- Report: #221441
Complaint Review: Combined Insurance Company Of America
| Combined Insurance Company Of America 5050 N Broadway Avenue
Chicago, Illinois U.S.A. |
|
Combined Insurance Company Of America Trying to quit, but they won't let me Ripoff Minot North Dakota
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: my story
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: my story
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: my story
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: my story
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Why he doesn't want you off the books
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Why he doesn't want you off the books
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Why he doesn't want you off the books
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: oh one more thing
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: PMA!!!
*UPDATE Employee: How to quit
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: yep
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Understanding the lies
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Understanding the lies
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Understanding the lies
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Understanding the lies
*Consumer Comment: You folks seem so sad...
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: What you should do about the DM..
*UPDATE Employee: Are you serious?
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Getting off of the employment books
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: stop
*UPDATE Employee: Selling Insurance is tough!!
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: From a Combined Ex-Employee
*Author of original report: I'm the one that started this report
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: There is Hope . . .
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: reason they hold on
*Consumer Suggestion: Put It in Writing
Does your business have a bad reputation?
Fix it the right way.
Corporate Advocacy Program™
Where I will start, is my first week on my own. First two days I work with my SM(great and normal guy by the way, I don't know why he's with CICA) and they're good days, make 200 in comission. Then, Wednesday through Saturday, I succeed in going through 3 1/2 tanks of gas, but make $0. I try to get help from the DM because our SM is out of town, and he keeps saying he's going to come help, going to come help, but never shows. Finally, I end the week with god knows how much money because 33% of that 200 hits the flush account. So then, next week, we find out we're spending the week about 3 hours away in a hotel all week, get misquoted on the hotel prices, and we are told that the places we are working there are right in the town so we won't be going through a tank of gas a day.
Needless to say, we get there, the hotel is 25$ more than told, and the places we are working are all outside of the town so we're still buring about 3/4 tank of gas for the day.
By the third day, I call my fiancee, (he's been helping me with my bills since I've been unemployed, oopps, I mean working for Combined) and we decide it would be cheaper for me to come home, quit Combined, and do without an income for a couple of weeks while I look for work elsewhere. The lack of income actually works out to more money in my pocket (my entire paychecks have been being sunk back into gas and hotels) and I call my DM Saturday and give him the news that I'm quiting.
He tells me this is unacceptable, Combined has put 5000 dollars into training me, and if I want to give another month or so, and then quit, he'll understand. I tell him no, I'm done, I can't afford this job. Some of the other agents who have been at it for a while are getting eviction notices, and getting utilites shut off, and I tell him, its not worth that to me.
He shows up at my house the next day, trying to talk me out of it, then saying he's not going to take my kit, and asks me to work one day a week for him cutting premium. He seems desperate, I figure something is up. So he leaves, I still tell him I'm done, but he leaves my kit, and tells me to call him when I can work. What is going on? What money is he getting for keeping me on? I don't work for CICA anymore, I told them I was done, but I haven't signed a contract, and I don't know how to ensure I am off the books. After reading some other reports, I have to ask, is he going to be showing up several times to try to get me to come back?
Mostly I'm embarressed for taking this job without investigating it yet. I guess I was just so happy to be offered a job that I didn't even think to look them up. Oh well, as my fiancee says we all make mistakes. I never wanted to be a door to door salesman.
What can I do to ensure that they take me off their books, does anyone know?
Anne
Somewhere, North Dakota
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 11/20/2006 10:42 AM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Combined-Insurance-Company-Of-America/Chicago-Illinois/Combined-Insurance-Company-Of-America-Trying-to-quit-but-they-wont-let-me-Ripoff-Minot-N-221441. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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Search Tips#1 UPDATE EX-employee responds
my story
AUTHOR: Jess - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 16, 2008
#2 UPDATE EX-employee responds
my story
AUTHOR: Jess - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 16, 2008
#3 UPDATE EX-employee responds
my story
AUTHOR: Jess - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 16, 2008
#4 UPDATE EX-employee responds
my story
AUTHOR: Jess - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 16, 2008
#5 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Why he doesn't want you off the books
AUTHOR: Helloandgoodby - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 31, 2008
If they fall below a certain amount of agents in field they also start getting yelled at(or talked to and motivated), so he is getting bitched at by his bosses, and/ or potentially losing bonuses. What you do is call the company direct tell them you've quit and your District Manager refuses to get collect your stuff, also tell them if you are contacted further you will contact your states department of Insurance, about there practices.
