Nathan Steinert, Author at Success CE

New CE Requirement: Variable Life Insurance Policies

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, California life agents who sell variable life insurance policies must complete a new two-hour continuing education (CE) course before each license renewal. This requirement, established by Senate Bill 263 (SB 263), adds Section 1749.81(b) to the California Insurance Code and applies to both resident and non-resident agents.

What is a Variable Life Insurance Policy?

A Variable Life Insurance Policy is a type of permanent life insurance that provides both a guaranteed death benefit and an investment component. A Variable Life Insurance Policy allows policyholders to allocate a portion of their premiums to a variety of investment options, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual fund-like sub-accounts. The cash value of the policy fluctuates based on the performance of these investments. Therefore, the policyholder assumes more risk but also has the potential for greater growth. While the death benefit is generally guaranteed at a minimum level, the benefit increases if the investments perform well. This type of policy is best suits individuals who want lifelong coverage and are comfortable managing investment risk. Because of the investment component, variable life insurance is regulated as a securities product. Agents selling variable life insurance must be variable life insurance licensed and licensed with FINRA.

What Is the New Requirement?

Under the new law, life agents authorized to sell variable life insurance policies must complete a two-hour training course specific to these products before each license renewal. This requirement effects licenses issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025. The training focuses on individual variable life insurance policies and is based on the California Department of Insurance’s (CDI) Bulletin 87-3. Bulletin 87-3 outlines the requirements for issuing variable life insurance in the state.

Who Needs to Comply?

The two-hour variable life insurance training is mandatory for all life agents—both resident and non-resident—who sell variable life insurance policies in California. Including agents licensed before January 1, 2025.

How Does This Fit Into Existing CE Requirements?

For California resident agents, the two-hour variable life insurance course counts toward the 24-hour CE requirement for each two-year license term. However, the two-hour course is a distinct requirement and you must complete in addition to other mandatory courses.

How to Find Approved Courses

To find the appropriate two-hour variable life insurance course:

Visit our Course Catalog Page.
Select California
Select the license category – Life Only/ Life & Health/ Annuity (Reg BI) / Ethics / LTC / AML
Add course Variable Life Insurance Policies to cart

Why This Matters

The introduction of this specific training requirement underscores the importance that life agents are adequately prepared to sell complex financial products like variable life insurance. By mandating focused education, the CDI aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure that agents have a thorough understanding of the products they offer.

Final Thoughts

Compliance with this new CE requirement is essential for agents to continue selling variable life insurance policies in California. Agents should plan to complete the two-hour course before their license renewal date to avoid any disruptions in their ability to conduct business. Staying informed and proactive about these changes will help ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance with state regulations.

For more information or assistance, agents can contact the CDI’s Curriculum Review Section at CDI.Education@insurance.ca.gov or call (916) 492-3064.

Why Use Success CE

The Success Family of Continuing Education Companies provides the highest quality Life/Health and Property/Casualty Insurance Continuing Education. CFP Continuing Education, CIMA Continuing Education, CPA Continuing Education, CLU/ChFC (PACE) Continuing Education, and MCLE (Legal). Continuing Education available in all 50 states in Live Insurance, Online Insurance, and Textbook Insurance formats. Learn More

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New CA Four-Hour Life Insurance CE Course

Posted on June 10, 2025June 18, 2025

Effective January 1, 2025, California has introduced a new continuing education (CE) requirement for life insurance agents. The Four-Hour Life Insurance CE Requirement, from Senate Bill 263 (SB 263), mandates that life agents licensed on or after January 1, 2024, complete a four-hour training course before soliciting individual consumers to sell certain life insurance policies. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has approved the curriculum for this course, which focuses on individual life insurance policies other than term life with no cash value.

Who Is Affected?

This requirement applies to both resident and non-resident life agents who:

Were licensed on or after January 1, 2024.
Intend to sell individual life insurance policies other than term life with no cash value on or after January 1, 2025.

Agents must complete the four-hour training course before engaging in the sale of these specified life insurance policies.

