactics, and for the person above who asked why the unions and members don’t complain about this company, they do EVERY DAY.
I started out as an agent and moved into PR. My main job was building relationships with the Unions, and the presidents of the unions always had a list of complaints for us to handle. We lost a ton of business because of the way these people are bullied and lied to.
The turnover rate for the company is about 90% the ones who stay on board are usually pretty ok with lying and bullying the union members into purchasing the product. As a customer you rarely ever see the agent that sold you first again because you are not assigned an agent like you would be a state farm etc. You could be visited 2 weeks later by another agent who may try to upsell you on the product you already purchased. This goes on for years.
People do make a lot of money in this company but for the most part those people have little or no morals.
Good luck to everyone.
Sammy J
September 4th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I am an AIL agent and have been for 4 months so far. I done know what any of you are talking about. I used to be a manager at a restaurant for 7 years before coming into the company. I went in for the interview disregarding what everyone said about insurance, best decision I ever made! I have made in 4 months what I would have made all year at my last job. I love it. I love talking to all of the members and their families. It is very rewarding. I have more time to spend with my family. I’m now making a six figure income at age 23. I have a bachelors degree in nursing but this provides more flexibility as well as more money. It is much better than a forty hour a week job making the same thing all the time and not going anywhere. You can grow really fast here. You move at your own pace. I will also retire in ten years, which is something that most(I’m not saying all, but most) other people can’t say about their jobs or career even with a degree. I will admit though that this business is not for everyone. You have to be willing to work. It can be the hardest $30,000 or the easiest $100,000. This is the truth. And also the statements that were made about paying the company in order to work is ridiculous. Every insurance company whether auto, life, or health require a license for any agent. It is required by the state. I bet no one has a problem going and getting a fishing or hunting license. Neither of these will pay as much either. So if you are going to look into this company why don’t you research on a more credible site like better business bureau or the department of insurance. Just try it out it might be the best decision you’d ever made. If it doesn’t work out, look at the bright side you still have a license to work at any other ins. company. Best of luck!!
September 4th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I do want to comment on all these people on this site that are bashing……waah!
Oh and to luckyone, we are not all managers. I think the best credible source is someone that works here. What is dumb is that you would rather have people commenting on here that don’t work for AIL, what do they know? But do what you want it’s pretty sad to see people asking other people what they are worth. These people just want things done the easy way. Go for it, I’ll just be sittin back watchin’.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:37 am
ok i was am a real estate investor that just got in the insurance game.. i have many friends in the insurance industry saying that it is hard to find clients.. and that they had to pay for leads. so being a new agent for this company called AIL gives leads for free.
now what my SGA keeps stressing to us is not to rely on the leads and get referrals because it is the best.. those leads are just to help you start up.. as for the managers yes they ride your ass but they want to make sure you generate money for yourself.. so what if they get a cut they trained you and showed you the ropes.
now my friends from state farm, aflac and aig want to work for this company.. lets face it people if you have no sales experience don’t even think about it. since i started working there i didnt use the lead pack.i just generated my own leads through friends, family, old real estate clients etc.. in order to make it your referrals are KEY to any sales endeavor…
September 5th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
For Jen:
As a former MGA myself it always makes me laugh to hear the new people say, as yourself, that you’re going to “retire in ten years.” I find that funny as you will not be there a year from now. I would bet anything on that.
In fact your attitude suggests that you’ve been duped by the Altig agency. You seem to reperesent that forced bravado that lacks substance and ethics that the Altig agency is famous for. Do yourself a favor and get out now when you can. You seem to be a bright individual and as such should know that there are indeed “greener” pastuers to be found. If you truly want to be a force in the insurance industry then look elsewhere. Trust me on this.
Your agent contract and the products for that matter are one of the worst in the industry. This is not an opinion, its a fact. Ask yourself if the product is good, how come the retention rate for business at American Income is less than 50%…after 6 months. At other insurance companies its EXPECTED to be at 90% after one year. I could go on and on and on but seriously take a step back and ask yourself why 80% plus of the agents around you have been there 18 months or less.
September 6th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I am currently employed with American Income Life. I ran across this website on complete accident, but had to stop and read all the comments and thoughts. I work out of the Indianapolis office.
The possibility to make $60,000 to $80,000 can actually happen! It just depends on how hard you want to work! I myself have only been working for the company since the start of June and i have been able to make some good money considering i barely work! i saw only two clients last week and my paycheck for one week was $854 plus bonus of %15! I am very happy with that kind of income.
As far as American Income being a scam… I dont believe so! I look at as helping lower income families with protection and coverage that they are going to need later in life! American income specializes in whole life which is a great thing! We do have very good rates for whole life and we are ranked A+ superior by AM Best which ranks all insurnace companies in the world so that should say something!
ALTHOUGH… i do not like the way we approach our clients! The script we are suppose to follow is “I have your benefits here in front of me and i just need to verify a little info and set a time and date so i can get this stuff out to you” Yes, they do send their info to us requesting the free stuff to be deliverd to them, BUT when i have them on the phone i always tell them i am coming over to deliver their free stuff and go over some optional benefits as well! This way they do know i am not only their to get out the free stuff to them but go over other stuff as well.
As far as the managers doing nothing… i must disagree! At least in our office that is! Our managers are always their any time we need them. They are to answer and questions we may have and to work in the office with all th paperwork plus running their own appointments.
Last but not least… $700 for start the job? yes that is very strange! I agree i had to pay as well, but it was $275 and that was to pay for the class needed to obtain my state issued license. Once you obtain you license it is yours to keep so its not like i was paying the company. I looked at it as investing the money in something i can use with this company, but if i dont like it here i can use with another one!
I am very neutral with all the comments and thoughts about the company! I do like all of my co-workers and managers and it is a very laid back atmoshere in the office, but it can also be a very big struggle as well. You have your good weeks and you have your bad weeks. I plan on working with the company for a little bit longer to make some easy money and still have plenty of free time. Once Jan comes around i plan on leaving to go to school full time! So until then… its paying the bills!
September 8th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
WOW….I’m glad i did some research. I most certainly won’t be going to the interview tomorrow.
The sad thing is, as a ex Better Business Bureau employee AIL is “accredited”, and for what reason they are i don’t know. The more i find out about the BBB, makes me glad i don’t work there either.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
When I was contacted I was told that my application was reviewed, and that they would like to interview me for a management position. I gladly set up a time, and then asked if there was anything else I should know. I was told to dress professionally, and then given their address. I did a little research and found that many people had an ill opinion of the company, some stating that they will ask you for money.
I called the company directly for clarification as was told that in the state of California, in order to do this job on a Management or rep level you must have a license. In order to get this license, you must take 3 weeks of evening classes and pay all the dues and fees which total…are you ready? $700.00 …That’s right.. SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS! That the company DOES NOT help you out with.
I was also told that the “Management” position I’d be interviewing for, was more like a team lead position where I’d have my own team of sales people, and that I too would be doing sales. I didn’t get into salary, but I would imagine that it’s mostly commission based.
The good news? After 6 months the $700.00 can be refunded, not “will” be refunded but “can” be refunded. I was not given ANY of this information by the person on the phone, and yes, IT IS information I should have known. I called and canceled my interview, who are they to waste my time and gas money?
I’ve worked for compaines that require some sort of certification before, they all paid for it. If you’re worth it to them, they will pay.
My advice, stay away and spread the word!
September 10th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I was a carpenter for ten years, worked hard at it and never did to much bitchin. In 2000 I had back surgery, couldn’t swing a hammer anymore. I put my resume online AIL called, me at that time my internet had been shut off, my truck had been reposessed and my house was nearly in foreclosure.
I went in for an interview not really understanding anything about it. All I knew is that AIL supplied Leads and you make alot of money. Not really understanding anything I asked my parents for a lone they told me I was stupid but they gave me it anyway. I now work for AIL. They gave a guy with no experience a chance to succeed all I did was listen to the people in front of me and I now make a 100k a year and Ill be willing to bet anyone in this complaint room could do the same thing if they desired it. Earlier today someone cancelled their Policy with me cause of this website, cost me roughly 300 dollars now those people that never had life insurance before through any company still go without life insurance while they have 2 little boys at home.
Everyones entitled to their own opinion about any company keep in mind I was a carpenter not a low life carpenter but an everyday show up to work carpenter and know I am making a good happy livin doing something that everyone in my family told me not to do as well as my friends. The point I’m trying to make is that anyone out there scared off of an interview with AIL because of a bunch of comments that people who you don’t even know are making your cuttin yourself short cause I no for a fact that I could help over half of you make 75k in a years time. That is A
September 10th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
2000 alp x .65 = 1300
1300 x .5 = 650 paycheck = 175 gas bonus = .15% weekly bonus add that up and, thats right $1125 paycheck
I would say not bad for a days work, anyone agree. No thats right cause your all failures
September 12th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I am glad i researched first, i have an interview next week, but after reading these things, i have second thoughts, the thing that bothered me is the rep that called me, called my phone and left a message for someone else(keisha) but did not call my name, called another female’s name, i knew i had applied for this position so i called and left a message and explained what happened.two days later the rep called and asked for me. i explained what had happened previously in the week she didnt recall, but in turn still asked me to come in for an interview, and then asked me to bring in(keisha) the person who she originally called for! WTF!i dont know keisha, but if u are out her girl give AIF a call they are looking for u!
September 15th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Thank you everybody for their insight. I got that same call everyone has been talking about. It seemed kind of strange because I am a cetified Pharmacy Tech, looking for a job as a Pharm. Tech, and I am being offered a management job?! The way things are I NEED a job so, it seems kind of inviting. First and fore most I just checked with the BBB, AIF is not an accredited business! I have the web site in front of me. I am sure you can make money. If you like lying to people. Hey, the business has been around for 50 or so years. But, lying and cheating has been around since man kind figured out on how to prey on the gullable! I am an honest man,and always want to believe that people are like me,but,if it wasn’t for this computer, I would have found out the hard way! So, again thanks to all of the good doers! I am sure somebody from AIF who watches out for bad PR is going to show me on paper how in theory, it works . To them, all theories are not practical. This is a scientific FACT! You cannot argue fact.
September 16th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I worked at AIL as a telemarketer then agent. From my experience of 1 year I will have to say this company IS and will be a soon shown as a corrupt business in the industry. I worked in a Connecticut branch, and we would call everybody to convince them that this is the company for you. And your under the agents rule to give them contacts for prospective agents (like anyone did prosper). It was the most horrible type of management, they interviewed over 45 people, hired maybe 20 of them and kept only 3 after 3 months of this bullshit. They could care less about the customers, as the secretary was the only person to manage customer inquiries. Yeh there was some rich people, but they are the ones who persuade, lie, steal contacts for sales. F**k this place. They dont give a s**t about anything else except persuasion and building a f****n power ego trip. Coming from an agent first hand experience and truth…
September 17th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I have got to say something here.
The people that defend this company are obviously tied in with said company. I have been in sales for a long time and I know that it requires very hard work and skills, but I get paid -well- for my hard work.
A while back I was thinking of changing positions but wanted to continue my career in sales so I went on one of these interviews. It all seemed so fake, scripted,and since my job requires me to go business to business to find leads I know how the structure of the average office environment works. There was definitely something fishy going on.
My advice to anyone looking to take a job from AIL or any other company (especially marketing) is to GOOGLE the company. If your return provides only job opportunities and reports from ripoffreport.com and other sites of this nature, then run like the wind. Don’t call them back! Don’t go to the interview! It is so sad to think that the people that are actually making some kind of money in these businesses could do so well in legit sales.
Also, any company that advertises job listings as “entry level marketing” does that only to get you in the door– they don’t care if you stay, and their goal is to make every possible dollar at your expense. The people that make that money off of you are the ones that are defending these companies. And why wouldn’t they?
September 19th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Well, there is something to everyone’s comments. I have had leads from different companies over the years and the leads from AIL are good but not great. I don’t know how anonomys gets .65 unless they are a manager. We get .30 plus a bonus that goes up to 15% so that only makes .45. People do make money as just sales people but where I just starting working they do push you to start an agency, and that makes me think of a place like Quickstar. I don’t know. There are always gonna be people that there job and not say it on the web or most of the people that don’t and say something about it. Each agency is run differently so each experience is going to be different.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
I interviewed with this company as well 2 years ago- and have been trying to make people aware of them since then.
I was called and told that AIL was looking for a Manager to head up on of their divisions…yes- A MANAGER OF A DIVISION is what I was told. At the time I was just about to graduate college and was so excited. So I went to my interview.
I met with a young woman (she could’ve only been about 25 tops)who talked to me for 5 minutes. My only experience at the time was waitressing and lifeguarding, but she thought I was EXACTLY what they were looking for.
I was then sent into a musty large room (with a couple pull out tables and chairs shaped like a horseshoe). I was the 3rd person to sit down, and then every single chair started filling up until there were about 20 of us. A very handsome man comes out and start telling us how he’s 30 and own 3 homes and 5 cars blah blah blah. At first my eyes were wide with the thought of money, and then my sense came in.
After the TWO HOUR presentation (in which we were never told about exactly what the job was going to entail) one by one, recruiters came in and took their “recruit” out of the room.
I was taken back into a small office where two men told me that they want to hire me. I, being polite, told them I’d have to think about. Even thought I knew there was no way I was going to work for a shady place like that.
Not to mention, the entire office looked like they had just moved in- or were ready to bail out.
Horrible, long, time consuming interview….DON’T WORK FOR AIL!!!!1
September 19th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I’d also like to mention that the people who say that you really do have to work hard in order to earn $100k- yes that is true- but do you realize that these people are being forced to work pretty much 24/7 for a year to earn that?
There are a lot of great sales jobs that are legitamate where you can work really hard, and yes, you might have to work overtime to earn 100K- but NOT 24/7 while being treated like crap
September 21st, 2008 at 10:25 am
I have an interview Tuesday and am very disappointed to hear all this negative feed back. I stumbled upon this page by accident and am really glad I did! I am 21 yrs old and getting married in 3 months and HAVE to have a steady income and cant afford $700 up front or the cost of gas plus wear and tear on my vehicle that is already about to die. This is a terrible thing to do to people, especially considering I told the man over the phone I would be driving 2 1/2 hours to get to the interview, ONE WAY! Gas is over $4.00 a gallon! Thanks to everyone who has told the truth about this company!!!
September 21st, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I have an interview set with this company (AIL) this Tuesday. I was told they have a management positon open and they are very intersted in me. They found my resueme on the internet. I told my friend about my interview and she said it sounds like a company she had an interview with about a year ago. She asked if they were located at 5677 Oberlin Dr. #210, San Diego, CA, I said yes. She said it’s a scam. She and her friend had interviews with this company on two seperate occasions. Lots of people come in for an interview (a group interview) At which time she found out it’s not a management position, they want you to sale and you are paid by commission only. Of course this is not disclosed initially. During the group interview she walked out never to return. After she told me her story I decided to do some research of my own and found out many people have the similar experiences. “Come to the interview dressed professionally, bring another copy of your resume.” I so happy I did not waste my time, gas and energy.
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I will not say that you shouldn’t work there, and that there isn’t an opportunity but… I worked there for 8 months in the Raleigh, NC office. Not anymore.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re not ready to sacrifice ALL your time, family and friends for the next 2 years this is not for you!
- It’s a sales job, deception, rather a twist of partial truth is common.
- Regardless of what is said or not said you are a 1099 (self-employed) at 100% comission.
- If you get a call nobody has reviewed your resume.
- The company works like this, mass produce insurance to mass produce your income. So you have to mass produce employees to mass produce your income.
- Walk up to the agents (not the managers) and ask how long they have been there. If most are less than 6 months RRRR-UUUU-NNNNN!!!
- Most agents/exemployees I know from AIL are bleeding (money) to death, and I mean most.
- The agents could barely get money together for gas to drive to work.
- The motivational meetings are designed to keep you moving… take that as you will.
- A lot of companies operate the same way.
- They feed off your excitement
- I drove an average of 240 miles per day 6 days per week. Thet’s actually pretty good.
- The company stands nothing to lose from you being unsuccessful, except they lose a money machine.
- You will work from 8am-midnight/1am often.
- They will leave things out just to get you in, once in they will sell you which is easier in person.
- We saw primarially low - middle income families, when gas shot up cancellations/charge backs went through the roof.
I just want to educate people, because I was not explained a lot of things… It’s not a scam just a lot different than a regular career.
Check out my detailed blog:
http://ailifeins.blogspot.com/
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
“anonymous Says:
2000 alp x .65 = 1300
1300 x .5 = 650 paycheck = 175 gas bonus = .15% weekly bonus add that up and, thats right $1125 paycheck
I would say not bad for a days work, anyone agree. No thats right cause your all failures
September 10th, 2008 at 10:38 pm ”
Hey anonymous, you left out a detail. That’s not a paycheck it’s a $650 advance. For the people who don’t know. If a client should cancel within a year they will take that $650 (called a charge back) out of your next paycheck. The 15% bonus is only after 5%, 10% has been acheived consecutivly each week.
My favorite: The company (AIL) collects 7 months of premium from a client. They advance you a year of premium when you write the policy. If the client cancels they take back your year advance, and pocket the 7 months of premium. Thank you for your hard work we won’t pro-rate it they take it all from you.
Side note: The whole life is a great value, as long as people aren’t sold on the point of a policy loan. The other products aren’t the best value.
http://ailifeins.blogspot.com/
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 am
I was a SGA for AIL after working my way up the ladder; I worked very very hard & made a lot of money. I have been receiving renewals from AIL for about 6 years. The field for AIL agents is quite brutal but if an agent is able to endure & close,he or she can make a lot of money. Here is the problem: sales people are born not made! Sales is not for everyone. I had a lot of fun working with AIL and went on all the conventions.
When I went to work for them I received no training but learned the latest jokes. I had no previous sales experience but was desperate to make something happen–and I did.
Some agencies operate under a cloud of questionable practices. Most of them work agents as though slavery still exists.
I read a lot of comments about AIL paying commission only; I will work for nothing but commission. I want paid for my full worth.
I’ve been retired from AIL for 6 years & have not missed a monthly renewal check. I wanted to get back into business so I got my real estate license & have been kicking ass in an agency where you’re not expected to make anything for 1 yr. I was salesperson of the month my first month!
My point is this: there is a lot of crap that life deals us but when we stop whining and get busy, there is no limit to what we can accomplish!!
GOD bless all you wonderful folks; go out & make something happen (if you are sales material).
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
HERE IS THEIR CAREERBUILDER POST: (note how it says Management Trainee instead of Insurance salesperson)
THIS IS WHAT THEIR POST SHOULD BE:
If they were more truthful- nobody would complain!!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Hello Folks!
It was a wonderful experience going through all the comments. I think that the fact is that every employer, business and affiliation has its ups, downs, goods and bads, and they are not really for everybody. Some people are used to working for a corporation and collect their 9 to 5 check and do really well, many like working for name brand businesses and some like working for startups for a ground floor opportunity and many like to be in the business of their own. Some like set-salary so they know for sure what is coming home each month and some love to be in sales with salary and commissions, and a few don’t mind working just for commissions. My point is that NOT everybody will like everything and in a same way AIL is one of those companies that is not for everybody.
I just went through AIL’s interview process and based on my research I think if I wanted to be in that sort of field then I would at least give them a try because based on what I have researched so far on the internet is not strong enough for me to vote against them. At least they are not YTB or other MLM companies that are totally misleading innocient people into buying dreams that don’t exist.