They will drop you and you'll never here from them again, the District Manager will get in trouble, though the real problem is the regional managers and higher are sending down these orders in a sometimes direct way off the record, and on the record suggesting it.
The overall problem with combined is upper management, there are some good people there but until the top is removed. 90+ percent of regionals and higher it is a systemic mess. The higher ups give the orders and threaten the District Level with forcing them on the road, or changing there coverage area, or charging them for hotels when they are forced on the road, or making them get on 3 conference calls a day. Obviously the District Manager doesn't want that, so he tries to keep the in field up anyway he can, that is what is happening to you.
I left after three years, and more empty speeches than one should have to endure for a lifetime.
Overall the company is managed by bad people with low ethical standards, a good percentage at the bottom are just trying to deal with it for whatever reason.
#6 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Why he doesn't want you off the books
AUTHOR: Helloandgoodby - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 31, 2008
If they fall below a certain amount of agents in field they also start getting yelled at(or talked to and motivated), so he is getting bitched at by his bosses, and/ or potentially losing bonuses. What you do is call the company direct tell them you've quit and your District Manager refuses to get collect your stuff, also tell them if you are contacted further you will contact your states department of Insurance, about there practices.
They will drop you and you'll never here from them again, the District Manager will get in trouble, though the real problem is the regional managers and higher are sending down these orders in a sometimes direct way off the record, and on the record suggesting it.
The overall problem with combined is upper management, there are some good people there but until the top is removed. 90+ percent of regionals and higher it is a systemic mess. The higher ups give the orders and threaten the District Level with forcing them on the road, or changing there coverage area, or charging them for hotels when they are forced on the road, or making them get on 3 conference calls a day. Obviously the District Manager doesn't want that, so he tries to keep the in field up anyway he can, that is what is happening to you.
I left after three years, and more empty speeches than one should have to endure for a lifetime.
Overall the company is managed by bad people with low ethical standards, a good percentage at the bottom are just trying to deal with it for whatever reason.
#7 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Why he doesn't want you off the books
AUTHOR: Helloandgoodby - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 31, 2008
If they fall below a certain amount of agents in field they also start getting yelled at(or talked to and motivated), so he is getting bitched at by his bosses, and/ or potentially losing bonuses. What you do is call the company direct tell them you've quit and your District Manager refuses to get collect your stuff, also tell them if you are contacted further you will contact your states department of Insurance, about there practices.
They will drop you and you'll never here from them again, the District Manager will get in trouble, though the real problem is the regional managers and higher are sending down these orders in a sometimes direct way off the record, and on the record suggesting it.
The overall problem with combined is upper management, there are some good people there but until the top is removed. 90+ percent of regionals and higher it is a systemic mess. The higher ups give the orders and threaten the District Level with forcing them on the road, or changing there coverage area, or charging them for hotels when they are forced on the road, or making them get on 3 conference calls a day. Obviously the District Manager doesn't want that, so he tries to keep the in field up anyway he can, that is what is happening to you.
I left after three years, and more empty speeches than one should have to endure for a lifetime.
Overall the company is managed by bad people with low ethical standards, a good percentage at the bottom are just trying to deal with it for whatever reason.
#8 UPDATE EX-employee responds
oh one more thing
AUTHOR: Sactown916 - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 24, 2008
#9 UPDATE EX-employee responds
PMA!!!
AUTHOR: Sactown916 - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, February 23, 2008
#10 UPDATE Employee
How to quit
AUTHOR: 14 Yr Employee - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 19, 2008
#12 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Understanding the lies
AUTHOR: Matttheman - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, December 13, 2007
I was there for 3 weeks due to scheduling issues on tests, where I endured a cheap motel, $20 a day in food, yet some of the best training around. During training I revealed to the instructor that my RM who interviewed me informed me the only way to get the job was to fake a residency in the bordering state by using a friends address, and then I could easy switch it back over after I got licensed. The instructor blew his top, forcing me to write all the information and sign it to prevent backlash on him.