Course Curriculum Overview

The four-hour training course encompasses the following key areas:

Types of Individual Life Insurance Policies and Benefits: Understanding various policy structures and their respective advantages.
Applicable California Laws and Requirements: Familiarization with state-specific regulations governing life insurance sales.
Prohibited Sales Practices: Identifying and avoiding unethical or illegal sales tactics.
Unfair Trade Practices: Recognizing actions that constitute unfair competition or deceptive practices.

The curriculum is based on the Prelicensing Education for Life Agents and is designed to ensure that agents are well-versed in the ethical and legal standards required in California.

Integration with Existing CE Requirements

For California resident licensees, the four-hour course integrates the existing continuing education requirements and is not an additional obligation. This means that completing this course will count towards the total CE hours required for license renewal.

How to Find Approved Course

To find the appropriate two-hour variable life insurance course:

Visit our Course Catalog Page.
Select California
Select the license category – Life Only/ Life & Health/ Annuity (Reg BI) / Ethics / LTC / AML
Add course Life Insurance Policies to cart

Final Thoughts

The implementation of this new training requirement underscores California’s commitment to ensure that life insurance agents prepared to serve consumers ethically and competently. Agents should proactively complete this training to remain compliant and continue providing valuable services to their clients.

For further information or assistance, agents can contact the CDI’s Curriculum Review Section at CDI.Education@insurance.ca.gov or call (916) 492-3064.

Why Use Success CE

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5 Tips for Selling Life Insurance in the Summer

Posted on May 23, 2025June 18, 2025

Summer is often a time for relaxation, vacations, and enjoying the outdoors—but it’s also a great opportunity to help your clients secure their financial futures. While the warmer months can be a slower time for some industries, when it comes to life insurance, summer offers unique opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or new to the business, here are five tips for selling life insurance in the summer months.

1. Leverage Summer Lifestyle Events

Summer is filled with significant life events that can spark important financial discussions. Weddings, new babies, and graduations are just a few milestones that prompt people to start thinking about their future and family security.

Weddings: Newlyweds are likely thinking about the future, and life insurance can be a key part of their financial planning. Emphasize how life insurance can provide peace of mind for their new life together, especially as they take on new responsibilities.
New Parents: If you know someone who just had a baby, it’s an ideal time to introduce them to life insurance. Parents are often very receptive to the idea of life insurance as a way to ensure their child’s future is secure.
Graduations: Recent grads or parents of graduates might be considering life insurance as part of their financial independence. They may not have thought about it yet, but this is an excellent time to educate them about the benefits of starting early.

2. Host Outdoor or Virtual Community Events

Summer provides the perfect setting for outdoor events or relaxed virtual meetings that help you connect with potential clients. Instead of the traditional office setting, try reaching out in more casual, accessible ways.

Outdoor booths: Set up a booth at a local summer fair, farmer’s market, or community event. People are out and about, enjoying the nice weather and open to talking about their financial goals. It’s a less formal setting where you can engage potential clients in conversations about life insurance.
Virtual info sessions: If in-person events aren’t an option, host virtual webinars or Q&A sessions. Evening webinars work well during summer because people are more likely to be free after work hours. Keep the sessions short and focus on answering common questions to build trust and credibility.

3. Tie Insurance to Seasonal Financial Planning

Many people use the summer to revisit their financial goals. This mid-year review period presents an excellent opportunity to introduce life insurance as part of a larger financial plan.

Mid-year financial checkups: As people evaluate how well they’re doing with their financial goals, use this time to suggest life insurance as a way to strengthen their financial future. Whether it’s securing their family’s well-being or protecting a growing business, life insurance can be a key part of their mid-year financial review.
Tax benefits and cash value growth: Permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life or universal life, come with tax advantages and a cash value component. These types of policies are great for clients looking to grow their wealth while ensuring long-term protection. Highlighting these benefits during the summer when clients are thinking about taxes or savings can boost your sales.

4. Use Summer Themes in Your Marketing

Make your marketing resonate with the season. Summer imagery and language can help you connect with potential clients on an emotional level.