I actually liked AIL’s environment and sincerity during my interview process which was WAY better than other insurance companies, at the end they even told me to discuss with my family to see if this is the right opportunity for me. Since my objectives are slightly different I will unfortunately turn them down but other than that I think they are great in their line of work when you compare them to companies in their catagory.
For a little change of conversation I would like to share some of my experiences which do not relate to AIL: For 20 years I lived and worked in Silicon Valley, California. There I worked with and for some big biotech and hi-tech name brand companies (from Genentech to Palm to Yahoo). Every company I worked for, there were just more people complaining about the organization.
Even the best companies where I worked, most of my life I dealt with lies and politics more than the facts. I used to manage people, department, projects, technical functionalities and due to the nature of my job I used to constantly interact with other departments and their management. Being in the management and dealing with other managers and departments is like dodging bullets and those of you who have worked in a “real” management will agree with me. So, negativity is everywhere, even in your own house. It’s up to you if you want to tackle it or just quit it. Don’t leave the game just by hearing that there are some cheaters in it because thats just part of life. Be a part of the game or you won’t know the facts. Even if you realize that it wasn’t for you then at least you will added something to your bucket of wisdom.
One last sentence of advice is that the residual income is the way to go whichever way you can earn it through an HONEST accomplishment. It sure requires burning a huge amount of calories at first.
Raj.
September 28th, 2008 at 10:36 am
But if you buy this insurance…is it good viable insurance? I have read all the things about employment with this company, but do they pay when you have a claim?
September 29th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Yes Linda-GA, the company pays claims. I’m in my third year at AIL in Philadelphia and have filed and delivered countless claims to people.
It’s incredible how so many people here are trying to kill an opportunity for others to be successful. THIS COMPANY IS NOT A SCAM FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!! You have to PAY for YOUR insurance license. You don’t get it for FREE!! 90% turnover sounds about right. The ENTIRE insurance industry has a 90% attrition rate. Prudential has the lowest because they pay their agents a fake salary for the first 6 months. This “salary” is actually a draw, it comes off your back end. I applied to Pru in ‘95 in Brooklyn NY, had to pay for my license there too!! Didn’t take that position because I HAD TO SOLICIT MY FRIGGIN FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!! Yeah right, are you kidding?
If you are not wired for sales (in other words–WEAK), don’t come here, we don’t want you. Get a job like the rest of the masses, punch a clock, get your paycheck on Friday for exactly $622.37 (with overtime $674.81), retire at 65, then die in your bed at 84. Good luck to you. BUT FOR GOD’S SAKE PLEASE…STOP COMPLAINING!!! GO AWAY!!!
4.7% of the country earns $100,000 a year or more, the reason for that is 95% of US citizens are not willing to WORK or SACRIFICE in order to achieve that goal.
My first year i reported $123,000 to the IRS. 2nd year $170,000. This year on pace to make almost $250,000–A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS FOLKS. I have a high school education with no formal training whatsoever, i can’t believe how much money i earn. If i quit AIL today, i would get $2,500 a month in renewals for the next 10 years. And to that moron who claimed to be a former MGA who claimed renewals aren’t real, an agent who worked for AIL in the nineties just came back to work because his renewals stopped. ITS REAL, OH MY GOD, THE SINISTER MINDS THAT RUN AIL ACTUALLY PAY THE MONEY PROMISED!! Jeesh.
Stop it.
September 29th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Did some research myself before going to that interview!! Glad I did Something just was not right about the initial phone conversation. She was just to cold sounding! like she was reading from a card. when I called back for directions twice no answer!! I got an e-mail confirming the interview. I politely declined and thanked them for the offer!! A VERY MISLEADING company. they should not be aloud to lie like that and get away with it.. Its not right…
September 30th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Moby says,
THEN STOP RECRUITING PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER DONE SALES BEFORE AND STOP TELLING THEM IT’S A MANAGEMENT POSITION INSTEAD OF TELLING THEM STRAIGHFORWARD THAT IT IS A SALES POSITION!!!!!!!!!
September 30th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
WILL,
That’s your opinion. In Tom Hopkins audio CD he specifically says “There’s no such thing as a born salesman.” Zig Ziglar also agrees. So I guess you have more than 60 years of experience betweeen the two of them, and are speaking at million dollar seminars?
MOBY:
Hey check your statistics! These agents make up #’s and lie through their teeth! As of ending of 2006 5.63% of Americans make over 100k. (source us census, and wikipedia)
I’m sure that # is even higher by now. I’m glad you reported $123k, but what was it after your deductions and taxes were finally taken out? So you worked 80 hours per week, maybe cleared 80k (max) congrats you made 40k of what an average joe schmoe 9-5 American made.
BOTTOM LINE: Facts about this industry especially with regards to employment are kept under lock and key. Renewals are equivalent to a company sponsored 401k with a 6% matching. The company didn’t even want to give them, the union had to negotiate that for the agents. And as clients cancel or die off they deplete, the 401k is always yours.
MOST OF THE STATISTICS OF SUCCESS WHILE I WORKED FOR AIL WERE COMPLETE AND UTTER B.S.!
September 30th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I too, am glad I stumbled across this site.
I have been getting at least 1 call a week to come
interview for AIL.
I had 2 interviews set up, and didn’t even go.
Do they just keep cycling the same resumes from job sites or
what?
October 1st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Hey Strangat,
If i knew this position was sales i never would have come in for the interview. NEVER! I thank the good lord everyday that i WAS NOT TOLD. This company would have no employees if recruits were told it’s sales over the phone! EVERYBODY IN THIS AGENCY NEVER SOLD A DAMN THING IN THEIR LIFE!! It’s an OPPORTUNITY. Come in for the interview, listen to the material being presented to you, THEN make an INFORMED decision as to whether or not you possess the ingredients to be successful in the sales game. HOW FRIGGIN HARD IS THAT?!
Drew: Where the hell did you get the statistics comparing a 6% company contribution to a 401K. Agents at AIL CONTRIBUTE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. We are paid fresh renewal commissions on past sales. What are you talking about?
5.63, 4.75, 5.89 percent. Whats the difference? It amounts to roughly 5% of Americans MAKING LESS THAN 100K PER YEAR. Do i have to repeat myself to the slow ones out there?
I have tons of respect for those that gave it a real shot, most of the wimps posting comments on this site have no business doing so, they never even came in for the group, SO SHUT UP!!
And Drew, please don’t discuss money with me. I pay less tax now than i did earning 45K at my last job. Since i came to work for AIL i now have: 2 Mercedes, a home worth half a million, an impressive stock portfolio, a college fund, disposable income for fine dining, luxury vacations and finer things for my children. I drove a Limo for 17 years before finding AIL. This company provides average Joes with DRIVE, AMBITION AND A WILL TO SUCCEED like myself, a chance to make it AND MAKE IT BIG.
I’m sorry you failed Drew, now go punch that clock, you’re late for work.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 am
OK, (big sigh…) A lot needs to be cleared up. Mainly for the sake of the people missing out on an opportunity that may be right for them. First of all, Yes $700 is required to start earning money. That is mostly going to the State for Licensing and Schooling not to American Income Life. Any Insurance company you apply for will require you to go threw the same STATE REQUIRED schooling and licensing. SO THAT SHOULD NO LONGER BE A CONCERN. sigh… Second. Ok Lets say that you are the worst sales person in the world, If you sell one package a week that will put roughly $500(net) to your pocket. which is more that I was making at $13.00 an hour. Ask your hiring manager to see an advance report. Anyone in the office including the new agents will gladly show you because they had the same fears. I reviewed this page several times befor joining 6 months ago and almost decided not to pursue AIL. Im personally glad I did and wouldn’t be typing this if i wasn’t. I have average sales and have been making good money, NO PIPE DREAM, but good money. I have worked on an I9 Befor and its no big deal, people fear them because they have never had to use one befor. This didn’t hesitate my decision because in construction I was always under an I9. You can get more deductions with an I9 then with a W2 no matter what job you work at. The final thing that made me change my mind is the fact the the licence is good for three years. If you don’t like your job then leave and you will have a nice addition to the resume. I havn’t seen a single employee leave the office except to open there own. And one more thing every person who was hired the last 2 months sold 2 deals there first day. Think about it.
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:37 am
OHH YEAH almost forgot… Every one in the office as part of training will go threw the other end of the hiring process. so those of you who feel like they are reading off of a script…ITS BECAUSE THEY ARE. Nobody is going to get it right the first time. gezzzzz. who gives a s**t. Its a Job offer. Check it out and make your own decision.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
MOBY Says:
“Hey Strangat,
If i knew this position was sales i never would have come in for the interview. NEVER! I thank the good lord everyday that i WAS NOT TOLD. This company would have no employees if recruits were told it’s sales over the phone! EVERYBODY IN THIS AGENCY NEVER SOLD A DAMN THING IN THEIR LIFE!! It’s an OPPORTUNITY. Come in for the interview, listen to the material being presented to you, THEN make an INFORMED decision as to whether or not you possess the ingredients to be successful in the sales game. HOW FRIGGIN HARD IS THAT?!”
You can’t make an informed decision because everything you are told is LIES!!!!! You are a liar. You even outright admit that you and they are LYING to candidates. I don’t want to be a liar and I don’t want to work for liars.
I have never been a salesperson- and never WANT to be one. That said, I am upset that this company LIED to me about the interview process, LIED to me about the position I was interviewing for, LIED to me about the actual process of how I would “be rich”, LIED to me about the upfront money being spent, LIED to me about everything.
Go work 80 hours a week and make your 100K by lying and deceiving people…I’d rather work 40 hours and make 60K a year in a company that doesn’t make money based on lying and I’d rather spend the other 40 hours with my husband, friends, and family.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Moby says “Since i came to work for AIL i now have: 2 Mercedes, a home worth half a million, an impressive stock portfolio, a college fund, disposable income for fine dining, luxury vacations and finer things for my children. I drove a Limo for 17 years before finding AIL. This company provides average Joes with DRIVE, AMBITION AND A WILL TO SUCCEED like myself, a chance to make it AND MAKE IT BIG”
Isn’t it funny how you list all material things for yourself and your family and I list spending TIME with my family…that shows the difference between us right there.
October 10th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
My name is Jason. Before you concider employment with this billion dollar company, I ask you read this review I have posted as it may save you MUCH of the aggrivation, time, and money, that it cost me. I did not take the time to type this up because I have way too much time on my hands, I simply typed it because I want others to learn from my “and others” crucial mistakes.
I was first hired with A.I.L in “N. Royalton Ohio,” about the end of July 2008. I was promised riches as long as I was a go-getter, and was willing to work long hours. I was in construction for most of my life, and concidered myself very capable of both of these. Apparently, they agreed as I was hired rather quikly, “just as everyone else was with no experience in sales once so ever.”
I sacrificed EVERYTHING for this job. EVERYTHING in my life was put on hold so that I could give this job the attention I THOUGHT it deserved. I was told that i would be paid training, so that it would be easier for someone like myself to make the career change. The state exam for your insurance lisence is not easy, and you do have to pay for it out of pocket everytime you fail by the way.
It took me only twice luckly. I spent both time….”about one month” and money “about $500″ after all the application fees and whatever else to obtain my insurance lisence. Once I finally obtained my lisence, I was given a 4 page script that i had to memorize, word for word!! I did not like the fact they didn’t tell me about it at first, but hey…i’m a “go-getter.” So i sucked it up, and memorized it.
This took me an additional 3 weeks to do “for free.” Once i acheived this, i was put in a one week training class that was NOT PAID. When I mentioned the fact that I was told I was going to be paid for training, “hurting for some money by this point as you can imagine,” I was told I misunderstood, as the class is paid for, not me.
I am not a stupid man!! I know what i was told!! In fact, if it wasn’t for that one little detail about the job, I probably would not have taken it. They also told me they did not like me asking questions and pretty much told me to shut up “in there own words.” So just like before, I sucked it up and kept going.
If you play poker…”I was pot invested,” I had no choice. This is where those “LONG HOURS” started. We would start class at 9 oclock, got out at 4. Then I was instructed to drive to wherever my manager was to sit in on presentations of the bennefits.
My first “attempt” at a presentation was at 9 o’clock the same night of my first training day. I did not get home until 11 0′clock!! “FREE MIND YOU!!” 9 to 11….whats that?? 14 hours!?!? When I was dropped off back at my car, I was instructed to go home and read my script more, rather then get some rest for tomorrow morning. The next few nights were the same, not giving me anytime to study any of the material given to us “AND EXPECTED TO KNOW,” in class.
So about half way through the class week, I was told about all the postings from former employers and anyone who was/is affiliated with the company in any way shape or form. 95% of what I read was BAD!! And I read alot! No one had anything good to say about this company. I guess i’m not that smart of a man, other wise I would have found this on my own, way back when I was hired!! HAHA….jokes on me I guess.
Anyways, the last day of training class was…..actually today October 2 2008. The class had ended at 4, and as soon as I walked out I was fired by my manager because ‘M’ (name moderated), the rich snobby a*****e who runs the joint, didn’t have the b***s to do it himself, even though he was standing right there.
I was fired because someone overheard me talking about the sight with the same person who told me about it. We were both concerned “AS I’M SURE YOU CAN IMAGINE!” Now wouldn’t you say it’s disturbingly ironic they fired me with no hesitation at all once they found out I knew about the sight? They also said they didn’t like the fact I wasn’t willing to work 15 hours a day for training even after all i had a acheived thus far!
Common sense will tell you that is no way to efficiently train someone! Please…….do your research! These people are very good at what they do, and somehow scam thousands like myself. I am a very religious christian “AS THEY CLAIM TO BE,” and DO NOT want this to happen to anyone else, even though I know it will. All the numbers are in black in white if you just look for um.
Absolutly no one stays with this company unless their dad is an S.G.A. who pays um a rediculous amount of money out of pocket. Of course its your decision you whether or not you listen to me……I pray to to the allmighty Jesus Christ that you do. if you have any questions at all about two-faced ‘M’ (name moderated) and this company, PLEASE, DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK!! MY E-MAIL IS JPKING11@YAHOO.COM.
God bless all of you!!
October 13th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
OK, Here’s one for the record. I am a Nurse and an RT. For those of you who don’t know I make real good money. Nursing shortage, watch the news. I posted a resume looking for a second job so I can pay for my masters sooner and buy myself a second show horse.
What the hell were these people doing calling me. Sales ? Hello I save lives not corrupt them nor do I lie or sell anything. My father is a very successful sales man and I’ll tell ya what he knows his stuff . Scam or not why would they contact a nurse for that matter. The woman on the phone only mentioned a position opening in there department. So as the many calls for interviews i recived i wrote down the name and date.
I walked in on a Tuesday morning in a room with at best ten other people and asked if they knew anything about the position for RN or RT and if they knew if they wanted copies of my certs. or if they needed to see my actual degrees. The gentleman replyed he was here for the manager position.
From the looks of his payless knock offs I did not feel he was a very wealthy man nor with the way he used the english language could he have any sort of degree. I gave the receptionist my resume and waited. When i was called in by a clean cut man about mid fourties I quietly entered what i assumed to be his office.
He looked over my resume and asked what i wanted to do with my life. I kindly answered Health care and emergency medical care, he asked about any achivements i might have to offer this company? I told him about my masters and how i currently trying to get my DR. for emercency room care. ER DOCTOR for the SGAs or THE AILs who have hardly any college education.
He looked very nervous at this point and then the million dollar question. I asked the man if he was going to tell me what this position’s title was and if he would like to elaborate on the salary I was told it payed on the phone. He stuttered and replyed it was a sales position and there must have been a mistake.
I told him very abruptly that I told the woman on the phone i am a nurse and she told me thats what made me perfect for the position. Then man then tried to pitch me the job and I asked him for his full name and to speak with his supervisor. The man was very rude and said just a moment. Then the best part of all a man walked in the room and asked why I was giving the interviewer such a hard time.
I asked the man for his full name and I explianed to him I was conacting my lawyer due to the fact i was told i was lieing about the phone call and that my time is more valuable by the hour and someone will be compensating me for my time and gas that this is fraud.
I called my lawyer right in the office. Then man asked me to leave as i steped out with in 20 min my lawyer arrived. He explained that it is fraud in the state of CT to call and lie on the phone about a job and then to have me ther for two hours when i could be saving lives.
Needless to say I got a check. If this place actually had good coverage I would know I work in health care never heard of them. Further more if you work for them and actually do make money - wow! I was a liitle skeptical too when I noticed my car was the only car worth over 5 grand. Yes I do base a job off of what my boss is driving. Mainly due to the fact if hes not driving a jag bmw or atleast a benz then i wont be either.
DONT GO, DONT AGREE! i work in health care over 200 people a day in my ER no one has this insurance aflec yes met life yup travelers use to and state sure never this sorry scam or not I have a good paying job yes i paid for my degrees but i do know if they wont pay for your training then they cant afford me.
October 14th, 2008 at 2:39 am
I’m so glad i checked out this site!!!I have a scheduled interview tomorrow but had second thoughts of going.I decided to check the company profile first and then checked for complaints.Good thing I checked and found out that the person who called me was actually reading a script!!!Thanks for all the information!!!
October 14th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
So is this really a scam a women just called me from there trying to schedule an interview in the am.. I am thinking this is not something I want to do… please give me insight.
October 14th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I thanks guys , so much of you can’t be telling a lie,
i was suppose to go on an interveiw with these guys and for some reason i didnot go.the interveiw was set for 930 am and they called me at 945 saying that i had not attented the interveiw and was saying that i could rechedule,i think this was strange,not showing up for an interveiw and the recruiter calling and rechedulling,and i have no prior sales experience nor i am not a phd holders,
something is fishy about these guys
October 15th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Knowing I needed a new job as of soon, I was called by these folks. I never sent them my resume. Thank you all for the info. According to the NJ Attorney General, the most complained about employer in the nation.
October 15th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I’ve worked for AIL for 5 months. Never had a problem. I make lots of money. You just have to do exactly how they tell you to do it and you’ll be successful. You can’t go in thinking that you know everything. You don’t! Most of these complaints are not true. Im not saying all. Some of them have a little truth (a very small amount). This ongoing argument is so pointless. Obviously you guys haven’t found a job yet. Good luck.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I feel bad for everyone that logs onto this sight. Especially the people who have a $100,0000 college education who are looking for high pay with little work. Cause I have a $600 education and did what AIL told me and I recently paid off my fiance’s $75,000 education and guess what because of me she will probably never work. Oh ya I’ve led a normal life in the process. I guess what I’m trying to say is while it hasn’t always been easy at AIL It’s been a good job.
Everyone on this page thats negative is a looser and don’t want to work. Stop stealing potential dreams from people that don’t know you face to face.
I was a roofer, there is alot of people that do hard manual laber for a living that work hard everyday dreaming of an opertunity that AIL presents.
AIL gave me a regular Joe an operatunity that most company’s wouldn’t give for that I am thankful.
They will give many more nobody’s an opertunity this week, next week and every week to come that’s just the way it is.
Again don’t steal dreams of others while sitting on the couch eating cheetos and playing video games.
Thank you
October 19th, 2008 at 3:07 am
Wow! I can’t believe some of you people would even apply for a sales position. Most of the blogs are from people that failed, or never even followed through. To those of you that thanked an individual on this site due to the fact that you did not pursue a position in this company….I thank you too! I would have had to work with such negative people. Thank you!
