Onboarding & Contracting

• Complete provincial licensing exams (LLQP) and purchase E&O coverage.
• Complete the Hegemon Canada Agent Intake Form and APEXA onboarding.
• Set up back-office systems, request carrier contracts, and receive selling codes.
• Once contracts are approved and a life license is issued, the agent can begin selling.

• HFG Canada receives the E&O certificate and sends the agent the Hegemon Canada Agent Intake Form
  This is a live link, do NOT send through "test" agents. Only agents that have completed their provincial licensing exam and purchased their Hegemon E&O should use this link. This link should only be sent by the Hegemon Group Canada Contracting team to avoid errors and duplicate submissions. This link will take 30–45 minutes to complete; ensure the agent allocates the appropriate amount of time to complete the form properly.
• Completed form will be sent to the agent, Hegemon Group Canada Contracting team, and Carte Contracting Team automatically upon successful submission
• Carte will send the agent a link to APEXA and guide the agent through the APEXA onboarding process
• Agent, referrer, and Hegemon Contracting Canada team will receive all updates along the way
• The agent will need to: set up their personal profile; upload compliance documents sent with the completed Intake form; complete a background check through the system; make required edits to their personal profile to ensure compliance; request carrier contracts and license sponsorship (if applicable)
• Carte will onboard the agent internally to all back office systems
• Carte will provide the agent with a FundServ dealer-rep code – this code is used for investment business
• Agent will receive updates from the insurance council regarding next steps for licensing
• Agent receives approved life license and uploads it to APEXA, sending a copy to Carte contracting
• New license is verified through APEXA – agent is eligible to apply for additional carrier and travel insurance contracts
• Contracts get approved – agent is issued a unique selling code for each carrier
• Agent can begin selling!

What is the difference between Onboarding and Contracting?

• Onboarding is the process of getting the agent set up on APEXA and the Carte Risk Management Inc. back office systems
• Contracting is the process of requesting and getting approved for carrier contracts and travel insurance contracts

How long does onboarding take?

• Onboarding takes a minimum of 5 days. The speed depends on how well the agent responds to direction provided by the Carte Risk Management Contracting department. If the agent is non-responsive, the agent will be removed from our follow-up system and the application will be closed
• We can reopen the file once closed; however, the agent must complete the rest of the onboarding process within 7 days
• If the onboarding process closes a second time, the agent will be charged $250.00 CAD to reopen the request

How long does contracting take?

Contracting begins after the agent is successfully onboarded. Carrier contracting times vary greatly based on the type of contract requested.

What are the most common contracting delays?

• Lack of response to the contracting department – the most common delay. If agents respond and act immediately, it is possible to onboard in as little as 5 business days! Most often, due to lack of agent involvement, onboarding can take up to 8 weeks (or more).
• Low credit score – the industry standard is a minimum of 600 (from Equifax; other providers are not considered). APEXA does a soft credit check monthly to monitor credit; your score is not affected by this monitoring. Below 600, you will be required to provide an explanation and a plan/timeline to increase your score. Some carriers will not approve contracts for scores below 600.
• Failed Background Check – an incomplete or failed background check does not mean you cannot get contracted, but specific details will be required. Depending on the severity and time elapsed, there are cases where onboarding and contracting cannot be approved. Reach out to HFG Contracting directly for a realistic expectation.
• Immigration Status – if your status falls under "Work Permit" or "Student Visa" and/or you have a temporary SIN, there are some carrier restrictions. Some carriers allow contracting and sponsorship, some allow contracting but not sponsorship, and some allow neither. Carte Risk Management Inc. has carefully selected carrier partners to suit agents' needs based on their status.

What are some factors that affect contracting and sponsorship?

• Low credit score
• Missing information on the CHLIA Advisor Screening Questionnaire
• Incomplete/failed background check
• Immigration status
• Non-disclosure of previous bankruptcy, consumer proposal, industry debt and other professional affiliations

I already have business with other carriers that HFG does not have. Can I transfer that business to Carte?

• No, unless HFG has the carrier contract required, you cannot transfer business
• Note: not all other MGAs/agencies will allow you to transfer your business. Confirm whether your business is eligible for transfer before requesting a contract transfer through Carte Risk Management Inc.

I previously held a license, but it has expired. What are my options?

• Expired less than 2 years – you can apply to reinstate your license; if your license expired prior to completing the 24-month sponsorship/supervision period, you will need to continue with sponsorship/supervision until 24 months have elapsed
• More than 2 years – you must retake the full LLQP course and all four provincial exams; you will require license sponsorship – you are considered a "new" agent