Summer protection themes: Position life insurance as a way to protect what matters most—whether it’s family, health, or financial security. Use summer-related phrases like “Protect your sunny days ahead” or “Secure your family’s future this summer.”
Family-focused messaging: Summer is a time for family vacations, BBQs, and trips to the beach. You can use this imagery to remind clients that life insurance is about creating lasting memories and protecting their loved ones. A family-friendly focus will resonate with parents and grandparents who want to ensure their families are well taken care of.

5. Adjust Your Schedule to Match Clients’ Availability

With the summer months often being a time for vacations and adjusted work schedules, it’s important to be flexible with your availability. People are more likely to be taking time off or working shorter hours, so adjusting your schedule can help you connect with them when it’s convenient.

Offer flexible hours: If your clients are working less in the summer, they might appreciate evening or weekend meetings. Be accommodating to their schedules to make it easier for them to meet with you.
Be available for quick consultations: Sometimes a 10-15 minute phone call or virtual meeting is all it takes to get the conversation started. Offering short, flexible consultations can lead to long-term client relationships.

In Conclusion:

Selling life insurance in the summer may seem challenging at first, but with the right strategies, it can be a lucrative and rewarding time of year. By tapping into summer lifestyle events, adjusting your marketing efforts, and being flexible with your schedule, you can maximize your chances of connecting with potential clients. Whether you’re hosting community events or focusing on financial reviews, remember that life insurance is always relevant—it’s just about making sure you meet your clients when they’re ready to think about the future.

Ready to make this summer your best one yet? Take advantage of these tips, and watch your sales grow!

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5 Tips for Starting Your Career in Life Insurance

Posted on April 14, 2025June 18, 2025

Starting your career in life insurance sales is a big step, and while the industry offers great earning potential and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives, it also requires dedication, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re just getting licensed or trying to find your first client, these five tips can help you lay a strong foundation for a successful career in life insurance sales.

1. Understand What You’re Selling—and Why It Matters

Life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. As a new agent, it’s critical to understand the different types of life insurance—such as term life, whole life, and universal life—and what each is designed to do. Term life may be ideal for young families on a budget, while whole life offers permanent protection with a cash value component.

But beyond the technical details, the real value of life insurance is in what it provides: financial protection, peace of mind, and a safety net for loved ones. When you approach each sale with that deeper purpose in mind, your conversations with clients will be more meaningful—and they’ll be more likely to trust your recommendations.

2. Get Licensed—and Commit to Ongoing Learning

Your first step is getting licensed in your state, which involves completing pre-licensing education and passing a state exam. While this can feel like a hurdle, it’s your gateway into the profession—and the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.

Once you’re licensed, don’t stop there. The insurance industry is constantly evolving, with changes in products, regulations, and customer expectations. Make continuing education a habit. Attend workshops, watch webinars, and read industry publications. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in front of clients—and the better you’ll be at recommending the right coverage.

3. Develop a Consistent Prospecting Strategy

One of the biggest challenges in life insurance sales—especially early on—is finding clients. While your personal network is a great place to start, you’ll need to build a system that generates new leads consistently. This could include cold calling, networking at local events, building a social media presence, or joining community organizations.

Set weekly goals for outreach activity and hold yourself accountable. Over time, your pipeline will grow—but only if you stay disciplined and keep planting seeds. Remember, prospecting is not just about selling. It’s about building relationships, understanding people’s needs, and being there when they’re ready to buy. Developing prospects is one of the most important aspects to starting your career in life insurance.

4. Learn to Communicate Clearly and Build Trust

Insurance can be confusing for clients, especially if they’ve never purchased life coverage before. As a new agent, your job is to make it simple. Avoid industry jargon and instead use clear, relatable language. Practice explaining different types of policies in ways that connect with people’s real-life situations.

Equally important is your ability to listen. Ask thoughtful questions about your client’s family, goals, and concerns. When clients feel heard, they’re more likely to trust your guidance. Don’t worry about trying to “close” every conversation. Focus on helping, not selling—and the business will come.