I have been with this company since January 2008. I have earned over $60,000 and have taken six weeks off of work. Just this week I got my first renewal check. $460.00! Just for doing a good job this year and the company projects that my results will be profitable, so I will continue receiving these checks and they are only going to grow. And after ten years they are guaranteed for the life of the policy. Thanks AIL.
To those of you that say you need to work more than 40hrs to make a six figure income here. Well yeah. Show me a job that you don’t and I will start working there because I am lazy. In fact, I only gave 6 presentations this week and since I am good at what I do I sold 5 of them. I made almost $2,000 and these people all live in my same town so the travel factor and expense was not taken out of my earnings. So this week I have more money than most people in the US. Awesome!
Now it is true that there is a lot of turn over in our company. But as someone mentioned above that is industry standard. In our company I have realized something very simple. When you have different people running different offices you get different structures and results vary. Sounds silly but I am so used to large corporations where everyone has there SOP and it is boring, but hey it works. Lots of people get the same check doing the same thing and all of them complain about it the same way. In our office we started with on MGA one agent and me, the new hire. It was great. I got to do what I, want when I wanted, and I started becoming part of every function of the office, including hiring.
So far this year we have hired over 30 people. We now have 15 agents out in the field working and making great money. Unfortunately, we have lost two people. One quit and the other was let go. That is pretty good retention! Also, we are moving down the hall to a much bigger office as we are growing quick and unfortunately the big real estate office is closing. Ohh and by the way the company is paying for everything. Phones, computers, lease, supplies…you name it. And yes, I did have to pay $312.00 for this opportunity which is a complete tax write off.
I used to dislike these sites. Gave false impressions from angry failures. Now I like them. I saw the blogs before I interviewed also. But I don’t listen to anyone that has only negative things to say. That is far to easy in to do life and speaks poorly about your ability to help a friend, family member, or a company succeed. That is what is great now. Since I am involved in the hiring, training, management and everything else…..These sites are a blessing. The people that make decisions based on the complaints of failures are only looking for reasons to fail and not succeed. I don’t want your $312.00 worth of complaints in my future and would not like to see you have a bad day and blame the world like there is no tomorrow and bring down the culture in our office. Thank you internet!
Next year the company has plans for me to run my own office. Negative BLOGGERS need not apply.
October 20th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Driven says “Wow! I can’t believe some of you people would even apply for a sales position”.
We don’t “apply” for a sales position. We are lied to. We are told it is a management or a mangement trainee position. And only at the cattle call presentation are we told that it is sales - but sales that “help people” and that “make us rich”. We are never told about anything else- including not making money right away, traveling, expenses, exams…etc.
Thank God for these sites or else there would be many, many more people that waste 3 hours of their time going to a devious “interview” (aka cattle call for poor naive people - including myself at one point)with cheaters and liars.
October 22nd, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Driven, I think too many brainwashing tactics have been “driven” into your head too deep to talk rationally to you. You also have “driven” away all of your earnings in that you pay for all your gas. Oh, its a tax write off!! Dude, why do other companies pay for their sales associate’s gas, phone, and offer credit cards for client entertainment? Keep plugging away at your remedial life insurance sales job where you throw poor unsuspecting, hardworking and less fortunate Americans into a high pressure sales pitch and then never see them again, chief. Your companys average retention is a joke by the way.
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I just got call on an interview in Seattle, WA and now won’t go. Thank you all for the heads-up and information on this company.
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I would like to thank everyone for their posts. I got a call from this company and the recruiter seemed to have very little information about the company. I asked her if she can check with the manager, but the manager seemed to be in a meeting. I guessing the manager is in a lot of meeting. I don’t think this company is scamming people, it just seems like it sucks working for them.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I just interviewed with AIL for the position of Sales associate. I decided not to take the job because I am going through school at the same time, and don’t have the time to get started in a full-time job such as this.
I’d like to clear up some things as far as the insurance industry goes in general though, because all of these blogs made me nervous so I called a friend who works for State Farm. First off. If you are going to sell insurance, you need to be licenced, and to get licenced costs money. I found a private licencing company, who’s training program would be about the same as that of AIL. Some software, a classroom setting etc. Their prices were about the same. My friend also told me that I would have to continue my education in insurance sales to keep up with things. SO as far as training and the cost of getting licenced, its the same throughout the industry.
Secondly, They wont lie to you, if you get smart and ask the questions that matter. They didn’t to me atleast. When I asked what the success rate of new sales associates is, they told me 6% of the people they hire can actually do what they do. The office that I interviewed at wasn’t going to hire just anyone either. They wanted good people. I watched for that because all of you made me a little nervous about it. I didn’t want to be part of a cattle call as some of you have said. Basically if you think about it though, if ANY company hires 100 people and only 6 can do the job, and the other 94 people either quit or are let go, the company is going to have to hire atleast another 94 people. More if the company is growing. The fact that 94 people couldn’t do it shows that the job is hard. Its a sales job. Its not for everyone.
The man who interviewed me told me that if I wanted to be successful I would PROBABLY have to make 32 appointments a week, or about 20 presentations. If you think about that a presentation is going to take atleast an hour, depending on no one but yourself. Which means you are automatically working more than 20 hours a week, probably closer to 30 or 40. If you are a good salesman, you would have to visit less people to make lots of sales. If you are bad at it, you could visit people all day and not sell anything. Thats how it works when it comes to sales. I know that the people at the office I interviewed at work very very hard, and they work long hours. Thats what it takes in any field. Sales is one of those things where if you “kinda” do it, you “kinda” make money.
If you had asked them before hand if they were going to pay for your gas and your phone, they will tell you no. You can however use it as a tax write off, and they will tell you how to do that. They told me.
I would have liked to try it, but to me my schooling was more important than taking a chance. There are benefits, but like anything, there are risks involved.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Also, as a sales associate, you don’t really have a part to play as far as hiring people. However, if you do well, they may assign you to help train someone else (who THEY hired, not you). Then you would make a little more money. OBVIOUSLY. If you are more important, they are going to pay you more.
October 25th, 2008 at 11:54 am
HAHAHA-do you have any idea how transparent you are, “Scott” the AIL employee? You underestimate people’s intelligence-you are clearly working for AIL! World’s greatest B***S**T Force!!!
October 27th, 2008 at 1:50 am
yeah, actually I’m still looking for a job. Thanks though.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Scott is totally working for them. I’d love to get all of the AIL employees phone numbers and call them in a year and see how long it took them to quit and realize they are brainwashed!!
October 27th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
The issue is rather, a company that has to resort to recruiting employees by way of gross misrepresentations has a flawed business conscience. On this basis it is easy to extrapolate this culture through to their products. So I can only imagine that most policy holders are being royally f**ked.
October 28th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Mark has said it best…
October 28th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
So I put my resume on monster.com and I can’t stop getting emails from these people. I Googled their company name and got this page. I asked them to stop emailing me, they haven’t. What a bunch of annoying scammers.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:42 am
haha, the recruiter was a hot seductive actress. I didn’t mind, just asked her if she wanted to get some coffee later. company is a sham.
October 30th, 2008 at 9:59 am
All the people saying that the cost of getting a license and books and suplies are legit. I understand that, but this company called me saying they could offer employment, not a education. So they are being misleading off the bat. Frankly gas cost too much for me to be going to a job iterview, that turns out to to tuition for school. Thats just something that needs to be said up fron. If its not disclosed up front its a SCAM!!!!!
October 30th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
A guy calls me last week who works for AIL,and gives me a pitch over the phone. He says that,”You are what we are looking for.” Funny, I have absolutely no sales background whatsoever.He told me to come in tomorrow at 10:00am, and dress professional.Also, bring a copy of my resume. Later that evening I researched this company online.The complaints about AIL were overwheling. Needless to say I didn’t show up the next day to my interview.Thank you to everyone who were honest. You saved me alot of dissapointment and humiliation. again thanks.
October 31st, 2008 at 10:43 am
I want to thank everybody for exposing AIL for what it is. I went to an interview yesterday and got called back for my “third” interview today. Its good to know I didn’t get sucked into this B.S., and its all because you guys took the time to let us know that these guys are a bunch of FRAUDS. They tell us not to rely on the opinions of the employees who have done what they want to hire us to do. Employees who have been there, done that. I have never heard of anything so ludicrous! This site is their karma - they lose good sales people by not being up front and honest. Thanks!
October 31st, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I work at AIL. I got brought on board by my step dad, who is a regional manager. The company is ligit, but you have to be dedicated to work hard. Its not just easy money. The problem with most people is that they have selective hearing when it comes to the interview process. They hear all of the positive and ignore the negatives. Then when it comes time for them to work they slack and fail. Its not the company’s fault, its the people who fails fault.
The complaints are overwhelming and thats because a lot of people don’t have it in them to do this kind of work. The company also has a lot of successful people that would tell you the exact oppisite of what you here on websites like these. Now the whole thing about “paying to work here” is misleading. You are paying for the legal requirements to obtain an insurance lisense. Also, its a sales job, plain and simple. People complain about not getting paid for gas, but they do give you leads that actually cost the state general agent about ten bucks a pop. you get over a hundred leads just starting off. so thats over 500 bucks of free leads. i would rather have those leads then the gas money, which is a write off. so all the people who are researching this company to see if its ligit, don’t rely just on websites like these (which are just disgruntled exemployees who couldn’t sale sh*t). Study about the insurance business in general. Also look at financial success and history of the company. You will find out that its one of the best companies in the trade. And another thing, all these people that failed with AIL would’ve failed in any sales position.
October 31st, 2008 at 4:44 pm
sorry a correction, for the leads its about five bucks a pop.
October 31st, 2008 at 4:46 pm
and you get them for free
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 pm
The leads cost the SGA $15 a piece, that is why it is important to supplement them with referrals and they are easier to sell, also. If you can talk to people, and don’t mind working, AIL is great. I worked there for 10 of the last 16 years and have recieved over $4,000,000 in commisions (was an SGA for 8+ of those years) and my renewals are currently over $11,000+ a month. The 6 years I wasn’t with AIL I was able to not work at all and spend all that time with my children and wife. It is the real deal for the right people. That is the reason for the mass interviews, so you can find the right people, do not listen to the naysayers if you are curious go and judge for yourself. You will know after the interview process if it feels right for you. This website will not give you the information for your particular area SGA and there office. Good Luck to all who are openminded and are looking for an excellant business opportunity with very little initial investment. It has been a blessing for me and my family. I am actually considering going back to work as an MGA in the near future.
Satisfied Ex-Sga
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Great info. someone should find a way of dragging them to court! I was about to call them. I love google, don’t you?
November 5th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Thanks guys! I think they’re trying to roll out in a bigger way in New Zealand. This is the first I’ve heard of them in my town - job ad looked professional enough - tick - insurance product, good so far - tick - until…OUT OF NOWHERE the ad read “this is not MLM!” - hhhhmmmm??? huge red flag - found my way here - thank u.
November 7th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
I wish I saw this site before I signed up with Altig in Canada. Does anyone know if I can leave this company anytime? I am set to write my life insurance exam soon. Is there any obligation for me to stay with the company given all the bad experiences many people have had? Should I quit before I write the exam or after or does it matter? Their name is signed as the agent of witness on the LLQP certificate? I would assume they did not start the Errors and Omissions Insurance on me before I have the license? I hope there would be no charges associated with leaving the company. I know I lost the 312 dollars for Admin fees, but does anyone know if there are any other charges they would require me to pay upon leaving?
November 10th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Latereader- That’s how they get you! With the administration fees that nobody can get back.
So, minus the admin fees- how much money did you spend on Altig so far- including how much did you pay for the exam?
November 12th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
The course was nearly $400 and it included a text, DVD’s, online mock tests and online exams. The provincial test should be around $100, I think. I have not gone to the stage of needing to remember the 10 page script or anything like that. I am thinking about cutting my losses and just moving on to get a different job. I would not be happy at all if I sink a ton of my time in this job to have the experiences that most of you all had. It might be best to write off the experience as a valuable lesson learned and to warn my family and friends about it.
November 13th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Do what your gut tells you to do…
If I were you- I’d cut my losses and move on.
This company wasted valuable time from my life.
They are liars and cheats. But- if you really want to work really really hard (8am - 10pm, M-Sat) and never see your family or friends- then go for it!
November 14th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
how can i contact this company and cancel my policy
November 14th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
There is definitly no such thing as easy money.. But no amount of money should ever make you want to work for AIL. They are in the business of money & they don’t care about all the rules of insurance. All the stuff you learn while getting your license… is not as important as memorizing your script. I got yelled at for eating lunch. Always ask new employers or find out the retention rate!
sh*t happens/
November 14th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
lol… some jobs aren’t made for everyone… you should know that going into the business.. noone ever said alp is just going to come to you… without work, time, effort… and you people with this whole “it cost me to work there so I’m going to give up”… by law a company is not allowed to pay for your license.. and even if they were… why would they? If you’re going to be a weak bunch of individuals and quit anyways… Not to mention the test isn’t easy… and it costs everytime you re-take it.. you will never succeed in something that you don’t have your heart in.. period.. the people in here wouldn’t have success anywhere else… where you have to step out of the box… out of you comfort zone… obviously these were the scared types.. that stuttered in homes.. lacked personality.. no confidence… basically.. a puss…C… lol… you have to have some balls in this business.. I don’t work “really really hard 8a-10p”… liars and cheats? ha… I don’t wear a 2k diamond watch for nothing… and that’s just one of them… you will never succeed in something you don’t believe in.. you have to believe first.. then the passion will come… then it gets easy… but was it always easy? hell no! did I take my bumps and bruises? hell yea.. but after that last union member broke me out of my shell.. it was history… after I delt with him.. I could deal with anyyyyything.. I’m going to make this real easy… three step process… to make it at this company… 1. raise your right hand… 2. reach between your legs.. 3. then grab your nuts and sac up… don’t be a effin baby… you think you can work 30-40hrs and get paid? think again… you have to want money to get it… you idiots thought 75-100k was just going to jump into your lap like “spend me”… clowns… honestly if I had to train any of you weak links… I would’ve made it so hard on you that you would’ve quit before you even sniffed a dollar from a paycheck lol…
November 17th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Anonymous said “I’m going to make this real easy… three step process… to make it at this company… 1. raise your right hand… 2. reach between your legs.. 3. then grab your nuts and sac up… don’t be a effin baby”
This sentence, typed by someone who works for them, just shows the caliber of people that are working at American Income Life.
Aren’t they professional?
P.S. Any a**hole braging about a “2K diamond watch” is an idoit. You sir, have proved me correct in all my observations and assumptions. I’d rather spend 2K and share it with my family and friends…and you show yourself as money-hungry greedy idiot- the type of people who LOVE American Income Life.
I dare you to argue with this.
November 17th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
“I don’t wear a 2k diamond watch for nothing…and that’s just one of them…”
PPPFFFFFF HAHA! I’m picturing a sleazy looking Uncle Eddy from Christmas Vacation. You are why this company sucks and you just exposed yourself of what you really are: A SLIMEBALL.
November 17th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
GUYS!!! it’s so funny that you consider sources that you don’t know AND haven’t seen in person! Good STAY AWAY so that I can make all the money while you all bitch all day about your problems. I never had to pay anything but to get my take a class, get my license, and take my exam. But that’s law you morons! Yeah, I was sceptical as ALL get out! I went around asking peopole in the agency for their experiences. But once i did everything they told me without bitching and being negative, SHEEIT i made my money! It’s too bad that you let strangers tell you how it is. I’ve seen A LOT of people come and go and ya know WHY? Cause THEY DON’T WANNA WORK! THAT WANT MONEY PASSED OFF TO THEM! THEY WANNA GET RICH QUICK but it doesn’t happen that way! They sit on their asses and expect people to knock on their doors begging for insurance. And yes the leads are two three and four years old but atleast they give them to you. Bunch of ungrateful people you are! I’ve made so much money off of four year old leads. It’s how YOU the AGENT present yourself. Some people don’t have people skills and this job ISN;T for any and everyone. Especially excuse makers like you all. one guy in my agency is a FULL TIME STUDENT AND HE MAKES MORE MONEY THAN I DO! They weeks I made nothing were the weeks that I sat on my ass. and I had no one to blame but myself. remember this: THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT DON’T MAKE MONEY ARE: THEY EXCUSE MAKERS, LAZY A**ES, WHINY A**ES, AND PEOPLE THAT SPEND THEIR TIME ON THIS SITE TALKING NEGATIVELY ABOUT A SUCCESSFULL COMPANY. I’ve been with this company for a little over two months and made #2 agent of the month by doing nothing special except what they told me to do. Don’t put your little toe in there and expect big things. Say WHAT THE HELL and dive into it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and you will make MONEY!
November 18th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I received “the call” this morning, in which I was told that based on my resume I would be great for a position with AIL.
I specifically asked if this was for a sales position or not, since I have no interest in a sales position whatsoever. I also do not believe I have the right personality for a sales job (as assesments have proven), nor do I want to work on a commission based income.
I was told that they have many other positions available, including entry level management and several other administrative positions, as they were looking to open more offices in Colorado and needed people to help set those up.
Reassured that I would not be coming in for a sales position, I scheduled an interview. I would have to be in Denver (I live in Fort Collins, about an hour away) at 10:30 am, so not a bad time. I was asked to bring at least 2 copies of my resume, and to dress professionally.
I was rather excited that they had picked out my resume from monster.com - apparently it works after all!
That was until I started doing some research, and I have to say that their company website makes it look very attractive. Although: hint number one should have been that their site mainly focuses on opportunities for sales positions - no other positions.
Next I stumbled onto this site, and a lot of the things I read here sounded very much like my call earlier today.
Having read that even when you come in for a management position - no matter what level - they will want you to do sales and you will always be commission based, but nicely cover up that fact or fail to mention it altogether during “the call” and during interviews, I decided to call the number that I received the call from, and verify a few things.
I got the person on the line, and told them that I had been reading up on AIL, and that what I read everywhere was kind of disturbing. Most importantly, that even as a manager you would end up doing sales, either prior to becoming a manager, or even as a manager. I told him I was calling him to verify whether what I read was true or not.
His answer, was “Yes of course, you will have to do sales. After all, if you are going to manage people, you need to know what they are doing, so you need to do sales.”
I told him that this morning he failed to mention that to me when I asked if this was for a sales position or not, and he said no.
Strictly speaking he has a point: you have to know what your people are doing in order for you to be able to manage them properly. And yes, you are coming in for a management position, not a sales position. However, they do not tell you that prior to getting the management position you do need to do sales - so, it initially is a sales position after all.
Next I told him that in that case I was going to cancel our interview, since I was not looking for or interested in a sales position, simply because I do not want the commission based income, nor do I have the right personality for a sales position.
The reply I got was a few mumbled words which I was unable to decipher, though the intonation spoke volumes, and next thing I know, he hung up on me.
I tried to write this as neutral as possible, so you can make your own decision based on facts, not emotions.
During “the call” they give you just enough information to get you to come in for an interview, and answer any questions as to the nature of the job in such a way that it is hard to find fault in what they say.
They do not lie to you, they’re just not telling you the whole truth - and there is a difference there. You do not find out the specifics until you call them back and ask about it, or when you go in for the interview, apparently.