After passing the tests (98%) I went back to start my fabulous career collecting insurance premiums and helping nice people fill out claim forms. I had a DM who was battling depression, so I was forced to stay 4 hours from home in a hotel for 2 additional weeks of PAL. I am up to 6 consecutive weeks on the road, for what was meant to be 2 weeks in training. Long story short, my DM was fired (i know its amazing) my adopted DM was 3 hours away, so I was stuck breaking down routes on my own 4 weeks into the field.
After losing my butt week after week and being forced to share premium with lazy DM's who would stay in MY CAR where it was cool while I tried to sale, I finally gave up and came home. In 3.5 months I put 9600 miles on my car, countless nights in hotel rooms, and continuous lies, I called it quits.
When I finally left, my adopted DM refused to take my stuff, saying he would get it later. Fast forward 3 more months, my RM calls to say she wants me to drive her box and kit 2 hours away to deliver to some agents (my district is still empty). I told her I was unsure where it was after 3 months, and she then said "I think there is some money missing, we need to talk". Talking about ridiculous. They have an entire route missing and they are going to say I stole money?!?!
I truly feel sorry for the mid-level employees who have to endure daily calls that force these truly good people to become bitter. I will say this though, I believe in CICA product, and still carry my policy that I bought ( to get on the books one week!)
#13 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Understanding the lies
AUTHOR: Matttheman - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, December 13, 2007
I was there for 3 weeks due to scheduling issues on tests, where I endured a cheap motel, $20 a day in food, yet some of the best training around. During training I revealed to the instructor that my RM who interviewed me informed me the only way to get the job was to fake a residency in the bordering state by using a friends address, and then I could easy switch it back over after I got licensed. The instructor blew his top, forcing me to write all the information and sign it to prevent backlash on him.
After passing the tests (98%) I went back to start my fabulous career collecting insurance premiums and helping nice people fill out claim forms. I had a DM who was battling depression, so I was forced to stay 4 hours from home in a hotel for 2 additional weeks of PAL. I am up to 6 consecutive weeks on the road, for what was meant to be 2 weeks in training. Long story short, my DM was fired (i know its amazing) my adopted DM was 3 hours away, so I was stuck breaking down routes on my own 4 weeks into the field.
After losing my butt week after week and being forced to share premium with lazy DM's who would stay in MY CAR where it was cool while I tried to sale, I finally gave up and came home. In 3.5 months I put 9600 miles on my car, countless nights in hotel rooms, and continuous lies, I called it quits.
When I finally left, my adopted DM refused to take my stuff, saying he would get it later. Fast forward 3 more months, my RM calls to say she wants me to drive her box and kit 2 hours away to deliver to some agents (my district is still empty). I told her I was unsure where it was after 3 months, and she then said "I think there is some money missing, we need to talk". Talking about ridiculous. They have an entire route missing and they are going to say I stole money?!?!
I truly feel sorry for the mid-level employees who have to endure daily calls that force these truly good people to become bitter. I will say this though, I believe in CICA product, and still carry my policy that I bought ( to get on the books one week!)
#14 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Understanding the lies
AUTHOR: Matttheman - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, December 13, 2007
I was there for 3 weeks due to scheduling issues on tests, where I endured a cheap motel, $20 a day in food, yet some of the best training around. During training I revealed to the instructor that my RM who interviewed me informed me the only way to get the job was to fake a residency in the bordering state by using a friends address, and then I could easy switch it back over after I got licensed. The instructor blew his top, forcing me to write all the information and sign it to prevent backlash on him.
After passing the tests (98%) I went back to start my fabulous career collecting insurance premiums and helping nice people fill out claim forms. I had a DM who was battling depression, so I was forced to stay 4 hours from home in a hotel for 2 additional weeks of PAL. I am up to 6 consecutive weeks on the road, for what was meant to be 2 weeks in training. Long story short, my DM was fired (i know its amazing) my adopted DM was 3 hours away, so I was stuck breaking down routes on my own 4 weeks into the field.