5. Find a Mentor or Join a Supportive Team

Starting out on your own can feel overwhelming. That’s why finding a mentor or joining a supportive agency can make a huge difference. A good mentor can help you refine your sales skills, navigate tough conversations, and stay motivated when things get hard. Look for someone who’s experienced, approachable, and willing to invest time in your growth.

If you’re working independently, seek out professional groups, networking events, or online communities for life insurance agents. Being around others who are on the same path can provide encouragement, accountability, and valuable insights you won’t find in a textbook.

Grow Your Business Through Networking

Final Thoughts

Life insurance sales is not just a job—it’s a career that allows you to help families protect their financial futures. While the first year can be tough, the habits and relationships you build now will shape your success for years to come. Stay committed to learning, keep showing up for your clients, and remember why you started.

Every conversation is a chance to make a difference.

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How Market Volatility is Reshaping Annuity Sales

Posted on March 24, 2025June 18, 2025

Monitor with information, percenateg signs, numbers, stock prices, charts and changes. Trading screen, investment, financial figures and market data. 3D illustration

The ongoing turbulence in the stock market—driven by inflationary pressures, interest rate fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainty—has significantly influenced investor behavior. As risk aversion grows, annuity sales are seeing notable shifts. It’s important that Industry professionals are aware of the impact of market volatility on annuities in order to stay ahead of these trends. Understanding how to utilize annuities to effectively guide clients is an essential component of retirement planning.

1. Surge in Fixed and Fixed Indexed Annuity Sales

During volatile periods, risk-conscious investors gravitate toward stability. Fixed annuities (FAs) and fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) have become particularly appealing, offering principal protection and the potential for market-linked growth without direct exposure to downside risk. This shift presents an opportunity for advisors to educate clients on these products as alternatives to traditional equity investments.

Key Takeaway: Expect a sustained increase in FA and FIA sales, particularly among pre-retirees and conservative investors seeking to mitigate stock market risks.

2. Variable Annuities Face Headwinds

Variable annuities (VAs) remain a viable solution for clients comfortable with market exposure, yet the current volatility has made them less attractive to some investors. While income riders and structured products can provide some downside protection, high fees and the potential for account value declines may deter risk-averse clients.

Key Takeaway: VA sales could soften unless advisors effectively position their benefits, such as guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits (GLWBs) and income guarantees that hedge against sequence-of-returns risk.

3. Interest Rate Trends: A Tailwind for Annuity Pricing

Rising interest rates have improved annuity payout rates, making these products more competitive with traditional fixed-income investments. Insurers are adjusting pricing models, leading to more attractive income guarantees for clients. This environment strengthens the appeal of immediate and deferred income annuities for those seeking stable retirement income.

Key Takeaway: Higher rates enhance the value proposition of annuities, requiring advisors to reassess product suitability based on evolving client needs.

4. Increased Use of Annuities in Retirement Planning

With longevity risk and market downturn concerns at the forefront, financial professionals are incorporating annuities into holistic retirement strategies. The shift toward outcome-based planning—focusing on income security rather than asset accumulation—has elevated annuities as a key solution for sustainable retirement income.

Key Takeaway: Advisors who proactively integrate annuities into retirement plans can differentiate themselves and provide clients with long-term financial confidence.

5. Regulatory Considerations and Suitability Standards

As annuity sales rise, regulatory scrutiny remains a focal point. The SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) and the NAIC’s best interest model regulation require advisors to ensure annuities align with client needs and financial objectives. Staying compliant while effectively positioning annuities as a solution will be critical.

Key Takeaway: Understanding evolving compliance standards and maintaining a client-first approach will be essential in driving responsible annuity recommendations.

Final Thoughts

Stock market volatility has accelerated the demand for annuities, particularly among investors seeking stability and guaranteed income. Industry professionals must understand the impact of market volatility on annuities in order to stay attuned to shifting preferences, leverage competitive product offerings, and provide comprehensive education to clients. As annuity solutions continue to gain traction, advisors who effectively communicate their value will be well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of today’s investors.

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