However, the fact that they are so little forthcoming, and do not reveal all you need to know prior to an interview, does not sit well with me. Also the response to my canceling the interview - in other words, an angry mumble and then hanging up on me - was proof enough for me that I made the right decision in canceling.
Once again, use the above information to your advantage to make your decision.
If you made it onto this site, then you will most likely have some suspicion - as do most people here.
It may not all be true, and some stories may be a little biased, but there is enough here to at least make you think twice.
And remember: where there is smoke, there is usually fire - and there is a lot of smoke here…
November 18th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Oh yes - and a thank you to everyone here for sharing their experiences and opinions. It saved me money on gas, and it saved me the time - time which I’d much rather waste another way!
November 18th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
[...] American Income Life Insurance - Scam Or Not?[...]
November 18th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
You know after reading this site one thing is clear: You find what you are looking for. If I were wanting more of the same in my life, of always wanting more and being too afraid to reach for it, I guess I would listen.
Why doesn’t AIL advertise? Because they don’t have to. They market labor. Period.
Does AIL pay claims? Yes, they are ranked A+ by AMBEST, which frankly marks them as one of the most stable insurance companies out here.
I know there are good agencies, and there’s bad ones. Kind of like everything else. There’s good Ford dealers, and there’s shady ones.
Thanks for the agents that are upfront and truthful. I appreciate your views in addition to all the negative ones.
I look forward to driving all over this region being truthful, working hard, and making a good living
November 19th, 2008 at 9:37 am
well i got my ‘call’ this morning about an interview tomorrow. I am a 19 year old firefighter, since when do i qualify for a sales job?? i am looking for a job to ‘get me by’ until i get get into nursing school so i really dont want to spend money to get a license when its not what i want to do in life! thanks for the heads up everyone!
November 19th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
This is the routine from AIL. You get a phone call saying that you are a “qualified candidate” for an interview with AIL. They say to bring a copy of your resume and to “dress professionally” because they are a “professional firm”. So I went ahead to the interview since I am not working anyway….I arrive at the place they asked me to fill out an application form… as I was waiting, I looked around…the place seemed like that JUST got the place running…it seemed like they’ve been there for maybe a few years and was not well established quite yet…anyway. I got to have my first interview with a lady and she said that I seem like a perfect fit for the company and IMMEDIATELY asked me if I wanted to go on the 2nd interview. The interview would be for about an hour….so I thought in my head…what the heck..what do i have to lose. In the second interview you will meet with the “manager” and she will show you a SCRIPTED PRESENTATION. let me repeat that SCRIPTED PRESENTATION. In the presentation will tell you about AIL who founded it blah blah blah. and here is the selling point: There is a family of 5. John and Sarah who are married who each make $15/hr. AIL will provide accidental health of a total of $2500 for each family member who is in the hospital..AND Funeral AND MONTHLY income for death of spouse…FOR ONLY $30/wk for the coverage….so this is the AIL selling pitch for your clients…and after that they will tell you what your income potential is. the will tell you at AIL you are supposed to make at least 50K or more in the year or else you should be “FIRED”. HAHAHAHAHAHA. AIL can just kiss my a$$
November 19th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
When it seems to good to be true it probably is…
November 20th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Got my call this morning for an interview. I find it funny that they called me within 12 hours of me applying. Must be desperate?
As Lance said above: “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.”
That being said, I’m not going to show up for the interview.
November 20th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I just received a call this morning for an interview next week. I currently live in Phoenix but am relocating to California. I would be driving 5 hours to my interview. I was really excited about going. After reading your comments though, this sounds like a huge scam! I think I’ll skip my interview. Thanks everyone for your comments!
November 21st, 2008 at 10:44 pm
i have been at a.i.l for over 5 years now & am now an s.g.a. i love my career. to those of you currently working over 50 hours a week ( for a.i.l. ) find us we only work 3 days a week. WE DONT CONSIDER IT A SUCCESSFUL WEEK UNLESS WE MAKE OVER $2000. im glad none of you losers posting these comments didn’t come in for an interview with us, we would’ve ran you out of there. i agree with many of you that says this is not for evryone; because it isn’t. we are very picky about who we hire, i generally look for athletes . athletes have much higher self motivation & desire ; and real ones never blame others for thier mistake and failures we just try harder.
in ohio the licensing process is a total of no more $400, and you pay the state not the company. how many people do you know that invests only $400 in themselves & make over $500,000 a year? i have no shame in making more than most doctors & lawyers….. gee how much did they have to ivest in institutions of higher learning? over $250k. im not knocking my doctor or lawyer i have very good ones :). i pray that none of you losers ever come into my office for an interview!! and yes im one of those prospects that was told i was perfect for the job & i am ! if you lack self confidence , are negative , or don’t like people you are in the right place : loserville… but if you are driven an ambitious & want to drive a mozzarati like i do or bmw’s mercedes or lexus’s like my managers than don’t let people that will never amount to anything deceive you.
if randy moss told you of his expierence in oakland, would you let that steer you away from the n.f.l? just like the n.f.l. we do have franchises of the company that does not pull its weight, doesn’t mean they won’t get to where we’re at. as far as rick altig i would love to make $200,000 a wekk & another $750,000 per month in residual income ( keep up the good work rick!) mr. anonymus you are the one who needs to stop manipulating people & just be a man & say you failed!!!
as far as our hiring practices we hire people not paper & most of the time we know when we have met the next allstar! we have no way of knowing how good you are or aren’t until we meet face to face. as far as the group goes , that is done because we do alot of interviewing weekly & don’t have enough time to spend with an hour with each good prospect. prospects have to prove that we should give them a chance not the other way around.. yes we do have an abundance of leads to see at all times, our relationships with our unions is unflappable! i always have been received with warmth when calling through my lead pack & so have my agents. i keep hearing some of you complaining about managers recei ving overides off thier agents, tell me a business that doesn’t. what did the founder of mcdonalds say? : ”i sell franchises not burgers”. i heard someone speaking of a.i.g we don’t need $85 billion from the gov’t to bail us out, primerica , we dont want our new reps bringing in a list of thier family & friends, aflac we don’t have to walk and pound on doors. good luck to you all getting drinking some optimism instead of pessimism.
November 22nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Ok so if this company is NOT a scam company then why does other companies and I am talking abourt major companies (one being located in Fredericksburg VA) DOES NOT charge a fee to work there, they train you give you a set schedule, do not insist that you cold call by going door to door so DO NOT TELL me that in order to get something you must first give something I have also been contacted several times by this company and although I keep spamming them they just use different e-mail acct. I have reported this to yahoo hopefully they will take care of it
November 24th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Simply the best writes, “im glad none of you losers posting these comments didn’t come in for an interview with us, we would’ve ran you out of there.” REAL professional…every time an AIL employee has the CHANCE to talk about how “reputable” their company is- they ruin it by saying something so completely unprofessional and immature!
Simply the best also writes, “as far as our hiring practices we hire people not paper & most of the time we know when we have met the next allstar!” we have no way of knowing how good you are or aren’t until we meet face to face.”-
Then why, face to face, did you try to hire me for sales, by telling me over and over again that it was a management training position (the word “sales” was NEVER mentioned) when I specifically said I don’t want a sales job?!
Someone from AIL please give a professional answer.
I’m in HR and let me tell you- if I EVER wrote on a blog, calling people “losers” or saying that I was trying to “run candidates out” or if I ever said, “I’m going to make this real easy… three step process… to make it at this company… 1. raise your right hand… 2. reach between your legs.. 3. then grab your nuts and sac up… don’t be a effin baby”
…Not only would I be fired, but my company would get a horrible reputation,
and nobody wants to work for unprofessional, immature people- which is what AIL employees seem to be from their posts on this board. Look at every post written by an AIL employee and you’ll see I’m right.
It’s funny, whenever I post facts, no AIL employee can ever fight back because I’M RIGHT!!!
November 24th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I haven’t had this much fun researching a company that contacted me since Primerica! I thank AIL for that, at the very least.
The condescending tone that many AIL employees take on this blog and many other forums I’ve scoured is certainly not appreciated, but if bemoaning the supposed laziness of others and grandstanding about cars and dollars is the pinnacle of life, then I think I wouldn’t be happy with the successful employees, anyways. I have heard so many different facts on both sides of the coin, but I’m more inclined to agree with the disenfranchised, here. I’ve heard the insurance coverage is great and I’ve heard that it’s baloney. I’ve heard that reputable insurance companies will pay for testing and licensing and I’ve heard that none do. I’ve heard that this is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’ve heard that this job will empty your own pockets and leave you high and dry.
I don’t believe everything I read, but I believe in people. I know that AIL employees are just like the rest of us and want a steady income to support their life and happiness, however, the level of disrespect I see coming from people that support this company is appalling. I’m not passing on my interview tomorrow because of the hard work that would be involved, but the personal and financial investments that may yield no results and leave me worse off than where I started. Also, the representation from AIL is absolutely unscrupulous and disgusting. A bit of PR repair may be called for, here.
We all need to earn a living, but we don’t need to act so callously to our fellow man! I wish, to all of those looking for employment, the best of luck and that certain AIL employees (not all that I’ve heard from on the forums, mind you) would simply do your job to the best of your ability and not bemoan others for acknowledging an obviously besmirched reputation.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Let me let you all in on a little secret…If you have not figured it all out by now. ANY, SO CALLED COMPANY WHO CONTACTS YOU ABOUT A ” JOB OFFER” IS BOGUS!!!
In this day and age of our economic state of disaster, what legit company is going to contact you ( myself included ), because of our on-line resume with our unsurpassed
qualifications is not a legit company!!! Do yourself a favor and JUST DELET IT !!! Don’t wast your valuable time going to the interview. Or, for that matter even researching them.
Trust me they are all B/S. Spend your valuable time in preparation for the interviews to the company’s that YOU in fact applied with.
Good luck to you all on your job hunt !!!!!!
p.s Keep this in mind. When a ” REAL ” recruiter contacts you, It might just be worth checking it out first before you delete it.
November 26th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Much respect to all of you on this site, but I have just this to say to everyone who reads this looking for information. I am going today on my second interview. I’ve been a Marine Drill Instructor, a Deputy Sheriff, and a Truck Driver over my years. I have a BA in Business and I’m working on my MBA. In business, whether it’s working for yourself or for someone else, you have to act like you are in business. If you listen to NEGATIVE people you will get NEGATIVE results. If you listen to POSITIVE people you will get POSITIVE results. In the world of success, you have to make the leap….or you will never know. Even if you made the leap, you must still flap your arms, work hard, do something to stay ahead. A bird doesn’t just leap out of the nest and fly without flapping the hell out of it’s wings until it just becomes second nature. It’s the difference between fast food and a food store. You can make your own food or eat what someone else feeds you.
I’m going to go for it. I have friends who work for Farmers and AIG and they say it’s the same thing there. Ask those who work in real estate, it’s the same thing there. Commission work is all about hustle. Make 10 call and maybe sell none, make 20 and maybe sell one or two. Make nothing….and you will get nothing. Do your research and make up your own mind.
Only a winner can tell you about winning. A looser can only tell you about loosing.
November 26th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Good tips, RCD. I know a lot of us are in dire situations and it’s important to keep a cool head.
Initially, I thought Craigslist was the Mecca of job search sites, but I’ve found that unless you use some common sense, that it can be the largest job scam site out there. If there isn’t a local number, a link to a reputable site, or real details about the job, then it’s probably not worthwhile. Postings that list high hourly wages/salaries and aren’t looking for specific skills is probably a waste of time. Postings that link you to career search sites that you haven’t heard of (anything not Monster, Careerbulder, etc.) is going to jam your email with more bogus spam than that Monty Python sketch. Anything that sounds too good to be true is the case, more so now than ever. Just make sure that there is an authentic-sounding job description, real contact info and that it’s an opportunity involved with a reputable company.
Sad as it is, I’ve also found that you may have to lower your standards when applying. Jobs I turned down months ago are the source of painful regret, now. A lot of us are out there and even entry level positions are going to over-qualified folks. Personally, I’m in the process of hearing back on a position that pays less than any job I’ve held since 2003 and an additional part time gig that will help me pocket some extra cash.
I didn’t attend my AIL interview and don’t regret it at all, nor were they surprised to hear of me canceling my interview. This isn’t the sort of job that many of us laid off/new recruits are looking for, so please don’t make a mistake out of greed or desperation. Keep looking and hopefully your hard work will pay off. Best of luck gang, keep those spirits high and try your best!
November 27th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Can someone with Altig please explain how your SGA is any different than the others? It is my understanding that every SGA uses the same exact systems, training, scripts, work schedules, etc. I’ve heard many Altig people acknowledge recruiting problems and other issues, but they always follow by saying “Our agency doesn’t do things that way.” But the reality is they are all exactly the same. SGAs pass down the same exact business model they received when they started with the company so if you’ve seen one SGA you’ve seen them all. Someone prove me wrong.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Hi, Can anybody please let me know I paid 375$ for my exam L.L.Q.P. My Provincial Exam 2 Dec. Its worth going for the exam or not. Or is their any way i can get my money back, because my LLQP exam was on 26 Nov. Burnaby, B.C Canada unit no 201.
December 1st, 2008 at 7:32 pm
The emails and calls I got sounded fishy and I finally got through to the
“recruiter” and drilled him on the details.
They are not looking to “hire” so much as they are looking for people to
“buy into” their commission-based, multi-level marketing program; this one selling insurance instead of soap, but same idea.
Trolling job boards for “leads” for their “employees” is dishonest. Especially since my background is everything BUT sales, and very specific. When I asked about what kind of job it would be, they said “mid-level to senior-level” management, after I told them I had up to 500 people reporting to me. Sounds great! But when I pressed
about what kind of job, etc. it became clear this was a sales job. I asked who the other employees would be, and the answer was that this would be other “suckers” who bought into the program that I brought in.
If you like Amway, and want to sell insurance, perhaps this is a useful endeavor.
But if you’re contacted by “American Income” for a “job offer based on the resume you submitted” … that you don’t remember submitting … run for the hills!
December 1st, 2008 at 10:27 pm
WOW. I thought it was suspicious. never considered it. Hung up on caller. Decided to google them for curiosity. My first instincts were right. i am a 30 year experienced HVAC Project manager making low 100k range and they called me from my monster Resume. How do they figure I am a fit to sell Insurance. I yell at contractors,architects and Engineers for a living in Job site Language. STAY FAR AWAY.
December 1st, 2008 at 10:34 pm
SIMPLy THE BEST.
Please an idiot can see through you.
I am sure every one who posted on this site can get ther job and make 500k a year.
at what point is the whole world working there and the middle class now starts at 500k and a loaf of bread is now 18 bucks.
I am sure plenty fall victim to u out of desperation. SHAME.
Going to forward this link to friend at PA attorney General Office.
Hopefully they can be forced to stop deception.