After losing my butt week after week and being forced to share premium with lazy DM's who would stay in MY CAR where it was cool while I tried to sale, I finally gave up and came home. In 3.5 months I put 9600 miles on my car, countless nights in hotel rooms, and continuous lies, I called it quits.
When I finally left, my adopted DM refused to take my stuff, saying he would get it later. Fast forward 3 more months, my RM calls to say she wants me to drive her box and kit 2 hours away to deliver to some agents (my district is still empty). I told her I was unsure where it was after 3 months, and she then said "I think there is some money missing, we need to talk". Talking about ridiculous. They have an entire route missing and they are going to say I stole money?!?!
I truly feel sorry for the mid-level employees who have to endure daily calls that force these truly good people to become bitter. I will say this though, I believe in CICA product, and still carry my policy that I bought ( to get on the books one week!)
#15 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Understanding the lies
AUTHOR: Matttheman - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, December 13, 2007
I was there for 3 weeks due to scheduling issues on tests, where I endured a cheap motel, $20 a day in food, yet some of the best training around. During training I revealed to the instructor that my RM who interviewed me informed me the only way to get the job was to fake a residency in the bordering state by using a friends address, and then I could easy switch it back over after I got licensed. The instructor blew his top, forcing me to write all the information and sign it to prevent backlash on him.
After passing the tests (98%) I went back to start my fabulous career collecting insurance premiums and helping nice people fill out claim forms. I had a DM who was battling depression, so I was forced to stay 4 hours from home in a hotel for 2 additional weeks of PAL. I am up to 6 consecutive weeks on the road, for what was meant to be 2 weeks in training. Long story short, my DM was fired (i know its amazing) my adopted DM was 3 hours away, so I was stuck breaking down routes on my own 4 weeks into the field.
After losing my butt week after week and being forced to share premium with lazy DM's who would stay in MY CAR where it was cool while I tried to sale, I finally gave up and came home. In 3.5 months I put 9600 miles on my car, countless nights in hotel rooms, and continuous lies, I called it quits.
When I finally left, my adopted DM refused to take my stuff, saying he would get it later. Fast forward 3 more months, my RM calls to say she wants me to drive her box and kit 2 hours away to deliver to some agents (my district is still empty). I told her I was unsure where it was after 3 months, and she then said "I think there is some money missing, we need to talk". Talking about ridiculous. They have an entire route missing and they are going to say I stole money?!?!
I truly feel sorry for the mid-level employees who have to endure daily calls that force these truly good people to become bitter. I will say this though, I believe in CICA product, and still carry my policy that I bought ( to get on the books one week!)
#16 Consumer Comment
You folks seem so sad...
AUTHOR: Brent - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, December 01, 2007
I read most of these seemingly amateur "failure" postings. What I mean is, the only folks bad-mouthing Combined are those that are no longer with them. So, I have to make a decision, do I base my decisoin on you all that have failed or from those like some of my friends that make a good income with Combined?
Well, truth is, I don't really have anyone working for Combined, but they are an enormous, old-old company and it is hard for me to believe reality from some of your postings.
Anyway, regardless, I work for a company (career/captive division) just like you all do/did (no, not direct like you, but throw a marketing firm).
... so my best advise is to get into the senior market virtually exclusively as they are the next soon-to-be largest population in America. Try annuities... lead in w/ the company I work for that gives you FREE LEADS or $18 preset appointments (you pick the divisons of the total 6 of them that you wish to work for AND they let me swap division from division at virtually my own discretion, unless I were to tick off on of the Regional guys). Anyway, I start with my lead-in Med-Sup (or free Med-Advantage or free HMO, which our company has the top contracts w/ all. then I focus on running my policyholders on a 2nd call to their home. here is where I bank, as I sell Life, Cancer, ANNUITY. In today's market, you can't beat it!
I don't live in Dallas, Texas where our Headquarters are, but I can log into my COMPANY-PAID laptop. then they also pay me back for my mileage expenses unlike what was thought to be possible in one of the other ego-saving blogs I read earlier this morning.
I can't put the company here on this site b/c they will delete it. as I noticed several other folks blogging above did put our name in text and when they said they are "now working for this great, fair company." etc. I earn over 5K per month in renewals, I've worked here for only 3.5 years.