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Today A WOMAN CALL ME WITH UNKNOWN CALLER NUMBER, SO I CAN CALL HER BACK, SHE TOLD ME SHE IS CALLING FROM AMERICAN INCOME AND MENTION SOMETHING ABOUT CREDIT UNION,
SHE TOLD ME THAT HIS BOSS SAW MY RESUME IN CAREERBUILDER AND MONSTER.COM AND WANT AN INTERVIEW WITH ME, I ASK HER WHAT KIND OF COMPANY OR JOB IS , AND SHE TOLD ME ABOUT CREDIT UNIONS COMPANY NEVER SHE MENTION IS FOR INSURANCE BECAUSE I DONT HAVE EXPERIENCE AND I DONT WANT TO WASTE MY TIME LIKE THAT, KNOCKIN PEOPLE DOOR ALL DAY AND DON T HAVE MY WEEKEND OFF
SHE SAY THAT I WUALIFIED FOR BE A ENTRY LEVEL MANAGEMENT WETHEVER SO I ASK HER IF THEY READ MY RESUME BECAUSE I DONT HAVE THE EDUCATION FOR SUCH A POSITION SHE SAID IS OK
THEY WILL TRAINING ME , NOW THAT I READ ALL THIS CLAIMS I BELIEVE IS A BS COMPANY THAT IN FACT THEY SALE INSURANCE BUT THEY LIE THE PEOPLE IGNORANT LIKE ME AND MANY BECAUSE THEY SHOULD REQUEST THAT YOU HAVE A INSURANCE LICENSE BEFORE THEY CAN BE ABLE TI HIRE YOU AND THAT YOU HAVE SALES EXPERIENCE IN THE STREET
MANY STUPID PEOPLE LIKE MIKE AND OTHER JOE DEFENDE THIS COMPANY, BUT THEY ARE PIECE OF SHITTY PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY KNOW WHAT GOING ON HERE AND THEY SUCK THE PEOPLE MONEY SO THEY CAN GET THEIR SALARIES LIKE THAT
THEY WANT YOUUUUU TO PAY 700 DOLLARS FOR TRAINING COME ON, PLEASE COMPANIES PAY YOU THE HOURS YOU ARE IN TRAINING , THIS PEOPLE DONT MAKE YOU FILL ANY IRS DOCUMENTS SO YOU CAN DECLARE YOUR TAXES AFTER, THEY DONT PAY YOU EVEN AT THE END OF THE MONTH, IS JUST COMISSION YOU DONT SALE NO MONEY
THEY WANT TO GIVE TRAINING? THEY SHOULD CHANGE THEIR NAME AND NOT TO BE INSURANCE COMPANY THEY SHOULD CHANGE IOT TO BE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OR SOMETHING LIKE THTA IF THEY REALLY NEED THE MONEY FOR EDUCATE PEOPLE I BELIEVE THEY ARE IN THE WRONG FIELD, BUT OBVIUSLY THIS IS A FRAUD COMPANY WHO CHEAT A LOT PEOPLE WHO IS WILLING TO FIND A JOB IN THIS DIFICULT ECONOMIC SITUATION
BUT I WONT GO TO THE INTERVIEW BECAUSE BEFORE A FRIEND OF MINE PASS THE SAME STUPID SITUATION BUT IN THAT CASE THE COMPANY SELL SOFTWARE OF INTERNET , THIS PEOPLE USE TO RENT COMMERCIAL OFFICE IN GOOD AREAS, OR RENT PLACES IN GOOD HOTELS BUT HOTEL DONT TAKE RESPONSABILITY OF WHAT THEY ARE CHEATING PEOPLO OR NOT
THEY MAKE YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE THE GOOD DEAL, GROUP PEOPLE LISTEN A STUPID PERSON AT THE FRONT WHO SHOWING A VIDEO, A MAKE YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL MAKE HUNDRED OF THOUSAND DOLLAR
COME OPEN YOU EYES PEOPLE YOU DONT HAVE EDUCATION OR EXPERIENCE IN INSURANCE OR SALE YOU WONT MAKE SUCH INCOME, WHEN LOOK FOR A JOB YOU CALL THEM, DONT SUBMIT YOU RESUMES IN CAREERBUILDER OR MONSTER ,COM WHERE THER CAN SE YOU NAME ADDRESS, EMAILS, PHONE NUMBER AND ALL UNIVERSITY WHERE YOU STUDY , EDUCACION, SKILLS EVERITHING THIS PEOPLE GOT YOU IS DANGEROUS TO PASTE OR UPLOAD YOU INFORMATION LIKE THAT IS BETTER TO RESEARN IN THOS WEB PAGES BUT FAX TO THE COMPANY YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU CHOSE TO WORK
DONT RECEIVE UNKNOWN PHONE CALLS FROM PEOPLE AND COMPANIES YOU DONT EVEN KKNOW OR EXPECT, THIS COMPANY HAVE LAW SUIT IN DIFERENT STATES FOR FRAUD PEOPLE AND TAKE THEIR MONE IN “”"TRAINING” BS YOU WANT TRAINING OF SOMETHING BETTER THAN THAT GO TO A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY ACREDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, WHY DO YOU HAV ETO PAYS THIS SHITTY PEOPLE FOR BEEIN TRAINING AND BE PAID AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS AND BECAUSE YOU NEED A REAAAALLLL JOB YOU HAVE TO QUIT FOLLOW A LAW SIUT COST MORE THAN 15,000 DOLLAR AND TAKE MOST OF THE TIME 1 OR 2 YEARS IS EXPENSIVE THAT WHY THIS PEOPLE DOING THIS
THE FBI, CONSUMER PROTECTION IS FOLLOWING THIS PEOPLE TO GET THE CEO O HEAD WHO COMMITING THIS KINS OF FRAUDS NOT ONLY TO EMPLOYEES TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE INSURANCE COVERAGE
IF YOU LIKE TO VISIT PEOPLE HOME AND WASTING HOURS GASOLINE GO THIS COMPANY WHO WILL EXPLOTE YOU AND AFTER YOU GET TIRED TO WAIT FOR A PAYMENT IS FINE IS YOUR CHOICE
BUT IF YOU WANT A REAL PAYCHECK AT THE END OF THE WEEK HOW THE LAW OF CT GUARRANTE AND RIGHT OF UNEMPLOYMENT TOO, SO GET A REAL JOB MAYBE YOU WILL MAKE 250 OR 400 DOLLAR A WEEK BUT IS REAL MONEY, LESS HOURS, YOU DONT NEED TO BEG PEOPLE TO BUY A POLICY INSURANCE FOR ANOTHER SHITTY PEOPLE GET THE MONEY AND AFTER DONT PAY YOU FOR YOUR WORK
I WILL BE THE COMMENT 192, AND ARE COMPLAINT FOR DIFERRENT STATES, THIS PEOPLE ARE VERY RAT, IN THE NEWS I LISTEN ABOUT SIMILARITY LIKE CREDIT CARDS, THEY TAKE MONEY FROM YOU BANK ACCOUNT AND THEY NEVER SEND ANY CREDIT CARDS, OR INCLUSIVE THEY SALE ARTICLES OR COMPUTER FINALLY THEY SEND PEOPLE ANOTHER THINK BUT THEY PAY BY PHONE, THIS IS A SHIT PEOPLE WHO WILL GO TO HELL AND FINALLY BEFORE THAT WILL GO TO JAIL JAJJAJAJAJJAJAJAJJAJAJAJJ
PEOPLE WHO READING TAROT CARDS AND STUPID THING LIKE THAT CAME INTO THE NEWS TO BECAUSE DEFRAUD A LOT PEOPLE AND THEY MOVING STATE BE STATE CHEATING PEOPLE AND TAKING HUNDREDS AND THOUSAND IN SOME CASE OF PEOPLE STUPID WHO BELIEVE IN THIS BS THINK, PLESE
OPEN YOU EYES, IF YOU WORK IN A GOOD COMPANY YOU WILL HAVE A GUARRANTEED PAY CHEK EVERY WEEK, IF YOU STUDY HARD YOU WILL GET A GOOD LIFE STYLE, PEOPLE WITH HIGH SCHOOL EDCUATION DONT MAKE 75K A YEAR IS RIDICULIES, THINK DONT LET PEOPLE WASTE YOU TIME WHILE YOU CAN INVESTED STUDING OR WORKING IN A COMPANY OF PRESTIGE INCLUSIVE WORKING IN MC DONALS IS BETTER THAT THIS SHITTY COMPANY AMERICAN INCOME LIFE INSURANCE
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
This is really big scam. They are charging you for test without 375$+375$ and they are not going to pass any body. And you are going to loose at least 375$ just think if every day they have 2 people are paying 375$ for exam than how much they are making this is the only job they are doing. Just Imagine I went their for interview I did 2 interviews and one exam. Now again today I received an email for an interview:
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December 3rd, 2008 at 8:56 am
Thank you guys so much. These ppl called me for an interview and I found out that this place was not even on the busline. I asked them questions about pay, (for the account executive position), and i was told that i could make from $50-$75,000 a yr. I was also told that most of my fairly easy questions could only be answered in the interview. I scheduled it for 2 days after they initially called me. Something told me to just look them up online so that i could tell them a little info about their company during the interview, figuring that would get me hired because a company likes to hear about themselves from a potential employee, and lord behold i find that this place has this kind of rep. I was about to pay a lot to be driven over there and i am very glad that i read about this place. I dont want to work for ppl that have this kind of reputation, because there’s no telling how they would treat me. I dont have extra money to waste and i feel that if you are to get a job, you shouldnt be tricked into it and be scammed out of the only money you may have left to live off of.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:20 am
I received a call from American Income the other day. I called them this morning at the same time checking them out on computer. It was a quick conversation…..wanting to know where I live and she told me we have offices in Chicago. She wanted to know how far I would travel and stated to her “NO CAR” which her response was that I needed one and that to call her back when I got one ???? Never will. Anyway, read all the comments and certainly will not have anything to do with this company. Where would one have $700 if they have been out of a job for over a year and sales certainly aren’t for me even if my title would have been “BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVE” traveling to different companies regarding wmployees benefits. THANKS BUT NO THANKS !!
December 6th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Employee Benefits Representative is the title of the job until you walk into the office…..it means tell union employees that one of their union benefits is to have you try to sell them life insurance, mooch canned food, and ask for the names and addresses of your family members!
December 6th, 2008 at 10:39 am
I worked there 2 for years and I’m out of there, thank god. I became a liar and a brainwasher like all of them. Anyway, if you guys have any specific questions about the company you can email me at sterling7632@hotmail.com. Dave
December 8th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Please do not give them your credit card and driving lic.
I lost 312$+393$+393$ Credit card company said three more attempts, I cancelled my card. I am talking about office in Burnaby, Subway is down stairs.
How we can stop other people can we do any police complaint or what they send one of my friend togive exam in side the kitchen and they have camares and phone junction their.
I want to help other people, I want to ask you Dave did you make any money in 2 years or not.
December 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
AIL saw my resume on the the net and called me for an interview. I wasn’t looking for anything remotely similar to selling insurance nor did I have any background related to it, so I was suspiscious.
They are obviously bottom feeders, trying to take advantage of people struggling to make a living.
Thank you everyone for your input!
December 9th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I busted my ass for several months with them, and was actually making OK money traveling around the state and selling insurance. There would be OK weeks and there would be really good weeks as far as pay goes.
I was disappointed, though, once I learned more about the management. I quit working for them along with a bunch of other people because the management’s practices were amoral, unethical, and sometimes illegal.
December 9th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
As an AIL agent just moving into management, I find it hilarious about all these so-called “complaints”.
Everything about this job is exactly described in the interview. I agree with those of you that aren’t happy with the recruiters not telling much about the job on the phone. The reason being is that they get bonuses based on how many people showed up.
For some reason, commission jobs are viewed negatively, even though I feel EVERY job should be commission based. I am 100% honest with all the union members I see, and do not use any of the so-called “propoganda” that others here have mentioned.
This is the best package deal you can get, and it helps out millions of families throughout the world. There are NO complaints from policy owners. That is how you rate a company. Not from the disgruntled employees who didn’t want to put in the work to be successful.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:30 am
I will go ahead and answer or help answer most of the common complaints/issues on this board.
The licensing fees that you have to pay DO NOT go to AIL in any way. Here you pay $130 for the online licensing course (separate company), you pay $100 to take the state exam (state Dept. of Insurance), and you pay $200 to actually apply for the Life, Accident, and Health licenses, which are required by law to have.
AIL sees $0 out of that process. I’m not sure how people can really complain about having to pay this, because if it was free, then why wouldn’t everyone do it? If a real estate license was free, or company paid for, I would go get that license right now. Or if any other industry gave out a free license, I would sign up right away. Why not, right?
I’ve worked in pharmacy where you have to pay to be licensed. I’ve worked in other jobs where you have to pay for the certification/licensing. There really can be no complaint about this, because it is a standard of about 90% of industries.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:35 am
As far as the recruiting/”MLM” talk going on….
The recruiters at our agency, and throughout the company get bonuses based on how many people show up for an interview, how many people are hired, etc. Like I said before, if you knew that for every 20 people that showed up, you got more money, I strongly believe that you would try and get as many people in as possible.
Each agency signs up for a recruiting system with Monster, CareerBuilder, HotJobs, and most of the other resume websites out there. It filters out the resumes by location, and location only.
The system does not show any objectives or what people are looking for in a position. The recruiters contact everyone about a position because if you have the resume on the internet, you are assumed to be looking for a position.
If you don’t have sales experience, it doesn’t matter because not many people in the business have sales experience. Myself I worked in retail and pharmacy. No sales whatsoever. But yet I took the job, and am quite successful at it.
Once again, this is how our specific agency does things. I cannot speak for others throughout the country, but it is certainly the exception rather than the rule.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:25 am
No cold calling or prospecting whatsoever.
This is what ultimately attracted me to this position and this company. The PR department goes to a Union Rep or Business Agent and explains our products and what we do. I know this because I have been out with the PR people when they had one of these meetings.
If the union decides to work with us then we send out a letter on the union’s letterhead that basically says you have some new benefits being provided at no cost through AIL, the only 100% union insurance company. In addition the representative WHO CONTACTS YOU will deliver Child Safe Kits which are jointly sponsored by the International Union of Police Associations and a Health Services Discount Card which can save up to 50% on various things.
WHEN THE AIL REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTS YOU, they will also discuss some supplemental benefits that you may qualify for. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have at that time. Please return the enclosed postage paid card within 10 days. There is no b.s. in that letter at all.
When I meet with a union member I always have a copy of the original letter, and I basically follow along with what the letter says I am doing. No lying, no high pressure sales pitch. If they don’t need insurance, if they are adequately covered, I don’t force them to buy. If they just have the coverage through their employer, and another term policy…they are not adequately covered. Most of the families I see have a need for this product.
If your agency does this, then something is wrong with the way you are being trained, and I would suggest moving agencies. In the 6 months I have been working for the company, I have had one policy cancel on me, and that was a single mother canceling her son’s policy which was costing her $10.00/month.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
If your firm’s managers/recruiters/etc. are compensated based upon how many people show up to an interview, why not just call people and tell them that they won free money that they must come pick up in your office, rather than misrepresent a job opportunity?
In either case, both are lies, but one’s much more enticing.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
P.S. I’m surprised that no one has yet mentioned the “personality test” that is administered.
The one where “math skills are minimally important” and which contains a significant amount of questions regarding a person’s perspective on adherence to authority, directions/instructions, regulations, laws, and values/morals!
December 11th, 2008 at 12:12 am
ER….we don’t even look at the personality test.
It is something to keep the interviewees busy while sitting there and waiting for the group interview to begin. It is a joke, I will gladly admit that.
December 11th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
CJ:
Your comment regarding, “That is how you rate a company. Not from the disgruntled employees who didn’t want to put in the work to be successful,” just further cements to other people how AIL views its employees and policy owners.
Every one of the posts here from someone working at AIL always says the same thing. “Didn’t want to put in the work, didn’t work hard enough, too soft,” Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah.”
Just because someone stopped working there does not make them unsuccessful, nor does it mean they didn’t put in the work to be successful. Most of the former complaints by employees stem from being lied to and unethical hiring and training practices.
Additionally, a companies claims paying ability is only one of the deciding factors that ultimately gives that company its rating. Employee retention/turnover is a big part of it too. That would explain why Standard and Poors recently decided to DOWNGRADE AIL’s rating to “sub-par.”
So all that crap you guys give everyone regarding being rated A+ by AM Best really does mean anything. You would probably be better off telling potential employees that over the last four years, you contracted with over 10,000 new agents, yet only saw an increase in agent count over that same time of around 200. Yes, that’s right, you hired 10,000 and only about 200 stayed.
Tell that during your interview process…oh wait, that’s right you can’t because the sorry excuse for and “HR” department gets bonused off of body count.
All the best.
December 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Some Nazi soldiers left the party/service. Were they also “lazy” and not willing to work hard enough?
December 13th, 2008 at 10:38 am
i’m a very proud employee of American Income.
No company is going to pay you 60k a year to “show up” for work.. there is a little elbow grease involved, and not everyone is cut out for it. I only paid for my study course and my exam.
December 15th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I dont care what you say American income life is a scam company.
I recieved a call and asked to attend a meeting. invited, was told to wear bussiness professional. when i attended and interview, took time from my job it was a group interview of 8 of us and as i sat there and waited a man came in very well dressed and very well spoken, he began to tell us about american income life about there products and how great the company is.
Well it then turned into a very annoying blabber session of how this company was the best and that was it, little did these people know i have sold insurance for 7 years licensed in both life & health and property and casuality and work for a very well know multi billion dollar company anmed state farm.
Now the only reason i stated that was because almost every one has heard of this company i still work for them. But i thought it would be quite interesting to see what the compition was all about.
so anyway during this meeting the well dressed man had finished i raised my hand and asked him a simple question that any one selling insurance should know, he was dumbfounded and just stated wow are you smart dont get ahead of us yet.
so i asked another simple question and still he could not answer the question he just dodged it. i stood up and excused myself, when they asked my why i was leaving, i simply put it if you cant answer two simple questions that i have about the insurance industry i should have your job and you should be sitting here.
and then 5 other poeple in the interview stood up and said we express his same views.
December 15th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Please excuse my typing and bad grammmer i did not have much time to write what i would have liked.
and on the last note to anyone person that would like more information or things to watch for please let me know.
and to comments on some of the postings about losers not attending the interview or willing to work hard enough. some of us in life just understand what a chump is and that would be the person who attended the second meeting.
knowledge is a wonderful thing to have.
December 15th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
[...] AMERICAN INCOME LIFE INSURANCE- SCAM OR NOT? [...]
December 16th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I too received a call this morning.
I am grateful I had opportunity to read many comments on this site. I will attend the interview this morning just to satisfy my own curiosity. I am glad I will be attending though with information.
Thanks for the heads up. I will let you know how it went. I am apparently being interviewed for a manager position. We’ll see!
December 16th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Wow, wow, wow!!! I am an entreprenuer by nature and was contacted by AIL about an hour ago. I knew after two questions back to the “recruiter” that this company was not for me.
I have a seriously tough time respecting a company that has to use subtrefuge when seeking an interview. I used to own a personnel agency and thus have years of experience in the hiring process. An “interview” is a bilateral meeting between two people for the expressed purpose of seeing if there is a common culture (first and foremost) and the requisite skill sets to fulfill each sides’ expectations of performance.
There MUST be a level of trust established for the interviewer or interviewee to have any faith that what is being presented is real/legitimate. If you can’t trust what one is telling you, where the heck do you go from there?! Additionally, having the hiring person NOT making the initial call is a VERY BAD sign. You are part of a “cattle call.”
What were my two questions? 1) “I have a couple different versions of my resume out there, which one do you have?” To which he stammered and said that he was not the one who reviewed it. That told me all I needed to know.
I then asked, “If it’s not too much trouble, could I speak to the person who did review it?” I don’t accept interview requests without a thorough understanding of A) Who the company is, B) Exactly what the position’s qualifications and duties are, and C) The expressed nature of the compensation.
He again paused and admitted that the person was not available. I prompty stated that I was not available either then! How unprofessional to ask for me to come interview from 50 miles away with no allowance for qualifiying the opportunity.
Many of the disgruntled on this site would do well to incorporate this technique into their job search process.
You see, this strategy is a professional way to establish mutual respect between the parties. When I was doing hiring searches for my best positions, the initial phone contact that insisted in not wasting his/her time interviewing in person was invariably a high-value recruit. One that isn’t going to interview just for the sake of it. That’s called “spraying and praying.”
Just because I had a minute, I googled AIG to confirm my suspicions. Wow, was my intuition spot on!
I do have a couple questions for our AIG defenders/employees: I am 48 and have been both self employed and regularly employed by some major sales corporations and most were happy and fruitful experiences.
1) WHAT THE DEVIL ARE YOU “HAPPY” AIG FOLKS DOING SURFING A COMPLAINT SITE ABOUT YOUR OWN COMPANY?
2) WHY ARE THE MAJORITY OF YOUR REPLIES AIMED TOWARD DENIGRATING THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT AIG’S OBVIOUSLY SHADY BUSINESS PRACTICES, RATHER THAN DEFENDING THE PRACTICES THEMSELVES?
Is it maybe because those practices can’t be defended? I fear so, as none of you (current kool-aid drinkers) have had the guts to admit that “getting a sales appointment under the guise of ‘reviewing/updating’ your benefits package” is about as low as it gets.
I am certain that you AIG people didn’t start out thinking you were going to fall in to this pit of delusion. You are probably fine people outside of work. But I will offer you this: If you are successful at AIG, it is either because you have what it takes to be a professional, high-producing sales rep., or you are a crook.
If you qualify as the former, please use your incredible God-given talents for a better purpose. You can make a ton almost anywhere with that talent.
However, if you are the latter, I pray for your soul. You are symbolic of everything that is wrong with the this great country.
Take care all and have a Wonderful Christmas!!!
December 16th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I attended the interview today. My experience was very similar to many I read here.
I was approached by them via my resume on edmontonjobshop.ca with the idea of going to work for them. They informed me that they had an openning for a sales position as well as a management position. I told them I would be interested in management as that is where my experience lies.
I went in for the so called second interview; lasted about five minutes, and then was told that I passed that phase and would I be available for the next.
I was then led into a room with several other people to listen to a speaker and watch a video. I noticed there was nobody else around, no work being done. That office appeared to be solely for hiring purposes only.
I left the video session before it was done (I informed them before hand that I had a meeting later that afternoon); was approached on my way out and informed the person that I would not be interested. I determined that anybody who is hired there starts as a salesperson and would have to work their way up.
I understand that these types of businesses are everywhere, but what I was offended by was being mislead in the first place about what type of work I was being interviewed for.
I had been a) in an interview, and b) an hour watching a video, and I still was not informed as to what the position was, Although, everything I heard pointed towards a sales position.
I went willingly because I had to see for myself, but I feel sorry for the person who goes there unaware. It would be a huge waste of time.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Made my apllication out exclusivley for a Customer Service position, note sales and not management.
Just got back from my less than 5 minute inerview. Was informed at the interview that the position was to let existing customers know about the benefits their company had provided them and then to sell additional benefits to those folks. They said I could continue and set up a appointment this Friday for a presentation.
I agreed to see them on Friday. Hey !!! A free sideshow who could pass that up??? Knowing that I will have to use my own car to make sales call is no appealing.
They are going to $hit when I tell them I will making those calls on a motorcycle. Before I left, was informed by the fast talking interviewer I needed to show up Friday wearing a tie. She says “you know, dress for sucess.”
Going Friday without a tie, maybe they can loan me a clip-on
December 17th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Wow! I am so glad I found this web site. I have an interview with them tomorrow that I will not even bother to cancel.
Heck, sounds like there will be so many people there they would never know the difference. I think it would be a waste of whatever it costs to dry clean my interview suit.
I heard exactly the same spiel. Blah, blah, blah, monster.com (yes, within a few days after I had just posted), no insurance or sales background on resume, was told that the sales would just come to me and I would have to just make sure that the paperwork was done properly.
I think the old saying is true: If something sounds too good to be true . . . I think they are taking advantage of people in this bad economy.
I’ve been a professional for 30 years . . . no way I’m am falling for this mess. I was actually just thinking of it as a practice interview, but I would have been darned peeved to get there and find some kind of cattle-call scenario.
Thanks to all who have posted here to warn the unaware.
December 19th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I received an e-mail with a number and name and title.
I checked the company and the phone number matched the one for the only office located in our state (60 miles away from where I live). So then I called and asked what location they were hiring for. I was told either here or there. They where “”expanding into my area.”
The guy that I spoke with wanted to know if I had any management experience and if I was currently working. I said yes to both. But I also told him that I was trying to change my field to something other than sales and retail management and planned to start classes the first of the year and asked if there were other positions that were being offered.
He said yes to everything. I am always leary of being offered a great job because of all the screwwing that I have taken in the past year from employers.
I found this site and was shocked. I read and read but the only peaple and positions that are discussed is sales agnets and managers.
Has anyone worked or interviewed for a different possition? Clerical, mail room, data intry or anything?
I was going to go to my interview aiming for something along the lines of office work because that is what I want to take classes for (as I am going back to school to change my carreer path).
I may still go to the interview just to see if the only thing they want is sales. I have been on interviews that I have ended abruptly by saying that if this is strickly commission then I do not want it.
I am not afraid to work hard for my money but I will not work for nothing. And if people don’t have it to spend then no matter how much they want it and no matter how hard you work you won’t get paid!
It is just too risky with today’s economy…
December 20th, 2008 at 7:23 am
As a former “Independent Rep” for AIL I’ll tell you my story and opinion of what I know about the company from 3 years ago.
I came to work for this company after having my L&H License for 3 years and worked for well rounded company. I left there due to growing family needs that required my attention.
After my situation had improved, I interviewed with AIL, was hired and within three weeks, I left the company. The first week was learning there sales system and products,with some joint appointment work. The second week was out in the field with a manager and on my own.
When hired I didn’t have to pay any up front fees, as I told them I simply won’t, so my sales manager assumed the cost. They had leads for me and set appointments for me, all I needed to do was go out and close the deal. They give you a sales pitch you must follow.
All sounded great to me. No mess just go in for the close. As a 9 year sales professional at the time I thought what could be better? Sure the 1099 pay would be different, no benefits offered but hey I could by my sell myself my own Health Insurance plan, get a commission for it and write off the expense as a business expense. Sweet! Or so I thought.
Reality of working for AIL is:
1. I was a captive agent of sorts, (couldn’t be signed with any other Insurance company even one that didn’t compete with there products) No Annuity sales! Why? So I spend my time selling their stuff only. Bye bye cheap health insurance. Captive contract without the fringe benefits.
2. Preset appointments started an average of 80 to 120 miles from my house one way. And I had to go the the office everyday to pick up my maps, 60 miles away, couldn’t you just fax them, email? Oh no we want you to come in they said.
After reaching the first appointment, you soon realized that you had 10 mins to spend in this house before you had to leave for you next appointment to reach it on time. Sometimes there wasn’t anytime and I had to cancel or reschedule 2 even 3 appointment due to this fact.
After you rescheduled the appointment you pray that the call center notice it and tries to put you close to it. I asked to set my own they says, sorry not right now you can’t. Why? They didn’t trust me to, like I didn’t need to make money.
3. Their script does work, people will buy from you. I have seen it. What they are buying form you and why they are buying is a mystery to both me and the clients.
You see the sales script is worded in such a way as to not seem like your buying Life Insurance in fact they don’t even say those words ever. The client is being told that in the even of their deaths all a loved one needs to do is give this peace of paper to a Funeral home and its like giving them money, they’ll call the number on the back and give these number to our office and we’ll take care of the rest.
Basically its the policy number, and they are given the option of assigning there policy over to them. Its common practise. (Not clearly stating what your selling? Very unethical! IMO)
4.(A)Price guides! That’s right Boys and Girls bring your calculator and some scrap paper because there isn’t any computers or even a program available to down load on your own laptop! To determine prices for your customers, you get to look it up in a hand book like it was 1960! Oh, the fun you’ll have.
4.(B) Additionally to find the correct age of your client they use the “closest to method”, to determine age. (Its legal, at least in the state I was in) It is also legal to “back date” a clients age if their birthday was in the last 6 months.
So instead of helping them save some money, and thus making it perhaps a little easier to close a deal and be viewed as a good guy for helping them out some, you get to incur more cost. But hey, you get more commission! that’s all that matters right??
5. Their prices wasn’t the most reasonable but nothing to out of whack, pretty average I’d say. But they only seem to be worried about funeral expense, 5k-15k.
Straight Life Insurance without dividends, meaning this policy stays the same death benefit forever no chance of growth. “Don’t worry about the big cases 50-150k let the other guys do that” I was told by a manager, “We stay off their radar and don’t have to worry about replacements.”
I also heard a manager say something to the effect of, why use your big policy to pay for your funeral expense, you’ll need that money for other things. If your selling or buying a big policy you should incorporate funeral expense First and foremost into the death benefit amount…that’s the main reason to sell or buy life insurance, right?
6. The “experienced Managers” that I worked with had no clue about Insurance other then what they was told. No clue as to how helpful they could be in someones life, the power to save peoples money on unforeseen loss of income due to accidents, health issues even due to death. No idea how Insurance products can save vast amounts in peoples taxes or how to leverage retirement to achieve more with there money. To provide continuity of life for the survivors.
Why? Because they didn’t know any better, they were hired-in off the street with no insurance back ground, learned only this systems and sold a lot of people crappy policies.
7. No real customer service after point of sale. You didn’t get to drop off the policy, nor deliver death claims even if you wanted to.
I know it sounds scary to some, but delivering death claims is a must if your going to sell insurance. Once you deliver a claim on a contract you wrote. It will make you become a better agent because you then get to see the value of what it is that you do. You’ll take pride in your work and put others needs ahead of your own.
And that is the mark of a great insurance salesman. Earning money by helping people is way more fulfilling and rewarding than scamming people.
I endured the second week because I need money. So I followed there system half heatedly, I didn’t make any sales. Then on at Thursday I came across a client that was money savvy.
The system failed fast as he wanted answers to questions that wasn’t in the manual. So I reverted back to what I knew how to do. I ended up selling a 300k policy, replacing one horrible Universal policy (that was self destructing due to under funding) and 5 credit-life policies he had on various loans. I saved that client over $100 a month even after buying my policy.
I came back dropped off my paper work, and wrote my policy count, premium count and commission on the board. Much to my surprise the Office Manager wasn’t happy with me. As the office manager scolded my sales manager for doing such a horrible job of training me, I added up the board. I earn more in one appointment and one commision then all 11 of the others sales staff combined for the whole week. Yet I wasn’t doing the job I was told to do.
Wasn’t I in sales? Aren’t I supposed to make money? Or was the real problem that I just showed your whole staff and management team that there system was inferior and caused them to evaluate their decision to work the way they was?
I quit as soon as the policy was issued and mailed even tho I didn’t go on any more appointment due to a horrible cold ( I was sick of working there…)
Additionally after leaving I became an Independent Insurance Agent, and revisited my AIL Client. Today I have rolled over 800k in investment for them, 4401k, CD, and profits from a house and RV sale. I have saved them thousands in taxes by advising of an updated will, referring them to an mortgage specialist for refinancing out of a swing arm into a low rate fixed mortgage before the crash even happened.
I have earn close to 80k in commission from this single client, not counting the referrals and leads they provide to me over the years. All while I was simply doing what I love to do, helping people.
I do thank American Income Life for one thing tho. They made my life so much easier. When I’m having a bad day I think, could be worse…I could be working 50+ hours a week for AIL trying to trick people into buying life insurance, all in the hopes of making 50k a year. I work quite a bit less then that, and have a staff of 3 reps all whom make 5 figures a month.
My advice, if you want to be in the insurance business, join a good company that is known for having a outstanding training program. Self study and get your CEP or other estate planning designation asap, your going to have to do your CE (Continued Education required every 2 years) anyways. Practise what you preach, you can’t sell it if you haven’t bought it, and don’t do it because you need the commission…. Save your money for rainy days, they will come and it is hard, so live under your means. Help your friends and family members don’t prey on them for a quick sale in a slow week.
John MDRT,LTCP,CEP,RIA.
For those that don’t know…
MDRT~Million Dollar Round Table (07-08)
LTCP~Long Term Care Professional
CEP~Certified Estate Planner
RIA~Registered Investment Advisor
“Plan like there is no tomorrow.”
December 21st, 2008 at 1:51 am
The office that recruited me charges agents a $50 per week agency fee. That’s paying your boss!
To all of the AIL shills who post here, I guess I was just too lazy to pay my boss!
December 22nd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
John, while I (and I believe other people) appreciate your insight, your English grammar and usage is atrocious and easily discredits otherwise valid commentary.
December 24th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Well it’s interesting to read all these comments.
Like so many others, yes, I had received the call after they spotted my resume on Careerbuilder.com, but during my phone call, it was mentioned that they were looking for management positions to be filled, and since that’s my niche with a recent 15 year management stint completed, I agreed to attend the interview.
It did strike me as odd that the confirmation e-mail said to “dress professionally” - duh - what, do you think someone serious about looking for work will show up in a Metallica T shirt? That may be so, since they don’t seem to be really screening applicants…
The office itself gave me a pit of pause, as it was located in a small - tiny that it - run down office suite nestled on the fringe of a residential area. Shabby, to say the least, however, appearances don’t always tell the whole story. Maybe in this case they did.
OK, so, here’s the first 5 minute interview, and they ask me what type of work positions do I want to avoid…so clearly, I do state that sales or commission sales, are NOT what I am after, and it was communicated to me that this was a management/office coordination type job that was being dangled before me. “Fine, great, you’re what we’re looking for”. Hmm.
Well, so then the big presentation gets underway. Here it is, the big picture, commission sales. Exactly what I’d told two people I did NOT want, was NOT interested in.
The location manager regales us with his tales of being able to buy his first Porsche this year…how he’ll clear 500,000k this year…how in 9 months we’ll be making 80,000 - uh huh. It just smacks of flash and deception - never before have I had a “job interview” where the interviewer is SELLING to a room of applicants…never ever…
This was a sales pitch plain and simple, hoping to sucker in some of the other applicants sitting there with me, the younger girls maybe who mentioned they’re currently with Chuck E Cheese or Target and really want to better themselves but didn’t see through this.
I’m sure there are some AIL office that are professional, and yeah, there’s a market for the product sure - hell I’d sold enough AD&D during my stint as a telemarketer.
I can’t judge AIL as a whole, but based on the snake oil salesmenship on display during my first AND ONLY ( I will not go back for more) encounter with them, there are some serious doubts about their credibility.
December 26th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Well! By reading this I come to one understanding. I will not call the number in my email and yes I am ambitious.
The way I look at it is the people saying good about this company is the people who work for them. No way will I pay to work. You say it is for the license, then if so, why don’t they hurry serious people, less people, and pay for their training?
I think teamwork is a must but if the company is getting a bad score on hiring, then does this not affect the company over all? I think they may need a better resource staff if this company is a good one.
No, I will not call the number for a job in my email because to me the company isn’t stable if they are not stable with their employees.
December 26th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I received a call today from this company,they said they saw my resume on monster.com.
I thought it was strange,so I found this site,so many negative comments so i cancelled my interview. I have no experience working for a insurance company,I been working in the medical field for the last 15 years…thank you for opening my eyes.
December 26th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I work for AIL, they never made me pay for my training materials or anything like that.
I did have to pay for my insurance license though, but you have to do that in most places you work, plus its a perk. We sell AIL’s own product, not some recycled one.
I am proud to be in this company, yes there are offices and management thare are scum I am sure, but my time here has been nothing but pleasant. And I have made money here.
the hiring process is a bit shady I must admit, but the training and support you recieve is wonderful, the job is great, I couldn’t be happier.
December 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Ok very interesting reviews.
I am and representative of american income. And my experience at american income have nothing but of truthfulness.
American Income is a company where you control what your pay is, your hours, and what you work. When you get interviewed, the average agent out of my agency (Surace-Smith) makes no less 1200$ a week.
I came into this company thinking it was a scam as well, but until I actually started to work and actually seeing clients cry bc of us just helping them out and insuring them, i knew for a fact this was not a scam.
And on top of serving everybody, we have great work environment, great co-workers. We give people a opportunity to control what they make, whether you take advantage or not is your choice. But as for someone like myself, I took full advantage of it and have not looked back since.
If you want success, you will get it and not use having to pay for your license that you can take throughout your whole state as a excuse.
December 29th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Well, here we go again. I like to periodically peruse the complaint websites when i’m having a bad day, these complaints always lighten my mood a little.
Some guy said earlier the NJ Attorney General’s office claimed AIL was the most complained about company in the US. I called to confirm this and guess what i found out? BIG FAT LIE!
Another guy who claimed to be a former SGA said after 10 years with the company, his debit balance was so large he received no renewals.
First of all, after being an SGA for 10 years why did you only have 3 million in renewal premium? Where did you work, Greenland? And lets face facts Bubba, if your retention was that crappy, why should the company pay you a dime in renewals when all your business was garbage. You failed, SORRY! BLAME YOURSELF!
These websites began with just a couple of failures who decided to complain about their experience with the company. Consequently, it snowballed into more and more ex-agents who didn’t have what it took, bitterly complaining about their own miserable failures.
NOW, it has been taken over by hundreds of people, WHO ARE LOOKING FOR JOBS AND HAVE THEIR RESUMES POSTED ON JOB SITES, who never even got in their car and drove down for the interview.
What a shame that just a couple of people who were unable to perform successfully at AIL, may have shattered countless potential successful careers of poor souls who never had the chance to even come down for the group interview. There may be thousands of people out there who would have done well and secured a life-long career but were scared off by disturbing sites like this one.
And Mike, one last thing: You are right about something, for 2 and 1/2 years i had to sacrifice lots of time with my family, and it was tough on them and me. I was exhausted after pulling 12 hour days(never 16-18 by the way) 6 days a week. But i gotta tell you this: I essentially work 9-5 now except for the few times a month in the field when i have to maintenance train a struggling agent. I have more time for my family now more than i ever had in my life. Except now, my family will never have to worry about money again. I re-examine my future business plan every month and fully intend to secure a fat renewal check for life. The sacrifice was well worth it.
God bless you all
December 29th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Alright I’m back again.
I’ve said many times that I don’t necessarily agree with the hiring practices. When I’m doing interviews, I prefer to give the people as many of the FACTS as they ask for.
I’m not going to lie and B.S. you just to get you to the second interview. Some agencies may use deception and lies to get new hires and keep the list rolling…but I’m sure that is not the norm.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…it’s a group interview…it’s easier for the managers to handle so that we are not in the office all day every day just doing interviews with each prospective employee.
I just honestly believe that if we called people on their resumes and said we are a life insurance company that pays in commission only there would not be many responses.
If it’s not for you, don’t do it. If you could care less about how they got you in the door, and care more about what’s available when you walk through it, then it’s certainly the company for you…
December 31st, 2008 at 7:52 am
Ah well, time for me to tell my story; if only I’d found this website (or the many others like it) before accepting employment from American Income Life.
First off let me start with this: make no mistake, AIL is a multilevel marketing scheme. They are rated A+ superior, yes, however this speaks only to their solvency, not their business ethics. Yes, the stock profile is better than average, but they make their money by cashing in people like you and me.
Not only is AIL the most unprofessional company I have ever worked for (I have worked for two small businesses that operate in the owners home, both were leaps and bounds more professional than AIL), but it is without a doubt the least ethical (by again, leaps and bounds).
I paid an expensive price for my naivety (at this point, I have $9.67 in my checking account and 37.40 in my savings account. I spent over two grand for this job, stupid me); my hope is that others can avoid the disaster I suffered by finding my story, and the story of others, online.
Forget what they tell you in the job description about ‘helping people’ and being a ‘manager trainee program.’ Here is the job, mislead people on the phone to get them so schedule an appointment, enter their home under false pretenses, and then emotionally manipulate them as much as possible to try and get them to buy life insurance they may or may not need.
Now, I understand that emotional manipulation is an intrinsic part of advertising and sales, however, this is not the part that is really despicable. It’s the ‘entering people’s homes under false pretenses’ part.
You are going into someone’s home, having just short of lied to them about why you are even there; that act is not moral. And then on top of that, your job is to assault them with underhanded sales techniques until they cave and buy a life insurance policy.
In this job, you are essentially a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman. They just want any excuse to get their foot in the door so they can sell someone. I am not capable of doing that, so I quite.
They tell you that you won’t have to work hard… I was working up to fourteen hours a day, and I was working seven days a week. I should mention, I did that willingly and was never late (my manager was almost always late), and I barely slept for about three weeks.
I am not afraid of hard work; I worked my way through college for a BS in math. Twenty to thirty hours a week at a job and college full time is hard work. So please understand, I left the company because I could not reconcile the business practices of this company with my conscience, not because they wanted me to work hard (though strangely, they kept insisting that the job was ‘easy,’ and ‘you only had to work smart, not hard’).
When I quit, my GA was very professional. I handed her a letter of resignation, and she said, “Okay. I’ll need your leads so we can reconcile them.” She was fine about it (I imagine she’d been through someone quiting about a million times before).
But then, my SGA wanted to see me (I presumed for an exit interview). He basically just berated me for a while. Looking back, I don’t really see what the point of that was.
He had always had a lot of hope for me. I think he could tell that I am a hard worker. Also, I passed the state exam the first time, which no one else I encountered at the office had done (most took it about three times, some more). So, perhaps he was just angry to lose me.
I tried to remain professional, he didn’t stop the verbal barrage until I used the phrase, “bait and switch.” I used it to describe what they do in people’s homes (basically, “here are some free benefi-BuySomeLifeInsurance!!!!) Wow, just thinking back, what an absolutely horrible experience, and it gets even better.
Now that I quit, they apparently aren’t going to pay me my first pay check. Or they aren’t going to pay me the full amount anyways. When I went out with my “leads” (more on those later) and my manager did the closing, I was supposed to get paid for those.
Now, they’re basically making my commission a lot less because I quit, which is illegal in the state of Maryland. So, just to get my pay check (my minuscule conciliation price of $700) I have to file a compliant form in district court. Yes that’s right, just to get my pay check from this company, I have to take them to court… awesome (sarcasm).
Please anyone reading this, just save yourself the misery and stay away from this company. If you want to do sales, great. There are many non-MLM sales jobs out there for you, where you won’t have to be a scum bag. If you really want to sell life insurance, great. There are many reputable companies out there to work for that won’t screw you over.
Phew, so many things to talk about with this company. Next, lets talk about those “leads.” They aren’t actually leads. Leads, would be people who maybe wants to buy life insurance, these are not those people.
Your “leads” might as well be a random sampling of the population. These poor people are those who have requested no cost benefits through there union. How is that related to, they want to buy life insurance? It isn’t!
Basically, AIL strikes a deal with a union to provide minuscule no cost benefits in exchange for getting a salesperson into the home of some union member. If I were in a union that dealt with AIL, I’d be pretty upset.