Maybe this will not get deleted --> search Google for "CICA" and look for preset appointments... usually there. If not, it has been awhile since I did that... look for something like "senior sales" or similar, "career in sales", like that. Shhhhh.
#17 UPDATE EX-employee responds
What you should do about the DM..
AUTHOR: Chris - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 27, 2007
hey...dont feel too bad........I worked for them 4 years ago for about 3 months... I too was taken blown away by the bad management and smoke and mirrors........same song and dance..... 3rd interview..brought my fiancee in ....da dee da daaa..... and i still can not believe they hold meetings in the morning at random cheap resturants or mall food courts....etc.....what a freaking joke!!!!...
ahhh ..it gives me indegestion just thinking about it.... but there are good insurance companies out there....trust me.... CICA does put a bad taste in your mouth for insurance, but there are people who actually want it....not as a added policy. ...so keep your license and find a good company to settle your mind on the insurance industry....oh and by the way....I remember CICA telling me how hard the life insurance exam was..... PLEEASSSE ....they just say that so you won't take the test....in turn, opening up new doors for yourself to leave them in the dust. With the knowlege you have now...you could read up in two days and take it out ...no prob....then you have one more bullet in your gun.
best wishes
#18 UPDATE Employee
Are you serious?
AUTHOR: John Iii - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 10, 2007
Sincerely,
#19 UPDATE EX-employee responds
Getting off of the employment books
AUTHOR: Bliss171 - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, August 29, 2007
P.S. IM AN EX MANAGER hope you feel good paying the owners and executives the big money cause your not making it!
#21 UPDATE Employee
Selling Insurance is tough!!
AUTHOR: Gregg - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 15, 2007
I understand some people JUMP in because of a slick recruiter or empty promises. What it boils down to is you were hired as an insurance salesperson and the only true way to make a living in this business is to sell insurance.
Selling insurance is a tough business and can make for a very hard living, but very rewarding. The hours are long, the job is tough, but the pay can be great.
CICA is a GREAT company and I wish you would have given it more than 2 months. You will look back in a year and think, What if I would have stuck it out, where would I be now?
Good luck working at Wal*Mart.
G
#22 UPDATE EX-employee responds
From a Combined Ex-Employee
AUTHOR: Susan - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Friday, June 08, 2007
I understand what you have been through. You may wish to contact your local insurance commissioner's office and have them verify that you are no longer an active person on the Combined payroll.
Also, I worked for Combined for almost 4 yrs, the day I left, I felt liberated. got my life back and working for another insurance company. I earned what I made in the whole first year with Combined in just less than 12 weeks with my new company, almost $30K!!!
Call me, if you're interested in a REAL opportunity with REAL HAPPY PEOPLE!!
Regards
Anonymous
CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
#23 Author of original report
I'm the one that started this report
AUTHOR: Valarie - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, April 17, 2007
#24 UPDATE EX-employee responds
There is Hope . . .
AUTHOR: Susan - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 15, 2007
I understand your complaint regarding income...what it took me to make in 4 months, I earned in less than 4 weeks with the new organization I joined. Still showing similar products, only in a place where they have never been seen...and the folks are loving it, and the company commission structure is a whole lot better...$15,000 in just over a month...not bad for approximately 10-15 apps a week...having a great time...wish you were here!
Regards,
The First Person in the First State!
#25 UPDATE EX-employee responds
reason they hold on
AUTHOR: Dee - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, April 14, 2007
Call your regional office and inform them your end date, and you request they pick up your materials, and have friend answer the door for you if you don't want attempted to be persuaded to stay on, and then get on with your life. If you can't find the regional office number, call the training center you went to in the twin cities . FYI, I was kept on the books for almost three months after I left, which wasn't all bad for me because my insurance was kept in force. Keep up your PMA in whatever you do!
#26 Consumer Suggestion
Put It in Writing
AUTHOR: Russ - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Monday, November 20, 2006
"Dear (Insert Name)
This is to inform you that effective (insert date), I am resigning from my position as a (insert job title).
I will return all (insert items) at your request.
Sincerely,
(insert name)"
You don't owe them any more than this. If they persist, stick to your guns. Good luck and godspeed.