It’s strange, but I went through different phases with this company. They had me so sold on them at first (how naive I was). I was ready to work hard and sacrifice. By the end, however, I could see right through my SGA’s bullshit. When he was verbally assaulting me for my ‘exit interview,’ half the things he said didn’t even make sense.
In a way, it was sort of sad. It was amazing, in only four and a half weeks time, I went from idolizing my SGA, to feeling sorry for him.
On a side note, it’s interesting, I read one comment about how a new-hire’s car was nicer than their manager’s. That was the case for me too, and I was just a working student!
And another odd thing, my SGA was all about God. I think he was basically using “The Secret” as a motivational tool for his employees. Please keep in mind, I’m not saying it’s odd that he is very religious, that is completely common and normal. What’s odd is how he sort of forced it on me (and everyone else).
Throughout the office, there are messages on dry erase boards about how ‘though God all things are possible.’ What things are they talking about? Ripping people off to make band? I’m no deity, but I’m pretty sure swindling people is wrong.
Not to mention, the SGA makes almost a million dollars a year on his MLM empire. I’m pretty sure I remember something from Bible school about it being easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter heaven.
I’m just saying, I think this definitely qualifies as irony. The other thing where he really pressed the issue was when he said that God was the only thing that could center you. It was a very awkward moment in the training class for me, because he made everyone in the room say that God centers them.
Firstly, I personally believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. I happen to not believe in any sentient creator being. He rode me until I more or less said that I believed in God and that God is the only thing that can center me.
I should have seen a red flag at that point. I think I was just still so sold on the whole thing. But, I digress.
Looking back, I don’t know how they ever fooled me. I guess I just wanted to believe that there was some sort of short cut to wealth. And perhaps, if one has no concern for integrity, then there is. For me however, no paycheck is worth that. That is a bit comforting to know, but I still don’t know how I’m going to pay my bills this month…
So please, please, learn from my mistake. Don’t work for American Income Life. I know the job market is tough right now, but save yourself the indignity.
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I went to my second interview and after that i was turned off by the basis of the company.
Any company that demands money from you especially in this struggling economy is insane. Ail might be a company that you get what you put in but i conviced you’ll waste alot of time and money.
And they seem to hire anyone who is willing to try…
January 4th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
All I’m going to say is that there’s probably a reason gmail filtered all my recruiting emails from this company to spam.
I just saw the email when I was cleaning out my spam folder and thought I’d google search to see if I found any info on it..
I think I’ll pass on submitting my resume.
January 5th, 2009 at 2:24 am
It happened to me a couple of months ago. I was so desperate for a job- I fell for the American Inocome crap.
It was a “new” office in NH. They saw my resume on monster… yada yada yada - 1st interview, you know the drill… me and 5 others. Much less than the other people reported - “cattle call”.
Then I got the call for 2nd interview and “passed” everything- even the personality test…LOL. I agreed to take the online courses- which are HORRIBLE. They are probably part of the scam.
My manager was fresh out of college - poor thing. Easy prey I guess. I am more dissapointed in the way they handle their interviewing techniques. Dont tell me lies- oh I will be making money in the first week right??
After reading the posts on here- I knew my manager was full of sh*t! I needed the job so bad- I even told the manager that I was so excited to work for them because money had been so tight and that I was heading for forclosure- yeah buddy thanks for the heads up jerkoff!
And the whole unethical part- it just makes me sick to my stomach.
The best part was the break up though. After taking their stupid courses and being in contact with the manager only- I stumbled upon this site and read the bad news about the company.
I was starting to get a bad vibe and this site just confirmed it. So when I called and asked for the manager- the infamous “regional manager” picks up the phone… I say 2 words : “I’m out”…. all he says is “thanks for calling”. **sholes!
*So the lesson here is if it sounds too good to be true- IT IS!! *
January 6th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Well, well, I thought as much.
My experience with MLM sales pitches in the past (Amway, etc) taught me that if a company relies on a constant new supply of salespeople who are reeled in by the promise of riches made off the backs of their own recruits, then they are clearly in the numbers game, not the people-helping game.
Those at the top level are constantly working not to improve their product, but to replenish the bottom level, who provide all the dirty footwork.
And as I told the office who called me about “a management position”, AIL’s horrible reputation on the web (whether fully-deserved or not) is not a handicap I want to assume. It’s hard enough trying to sell iffy insurance to poor union members- Who wants to try and deal with that kind of bad rep?
January 7th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Wow, I can not believe how the blind lead the blind.
There is no job out there that is going to pay you for not working. Most of these upset x employees couldn’t take it.
This job is not for everybody. I am a MGA for the company and I am in charge of interviewing. In my agency, we don’t just hire anybody. I know that this is a hard job. I know this isn’t for everybody.
But, I think it is wonderful that this company will give an ordinary person, with no school or degree a chance to become something bigger.
And to the people who are upset: there upset because they could see their dream and realized that they didn’t have the discipline and motivation to reach it. They want it handed to them.
As far as paying for training, we do not collect money for any of this. We show them were they needed to go to get schooling and licensing. We show them in office, but they can do it on their own.
The reason new agents don’t do it on their own is because they don’t know how to. I have put 4 people in class today. Here, in my state, it only costs: 85 for class, 85 for test, and 50 to get your license.
The other funny thing about it is there are some companies that pay for classes for them, but they’re getting their money back somewhere. Most, not all, of these companies ask for a list of family and friends. This is more leads for the company.
Also, if you leave a company as an agent and have bad business, the company will make you pay it back to them, or hold your license. Here, when an agent leaves he is not responsible for the business anymore, and his license is his.
Oh, and you guys need to do more research before believing people that were inadequate to do the job. If you go to AM Best, the company who rates insurance companies, they rate us A+. Wow, for a scam, that pretty good…lol I will tell you this.
When I interview I am looking for people who have discipline and motivation. A lot of people say they have this and when it comes time to prove it they can’t. Resumes….lol these are just brag sheets….lol
As far as people saying all agencies do everything the same way, that is false. Agencies have different programs and different scripts. The agencies are controlled by the sga….Oh, lol also, saying that our clients pay out more money than the policy is worth is way off. Maybe a 75 year old man who lives to 100…. lol And he bought it because he needed it…
I just can’t believe this many people in this forum are that blind to whats happening. Don’t let other people make your decision for you. I have seen a lot of successful people. I have seen people fail. But it is not a scam.
Why, don’t you guys ask some of our families who have had someone passed away and we took care of them. Unions don’t like us… Are you serious…? We work with over 25,000 unions. 3,000 FCU, 1,000 associations like the fire depts., and state police alliance. Do you really think the state police alliance would be with us if it was a scam?
Ya right. And I can’t believe that someone would make fun of the food bank. We run food banks for union members who get laid off or fired. What, do you hate people who help? I know that as a company we cannot make everyone happy, but we do try.
Do you realize that we start training agents on a 40% contract, $175 guarantee advance and bonus every week!!! Wow, That’s awesome. My agents, who are not doing great by standards, are making 30,000 a year. Good agents make 60,000 and then the exceptions of superstars in excess of 100,000 in their first year.
Iffy insurance? have you even looked up there quotes, I bet you can’t find a better price…. Iffy, its whole life… Guaranteed … Not term that goes away. Did you that nationally, only 1% of term policy’s pay out… This is whole life, at least in my state. Again, every state is different.
But what I know is that the unions here love us because we help them out in many different ways, not just insurance. We back the working men and women of this country. I’m sure there will be non believers but why destroy other people’s dreams just because you couldn’t hack it.
As for management. Here our management team is awesome. Everybody loves working for us. Matter of fact, when someone quits them usually stay in contact with me… The reason we say management trainee, is that you can become a manager in a month. Most of the time its 3 months.
But, why do people in here feel we have to just give you money for nothing. Again, I know it’s not for everyone. When I’m interviewing I make sure to tell them everything about the position. If you don’t like it don’t go but don’t slander a company who has giving its entire being to protecting our clients and pay our agents very well……..
January 10th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I put my resume on Monster looking for an executive assistant position and got a call from Am Income Ins.
They asked me to come in for an interview and when I asked what position I was interviewing for I was told that they have lots of positions - sales, mgmt trainee, “we have lots of jobs.”
My interview lasted no more than 10 minutes and I was asked to come back in an hour for a group interview and a personality test. I asked a 2nd time what I was interviewing for and was told it depends on how I do.
The group interview was conducted by a very bad saleman who raved about how great the company is. He started by saying that selling insurance is recession proof. He reviewed the policies such as burial ins and accident ins and went into how you are paid such as if you sell a $6000 life ins policy you get a $2000 “wake-up bonus” where you wake up and there’s $2000 in your checking account the next day.
We were explained how we get paid where he through out all this $1000s of $$$s if you do this or that. As a litigation paralegal I was ready to go to the DA about this operation.
It wasn’t until the end of the day at my 3rd part of the interview process that I was told that I had to put out $700 upon hire and then go home and wait for some “yellow cards” that would tell me the prospects I was to call on.
You have to set-up your own home office and use your own car. If I was to make 1.5 sales per week I would make $35,000/yr. I just wonder what the “wake-up bonus” is for the guy at the top of this piramid.
This is a job that no one needs. Who has ever heard of a job where you have to pay to start working. It concerns me that someone who is so desparate for a job, will bite into this scam.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
well the only other position available at the company is PR. I am thinking part of the PR is to monitor this blog as well as others and respond.
I am not going to say if it is right or wrong because sales IS SALES and requires a ton of commitment. I have known many sales people who were successful and others that sucked (including myself).
Here are some of my points:
1. they do not offer any health insurance
2. no discount to buy any of their policies
3. jennifer told me they would reimburse my $700 lic fee
4. Yes it is only $50 plus materials to study and get the license. I should be able to certify myself with whom I please but they won’t let me but “IT IS MY BUSINESS”
http://www.learninsurance.com/oregon/oregon-insurance-ce.cfm?source=gliORce333002INSonl24&gclid=CPL14umch5gCFRlRagodkEOCDA
5. deception in interview they shouldn’t hire no sales people!!!!
6. other stuff but i’m tired.
January 11th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Saaleswise 234 I loved your response DITTO!!!
January 11th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
oh by the way I TRULY do not work for AIL… I needed to get this straight.
I wanted to make a comment on someone who bloged why there are no complaints from…. a list of insurance companies… one was AIG… GO FIGURE!!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I want to thank people like all of you for getting the word out about scammers like AIL.
I signed up with Career Builder and put my Resume out there with companies I knew were good. Today AIL called me to let me know they saw my Resume and would love an interview with me.
I told them NO because of places like this. Thank you all again!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Anybody see boiler room?
Its kinda like that… No, exactly like that.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Its sad when people have to bad mouth a reputable company because they don’t have the money to pay for THEIR OWN licensing.
Maybe they do a 3 interview process to weed out all you complainers who just aren’t cut out to make over a hundred grand a year. (It takes hard work and long hours…sorry to let you in on that little secret)
Wake up, stop your complaining and do some real research on this company before you run your mouth off.
January 14th, 2009 at 2:33 am
I was hired on in March 2008. Completed 2008 as a personal producer. Bought my first Ferrari (355 F1 Spider) July 3, 2008. Made $96,000 gross income in 9 months.
Made Founder’s Club AND President’s Club AND qualified for AIL Convention and only worked 9 months out of the year.
Sales isn’t for everyone people. And the line between sales and providing benefits to families is not as thick as people think. I love my job. I love meeting all of the union members.
My renewals started in October and are now at over $1000/month. So, I get paid $1000 for waking up every morning. What a great life.
January 14th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
i was called for an interview, i went.
The lady could not answer any of my questions. She said that it would be covered in my second interview, well not 10 mins later she ask me to come back for the second interview.
I show up and there is a group of people that are there for the second interview. made me wonder how everyone from the first interview made it to the second, even the guy who came in wearing jeans and t-shirt.
After the video, which was suppose to be the second interview, the lady i interviewed called me back to her office and told me that she would call me later with more info.
well she called tonight, which my first interview was today, telling me that i have been selected for the final interview. I have never interviewed with a company and had someone call me back that fast.
Makes me wonder what really is going on.
Thanks to everyone who provided a great insight to how this company really works.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
WOW! I’m glad I looked into them, unfortunately it was after I set up an interview with them, but at least now I know what to expect when I go.
Thanks everyone for all of your comments and information! I appreciate it!
January 15th, 2009 at 1:01 am
I read a lot of these post but one thing i dont get is how come no ne has reported anything to bbb and how come bbb hasnt no complaints aginst AIL??????????
January 16th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
John- there is only 1 accredited AIL with the BBB. The rest are not accredited, so it wouldn’t matter if anyone filed a complaint against them. ‘
Just for the single AIL that IS accredited - they had 39 complaints with the BBB within 36 months…I copied and pasted the following from the BBB site for you to see. If you don’t believe me then go to the website and check it our for yourself!
Business Contact and Profile
Name: American Income Life Insurance Company
Phone: (254) 761-6400
Fax: (254) 761-6670
Address: PO Box 2608
Waco, TX 76797
Local Start Date: January 1924
Principal: Mr Roger Smith, President
File Open Date: February 1977
TOB Classification: Insurance Companies
BBB Accreditation: This organization is a BBB Accredited business.
Additional DBA Names: Torchmark Corporation
Additional Locations and Phone Numbers
Additional Addresses
1200 Wooded Acres Dr
Waco, TX 76710
Licensing
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
These agencies may include:
Texas Department of Insurance
333 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78701-3938
(800) 578-4677
******Customer Complaint History******
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company’s size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm’s responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB processed a total of 39 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 39 complaints closed in 36 months, 19 were closed in the last year.
Contract Issues BBB Definition:
Contract Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor contract or agreement, work performed without authorization, or invalid contract.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
4 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Billing or Collection Issues BBB Definition:
Billing or Collection Issues - Claim alleging billing errors, unauthorized charges, or questionable collection practices.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
4 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
4 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
Sales Practice Issues BBB Definition:
Sales Practice Issues - Claims of alleged sales presentations made in person or by telephone that contain misrepresentations of the product or service, high pressure sales practices, failure to disclose key conditions of the offer, and verbal representations not consistent with written contractual terms or agreements.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
4 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Service Issues BBB Definition:
Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service, failure to provide promised service, inferior quality of provided service, or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
6 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Customer Service Issues BBB Definition:
Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service, failure to provide promised service, inferior quality of provided service, or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.
BBB Definition:
Customer Service Issues - Claims alleging unsatisfactory customer service, including personnel’s failure to provide assistance in a timely manner, failure to address or respond to customer dissatisfaction, unavailability for customer support, and/or inappropriate behavior or attitude exhibited by company staff.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
5 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Guarantee or Warranty Issues BBB Definition:
Guarantee or Warranty Issues - Claims alleging failure to honor the terms regarding guarantees or warranties.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Product Issues BBB Definition:
Product Issues - Claim alleging a product does not meet the expectations of the complainant, including defective merchandise.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined that despite the company’s reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
Refund or Exchange Issues BBB Definition:
Refund or Exchange Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor company policy or verbal commitment to provide refunds, exchanges, or credit for products or services.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
5 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined that despite the company’s reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
I was hired on in March 2008. Completed 2008 as a personal producer. Bought my first Ferrari (355 F1 Spider) July 3, 2008. Made $96,000 gross income in 9 months.
January 16th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Why didn’t my other post come up??
There is only 1 accredited BBB American Income Life…the rest are not credited, so it would be pointless to file a complaint.
Business Contact and Profile
Name: American Income Life Insurance Company
Phone: (254) 761-6400
Fax: (254) 761-6670
Address: PO Box 2608
Waco, TX 76797
Local Start Date: January 1924
Principal: Mr Roger Smith, President
File Open Date: February 1977
TOB Classification: Insurance Companies
BBB Accreditation: This organization is a BBB Accredited business.
Additional DBA Names: Torchmark Corporation
Products and Services
This company offers health, life and accident insurance.
Additional Locations and Phone Numbers
Additional Addresses
1200 Wooded Acres Dr
Waco, TX 76710
Licensing
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
These agencies may include:
Texas Department of Insurance
333 Guadalupe St
Austin, TX 78701-3938
(800) 578-4677
Back to top
Customer Complaint History
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company’s size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm’s responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB processed a total of 39 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 39 complaints closed in 36 months, 19 were closed in the last year.
Contract Issues BBB Definition:
Contract Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor contract or agreement, work performed without authorization, or invalid contract.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
4 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Billing or Collection Issues BBB Definition:
Billing or Collection Issues - Claim alleging billing errors, unauthorized charges, or questionable collection practices.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
4 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
4 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
Sales Practice Issues BBB Definition:
Sales Practice Issues - Claims of alleged sales presentations made in person or by telephone that contain misrepresentations of the product or service, high pressure sales practices, failure to disclose key conditions of the offer, and verbal representations not consistent with written contractual terms or agreements.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
4 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Service Issues BBB Definition:
Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service, failure to provide promised service, inferior quality of provided service, or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
6 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Customer Service Issues BBB Definition:
Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service, failure to provide promised service, inferior quality of provided service, or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.
BBB Definition:
Customer Service Issues - Claims alleging unsatisfactory customer service, including personnel’s failure to provide assistance in a timely manner, failure to address or respond to customer dissatisfaction, unavailability for customer support, and/or inappropriate behavior or attitude exhibited by company staff.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
5 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Guarantee or Warranty Issues BBB Definition:
Guarantee or Warranty Issues - Claims alleging failure to honor the terms regarding guarantees or warranties.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Product Issues BBB Definition:
Product Issues - Claim alleging a product does not meet the expectations of the complainant, including defective merchandise.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined that despite the company’s reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
Refund or Exchange Issues BBB Definition:
Refund or Exchange Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor company policy or verbal commitment to provide refunds, exchanges, or credit for products or services.
Resolved BBB Definition:
Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
1 - Company resolved BBB Definition:
resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
5 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed BBB Definition:
Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution
1 - BBB determined that despite the company’s reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
January 16th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
My goodness!!!! I just lined up an interview, then I saw all of this about this company…
Praise God for the Holy Spirit to lead me to this….they will not be seeing me at that scheduled interview….I just want to THANK everyone for their honesty and comments…
GOB BLESS YOU ALL….good luck in your job search.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
VERY IMPORTANT YOU READ FULLY..
90% of the time, companies are not bad, just bad representation. I can’t speak for all of the 120 offices in the United States, Canada, Purto Rico, and New Zealand.
But to be a 3000 strong agency force, with over 37% of that force making over 100k per year at an agent level or supervisor its dishearting to read all thses negaitive remarks.
If you are using other peoples comments that you do not know to judge a company, sounds pretty careless and quite frankly unprofessional when deciding on a potential career decision. One should gather both the good and bad info and ask questions in the interviewing process.
American Income is to widly respected across the country to be protrayed as this crazy scam company.
Its sales folks. Most people aren’t cut out to sale. But everybody wants to make 6 figures. Sales enables that. 5% of america makes over 100k per year, 95% of that 5% are sales people.
Untill people stop dying and going to the hospital, looks like are sales people will always have a place to go, a reason to be there, and product to sell.
January 17th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
This is the letter that I submitted today to my boss at AIL.
Mind you, I made good money at this job (more than at any other job that I have ever had). But there is a price you pay with ethics for your employment with this company. Read it and take from it what you will:
January 17th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
AIL superstar-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the laugh!!! That by far is the best AIL proponent’s lie I’ve ever heard. I will quote you on that.
Thanks.
January 17th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
AIL….. well I belive they are true about making money……
truth is there have always been people like this……. ask your grandparents about the old bible sales men……… I respect the fact of how these people live their lives…..
like any GROUP OF PEOPLE there are liers and snakes….. you can not blame a COMPANY for a few shady employees…… if you feel this way stop shoping at Wal-Mart……
Look I went to the interview and me personaly not a fit form me…… I am post secondary school…. and from what they asked in the group interview in 5 years I will graduate and be a Rocket Scientist…….
I have sold Vacuum cleanrs as a kid I know the game and I know it is not a life for me, but not to say that my next door neighbor who is an out of work car sales man jumped and thanked me for refferring him to this company…………sales is this guys life that is who he is I can’t be mad because he does what it takes to make money…..
me I guess I am more of a lemming than I thought but to bash a company that never did me wrong is just as bad……. a real surfer will tell you that if you dont like they wave catch the next one…… peace out and good luck and dont bash people that are not bashing you.
January 18th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
I just got a phone call on sunday night at 6pm to come in for an interview.
ummm excuse me but any self respecting company does not do this let alone ask you to pay them money for a starter software program.
If you start thinking whether or not its legit, more times than not, it isnt
January 19th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
For the anonymous fellow on line 104. This is your quote.
“2000 alp x .65 = 1300
1300 x .5 = 650 paycheck = 175 gas bonus = .15% weekly bonus add that up and, thats right $1125 paycheck
I would say not bad for a days work, anyone agree. No thats right cause your all failures”
Punctuation errors.
Grammatically incorrect sentences.
Some lame McDonald insults. (From Delilah, Line 60)
Childish Insults.
I laugh because these are the people AIL hires to sell their insurance, sorry LIFE INSURANCE, to nice people who only want to make a better life for their family. Good luck to those who do care about their fellow neighbors.
January 20th, 2009 at 1:12 am
i also received a call from american income.
they left a vmail stating that they saw my resume online & wanted me 2 interview 4 the job. my wife suggested i look them up & stumbled upon this website,
THANK GOD!!! i can’t believe what would’ve happened if i called back. what they r doing 2 ppl is just terrible & pathetic. i’m glad i didn’t waste my time.
thanx 4 the warnings every1.
January 20th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
John wrote,
Go to the better business bureau and look up American Income Life. There is only 1 branch (In texas) that is BBB accredited. And they had 39 complaints in 36 months or something very close to that. AIL then paid the BBB to “close” the files and have them set as “resolved” on the website. Look it up!
January 21st, 2009 at 2:49 am
Um…Number 250. I don’t understand what you mean when you laugh.
I think that you actually think I am joking about my success within this company. That, to me, is comical. I really do own a Ferrari, and a BMW, and a Honda, which I use as my work car. I just bought a brand new house, as well.
So, if you are having a laugh at what you think is me providing this board with lies, then keep it up. My life is perfect and, unfortunately, there is no way for you to verify the veracity of my claims. So, good luck bashing companies online while I continue to live my amazing life.
January 21st, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Kudos to Stephen for shedding light on one very important topic that has been ignored: AIL leadership is poorly educated.
Rick Altig holds a bachelors from Oregon State in political sciene and now holds a very high position out of his league. Roger Smith has a GED and is president. Their head of sales, or more recently dubbed chief marketing officer, holds a bachelors from some marginal no name school in Canada. These are the people running the company.
Normally upper management and controlers of companies have masters or doctorates in business and strong vitaes to back them up-but NOT at AIL.
Like Stephen, i was lied to the first day I stepped foot into an Altig office-all managers and agents at all AIL offices are immersed in poorly educated managers and leaders, thus low quality service and business ethics is what you get from the top down.
Leadership is everything in a company-and the leadership at AIL is awful. Not one word from anyone defending this company can be trusted-if anything notice they all cite the same “facts” and make the same defenses (in poor grammar and style) that are untrue.
February 5th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Test
February 6th, 2009 at 2:15 am
F!!! I just paid over 400 dollars today for this. I got the job today and they said I needed to sign up then and there and pay the 400 dollars. I was really excited about making the good money but im so confused if what everyone is saying is true then Im screwed. I dont have a dime to my name now and I dont have money for rent now because I paid this. Im a really motivated person and i was really excited but i came across this and now im really confused. Someone who has worked there more the 6 months please tell me how you like it so i can stay motivated to work hard and beieve in what im selling.
February 7th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Wow!! Glad I read this prior to contacting them. I thought is was a bit odd being contacted for a jod at 8:20 pm on a Friday.
February 8th, 2009 at 2:01 am
You know what? This is a awful lot of comments in just a few months.
I’ve made as much money as Moby and the others are claiming - with an MBA in a real job.
I can tell you this, any company that calls me to schedule an interview, and the guy who called me is “out of the office” for a few days, and NEVER calls me back…then I start getting e-mails from another guy who I can’t get hold of, then a phone call from a different guy who wants me to come to a “meeting” but won’t tell me the company name or what the job is until I ask specifically…
Red flag, waving vigorously.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:49 am
They just called me also. When I called them back and told them I would not be coming in for an interview, they said “fine” and hung up.
February 9th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for the heads up!
February 9th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for all of your horrible reviews. I will call first thing in the morning and cancel my interview.
February 11th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
This is a great company! I have worked there and I also carry insurance thru them. Since the 80’s. Maybe its just where you live on how the company is run. You cant always judge a person by their education. I knew SGA’s that made a lot of money with only a high school education. Like any place you work someone always has something negative to say. To Stephen 251 now all of sudden you have ethics what happen during the time period you worked there. “Point Made”
February 12th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Ok I just completed my final interview and recieved my study guides, AIL chipped in on the cost of the state required pretest classes but yes I had to pay something for my education. The guy I have been dating is a “realist” who directed me to this site. Now Although I have not made anymoney yet I know investing in my education and licensing will be of value to me weather I wok for AIL or not. On my first interview there were at least 75 people waiting to be seen 24 of us got a second interview and I dont know how many were actually offered a position. I do know that they were up front about everything and they told me HONESTY is very important they dont want you to lie becuase that is bad for business, you upset one person and they go to work and say dont do it. My mother had insurance with them for many years. Another thing they told me is that this job is not cut out for everyone 1 out of 10 will stick with it to see the money others will determine is not for them. I have worked commision based sales before although I am still wet behind the ears which they see as trainability, they dont want bad habits from other sales training. The Office in Indianapolis didnt seem like many of the offices mentioned above. I am optamistic and believe I can be successful, and even if the lead is 2 years old it is still a lead they are providing from someone who contacted them. They were upfront about the odds and that people will stand you up, not every appointment will buy most wont this offices odds are 1 in 3. They will only give you leads in the same zip code. Now I have worked many places where your leads are a phone book and you try to convince them the gave you their information and that was not for me becuase it was dishonest and often hopeless. The key word is not for ME. AIL however so far I have nothing bad to say about them and if I am not sucessful it becuase it wasn’t for me. Any manager with good since is going to invest their time to try and make you the best you can be but in the end it is up to you, They want to make money too and from hiring and training they dont do that, they only make money off of you when you make money. If you dont make money of course they are not going to continue being patient. I wouldn’t cancel an interview based on these reviews just make a list of questions should they decide to offer you a position. It could be a wonderful thing if you can work commisioned sales, it could be a waste of both your time and resources and theirs if not. Thats how it is and that is life. I am peronally in a position I have nothing to loose and the money I am spending is by my own choice to invest in my self, I just know when I get my license they will be the first to give me a chance. I have not been asked to pay them a single penny to them. So I a partially educated single 26 year old female who has been scammed before says no this is not a scam it is just not an easy 9-5 go in come out and get your check kind of job, you have to apply yourself and at first I can see and expect it to be time consuming and in time as I get better at my business and build risidule income maybe I can spend less time out in the field. But relax people it is a sales position, which has a high turnover rate becuase sales are not for everybody. Best of luck to you no matter what you do.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I had posted my resume in response to an ad on craigslist, and received a call about a week later. When I had asked the woman on the phone what the name of the company was, the lady mumbled the name, and then would change the subject. Then she asked me a question that was sort of odd. What position am I interested in….What kind of question is that? Ive been a recruiter before, also a supervisor and Im going to have to say that its odd to ask someone what they want to be hired for.
As a company you should know what positions are open, and as an employer you should know what you are looking for exactly. So with some suspicion, I entered the phone number into google and came up with this website. Read ALL of the replies. Ive come to the conclusion that I will not be there for the interview tomorrow. Thank you for posting this its much appreciated.
February 13th, 2009 at 8:49 am
HELLO! WELL I JUST GOT INTERVIEWD YESTERDAY. I BEEN RESEARCHING THEIR COMPANY AND IT SEEM LIKE THAY ARE JUST A NOTHE SCAM. I DO WANT TO CLERIFY… THE PROCEDURE THAT THEY ARE USING WHERE YOU PAY ABOUT $700 DOLLARS FOR THE LICENSE AND TRAINING IS REALLY THE NORMS OF ANY OTHER INSURANCE COMPNAY. YOU HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THESE LICENSES BECAUSE YOU ARE REGISTERIN WITH THE STATE NOT THE COMPANY… THEREFOR YOUR LICENSE IS VALID ANY WHERE ELSE THAT YOU CHOOSE TO WORK…SOME COMAPNIES OFFER TO PAY FOR THE CLASSES AND TRAINIG FOR YOU..BUT AT THE END THEY TAKE IT FROM YOUR COMMISSION.
WELL IM VERY DISAPOINTED ABOUT THIS COMPANY IF THEY HAD A SECURE BASE PAY THAN IT WOULD MAKE THEIR COMPANY SEEM MORE CREDIBLE…I GUESS I WONT BE TAKING THIS JOB =(
February 14th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I currently work, and know many people at other firms, that work for EMPLOYERS that will pay for all credentials incidental for the job (e.g. FINRA Series licenses), and who value continuing education and will pay in-part for advanced degree programs (e.g. MA/MS, MBA, JD, etc.). An instructor of mine when I was an undergrad at a top tier college and business program once told us that the quality of an employing firm can be judged by the quality of their benefits, especially retirement (e.g., matching contributions and percent of match) and education (e.g., compensation for credentials and degrees).
Similar to what Dean said, I’m making as much as they promised, but a) I don’t have an MBA (only an undergrad degree from a respected university), b) I’m not in commissioned sales, c) my employer is definitely well-respected within industry and government. Yes, agreed, commissioned sales is NOT for everyone. But I know quality employers, including insurance companies and investment banks, and the way that they handle recruitment, training, and hiring is nothing like the practices (or lack thereof that I experienced) of AIL (AIL is NOT AIL–although they went under, they were a quality empoloyer).
From my professional recruitment experience, quality employers don’t lie to get you to come into interview. Then on top of that, the questions they asked in my “interview” weren’t even standard interview questions, and thus, the interview wasn’t very structured or rigorous.
Conclusion: Be skeptical. If you’ve read this, and heard the script, and still want to go through with it, all the best to you. But be warned, The way that this company handles business is NOT professionally standard by any means. They ARE considered second rate (I might be generous with that comment) as CREDIT RATINGS have NOTHING to do with BUSINESS PRACTICE.
February 14th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Correction:
*AIL (AIL is NOT AIG–-although they went under, they were a quality empoloyer).
February 17th, 2009 at 2:48 am
Ok everybody knows that a career in sales is not for everyone, but like many of you I was called and told they saw my resume posted on a job-search site and wanted me to come in for an interview (a couple days from now). I’m trying to keep an open mind but the lady who called me didn’t say they were looking for people for commissioned sales positions, she said I’d be interviewing for a benefits coordinator. I have a lifelong friend who’s worked for a life insurance company in Kansas for many years so I called her and had her email me a position description for benefits coordinator and she compiled a list of descriptions from her company and 2 others in her area…all had their own wording but basically, it’s an office job, which is what I was looking for. Some of the ppl who’ve left comments here in favor of AIL are bashing others for not wanting to work hard & I hardly think that’s it all. I think AIL is recruiting people under false pretenses. I saw their listing under “customer service” on a job board, but if it’s sales, they need to just say it’s “sales” so those of us not interested in sales can walk on by…dang!
February 17th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I agree with everyone on here. I recently went interview for AFLAC (yes, the Duck company) They were going to PAY for me to go for 3 days to Nashville to get trained PLUS my license. There is NO reason why anyone should have to pay to work for someone (isn’t that the opposite achievement??????) I turned down the opportunity only because commission scares me and I’m not a salesperson, but if YOU are then, AFLAC is the way to go!!!!! The people backing up this AIL company MUST work for them and NEED recruits to make their money?????!!!!!!! I received an email from a lady in Memphis to contact her for an interview!! WTH?????? When I called at the specified time by her, all I got was an answering machine. HUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????? Who runs a business like that???? Anywho, good luck to everyone, just thought I’d give my 2 cents!!
February 18th, 2009 at 7:34 am
I Love AIL. Success equals opportunity plus preparedness. The opportunities are limitless. Not everyone will succeed because not everyone is in a position of preparedness for it. Not only must you have the time to invest, but also be prepared mentally to be self motivated and determined. But I see success happen everyday in the NJ office. I am fairly new at the company. I see some people moving quickly and some slowly. Some with negative attitudes and some positive. But I notice that if the determination is there, they are positive and moving forward at a speed faster than possible in a corporate world. Most 9-5 jobs become stale because there is no movement and has limited earning potential. I haven’t seen a limit yet here. But if you are not willing to make an investment in time, in licensing fees and in yourself, why should the company make that investment in you? I have always felt that even the sky can’t hold me back. the sky’s no limit. There is nothing that I can’t accomplish or succeed in. So why hold a 9-5 job that imposes limits on when to work, how to work, how much I can make and what I am worth. Here at AIL, I decide what I am worth and I decide my limits. I guess that’s the only attitude difference between myself and everyone else who added a negative comment here.
February 18th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I almost drove 70+ miles for an interview with these guys, and I’m glad I stopped by this site and a few others. When they first called me up, I asked if they were an MLM and if I had to pay money to join and the lady flat out lied. I saw this site and called her again before I hit the road and confronted her with what I found she started getting mad. Poor form.
February 19th, 2009 at 11:23 am
I so thankful for reading all of this. I am scheduled to attend one of their meeting tomorrow. I decide not to do so thanks to these testimonies. Thank you and good luck to all those looking for good Honesty work. Early
February 19th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I like many of the other people who have submited responses had put my resume on Careerbuilder because some of the jobs I wanted to apply at required you submit your resume through them I have been a Realtor for a couple of years but with the slowing real estate market I decided to pursue a different avenue I have been interviewing with some insurance companies but through a employment agency so when this girl called and said they had gotten my resume off careerbuilder I did not think anything about it she indicated they were impresses with my resume and were eager to interview me i agreed as I did not have another appointment that day It was an hour drive to get there and then I had troublefinding the office as it was in an industrial complex that the addresses were not posted. As it were the girl who called gave me the wrong address and it was just lucky I found it The first thing the initial interviewer asked was had I looked them up on line befere coming in I said no but it made me think WHY HAD HE ASKED THAT Then he said if I had the time they would like to give me a presentation or OVERVIEW of the company The interview was over They put me in a room with 3 other people One was a young man just out of college and seeking his firt job another was a pharmacy tech with no sales experience and a girl who admitted she had no real sales experience I felt suspicious but went through the presentation anyway I did not feel comfortable when they said there would be some night work as we would be working with some factory workers who worked second and third shift when I asked about my territory they said that would be didcussed at a later time Then they started talking about training and having to be on call and drive to the office (an Hour away from my house) every day for no compensation because I wouold be making BIG money and it would be worth the time When the presentation was over they said they would be looking over our profiles and decide who would be a good fit for their company I left and called my husband from the parking lot and told him I did not feel like this was something I wanted to do. I drove home and got on the computer to check out why my instincts were rattled about this JOB OPPORTUNITY Then I found this site and WHEN they call to tell me I am a fit for their company I will PASS
February 19th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
I went to an interview today i am 20 years old and i was asked to come for a 3rd interview and now i am not going to go …. thanks all
something needs to be wrong when a 20 year old is in a room with 10-15 older professionals and he gets picked…
thanks all
and those of you who are kidding yourself saying that you like it Good luck being a*sholes at life
February 20th, 2009 at 10:35 am
JW, there are a million things that are different between “negative” people like me and yourself. “Negative” people like me are realists. We see the big picture. We realize AIL is just a stupid MLM that ropes in less educated “go-getters” and milks them for a few months until they quit. I find it hard to believe you read all the posts here and still want to hang around, but i guess i was as naive at one point in my life.
February 20th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I am so thankful that I found this site. A few days ago I replied to a very ambiguous ad on Craigslist titled “Opening a New Division” offering fairly high salary 1st year and significantly more year 2–with full benefits and complete training. I received a call back quiet quickly to schedule an interview. That interview was scheduled for this morning. I realized that when I was called for the interview she never told me what the job was, asked me any questions or asked if I had any questions. After finding this site I sent her a quick email asking if she was looking to hire producing agents only or if she was also looking for management (which is the level I am looking for.) She called back and said they are looking for management, but everyone starts in the same place…..the bottom I guess! I read a previous post that mention that the job was “sold” to her as a benefits coordinator. Apparently AIL works with Union members to sell them supplemental benefits. Okay, so I cancelled my interview for today and like other posters the recruiter said “okay” like it was not a loss or surprise to her. Odd to me because my resume would be one that they would be flagging if they even looked at it. And quickly (or is it too late for that!) about the costs….I did not go to the interview or get hired so I do not know how they handle things is CA, but I did work for State Farm. They paid for my time to train, study for tests, paid for all tests, paid all travel/hotel/meals during trainings that they sent me to. That process was six months and EVERYTHING was paid for by them.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
But…How is the Insurance itself?
I discovered my 84 year old Mother has this Insurance (AM Income Life). A small ($5.50)auto withdrawal is made monthly from her checking.
Hardly nothing…although she has been paying into it for 11 years! Hmm..12 mo. x 11 yrs. = 132 mo.s x $5.50 = $ 726.00.
DO they honor their commitments? - Thanks.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Well, I read through the comments that others had submitted and yes took them into account.However, I like to find out for myself.Boy,was that an eye opener.first off,The company throws there usual line of B.S. big money,management,etc. The training seem to be adequate for the industry but the lack of ethics,lying staff,and pathetic ways in which these people get into a home is just wrong.I went out with a sales manager to observe and learn.It was just a waste of my time,the people were under the impression that the rep was just there to have them fill out a form for there free benefits(go figure)and the rest was down hill.
Late nights,12-13 hour days(no pay),addresses out in the middle of no where with people who simply cannot afford the product.I even went to a home where the call center had told them that they would be receiving a check due to a recent loss the family suffered.It was just a plot to get into the door and once we were in the door all hell broke loose when they discovered that they were not going to get paid what was promised them.
The next day or so I intently listened to the phone appointment setters and the truth was told through their bald face lying techniques.The main manager was always running his mouth at any and all who displayed any bit of individuality or had a rebuttle towards their methods.Basically, this man(if you want to refer to him as one) was a certified psychopath!!
I am not a perfect person but for the life of me I refuse to prey upon people for any reason.I am fortunate enough though to at least to have experienced this show as opposed to have passed without giving it a shot.and there is more but I hope you get the main theme.They should do ok though because there are plenty of uninfluenced 20’some