In the evolving landscape of the life insurance industry, innovation and technology are becoming key differentiators for companies striving to stay ahead. The first part of this two-part article highlights how BackNine Insurance has become a pioneer by integrating advanced technology with traditional insurance brokerage services. Founded in 2008, BackNine has grown into a market leader by providing a comprehensive suite of insurance products and tools that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agents across the United States. The second part shifts focus to GRAIL’s Galleri test and the company’s Life Insurance Advisory Committee, which is redefining the role of life insurance by incorporating cutting-edge cancer detection technology, ultimately changing the narrative from a focus on death to one on life.
Seasoned BGA—Early Leader with Technology Innovation
BackNine Insurance, a technology-driven life insurance brokerage, has transformed the industry by merging advanced technology with traditional services. Founded by Mark Tattersall in 2008, BackNine has expanded rapidly over the past 16 years, becoming a market leader. The company’s mission is clear: To deliver exceptional value to its agent clients through a blend of innovative software and dedicated support. Operating across all 50 states, BackNine offers a comprehensive range of insurance products and solutions for both agents and retail clients.
BackNine Insurance was established with the vision to revolutionize the insurance sales process by leveraging technology. The Tattersalls recognized an industry bogged down by outdated systems and inefficient processes, hindering agents from effectively serving their clients. Mark Tattersall, along with his sons Brett and Reid, introduced a new approach that combined cutting-edge technology with a strong focus on customer service. This strategy elevated BackNine from a small start-up to a national leader in the insurance brokerage field. The company’s success is built on its ability to anticipate and adapt to the evolving needs of the insurance market, providing agents with the tools they need to succeed.
While some players in the insurance tech space offer direct-to-consumer solutions, most are limited to term insurance and fewer offer solutions with guaranteed issue using whole life. None, however, provide the comprehensive range of solutions available through BackNine Insurance. BackNine goes beyond the basics by offering a wide array of direct-to-insurer products, including term insurance (with instant issue), whole life, final expense, accidental death, long term care, indexed universal life, universal life, and guaranteed universal life. These products are accessible through user-friendly online interfaces, for a seamless process from application to issuance. As the first multi-carrier consumer-facing quote and application system, Quote & Apply empowers agents and/or their clients to get quotes in seconds and apply in minutes, all in one place.
What sets BackNine apart is its platform’s emphasis on comparison tools, giving agents a significant edge in the marketplace. For example, the Supplemental Retirement Income tool, designed for accumulation IUL policies, helps clients assess carrier performance in a Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP) sale by answering three simple questions: How much to invest, for how long, and how often. Additionally, the long term care tool provides side-by-side comparisons of three key options: Traditional long term care, whole life with linked long term care benefits, and life insurance with long term care riders. To see these tools in action, visit BackNine Insurance’s website at https://www.back9ins.com, click on “See It In Action,” and explore offerings without the need to sign up.
BackNine’s commitment to their agents is demonstrated by offering its proprietary Quote-and-Apply™ software and the BOSS™ (Back Office Support System) CRM at no cost, with no hidden fees. Seamlessly integrated, the BOSS™ CRM provides unparalleled insurance-based support, allowing agents to manage client relationships, track cases, and streamline sales processes more effectively. By making this powerful software available without requiring agents to get appointed unless business is placed, BackNine removes financial barriers, allowing agents to fully utilize the platform’s capabilities and focus on growing their businesses.
The Advanced Markets Department at BackNine includes experts in annuity sales, advanced life insurance strategies, disability, LTC, and complex business transactions, including employee benefits. This department also offers advanced tools like technology-driven leveraged insurance planning, competitive annuity analysis, guaranteed issue life insurance for SBA loan security, and uniquely designed newborn insurance plans, among others. These resources allow agents to navigate intricate financial landscapes and provide solutions to their clients, further solidifying BackNine’s position as a leader in the industry.
BackNine Insurance is more than just a brokerage firm; it is a trusted partner in success for agents and a wide range of institutions across the nation. With its innovative technology platform and the robust support of its Advanced Markets Department, BackNine equips agents with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a competitive market. In addition to supporting agents, BackNine has established numerous integrations across various sectors, including life, property and casualty, and RIA practices, as well as partnerships with insurance departments at banks and credit unions nationwide. These integrations help streamline operations and enhance service delivery across the board. As the insurance industry continues to evolve, BackNine remains at the forefront, offering solutions that meet the changing needs of agents, advisors, and institutional partners alike. Whether it’s simplifying the sales process, providing instant issue options, or supporting advanced casework, BackNine is committed to the success of its partners. You can checkout BackNine’s technology solutions for agents at https://back9ins.com/.
GRAIL’s Life Insurance Advisory Committee Lead by BGAs and IMOs
Galleri, a multi-cancer early detection test, to your cancer screenings allows you to go beyond what’s currently possible. Now you can screen for a signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer with Galleri. GRAIL is the company that created the Galleri early detection cancer test. You probably have seen them speak and exhibit at industry events like NAILBA.
GRAIL’s inaugural Life Insurance Advisory Committee released an article early this summer discussing how leading life insurance companies are shifting the conversation from one about death to one about life. Within the last few years, The Galleri Test, https://www.galleri.com/life-insurance, has been embraced by the life insurance industry. Why? People age 50 and older are 13 times more likely to have cancer compared to people under age 50.1
Although there are more than 100 types of cancer,2 only five have regular, recommended screening tests (breast, cervical, colorectal, lung—for those at risk—and prostate3). Yet, every three out of four new cancer cases are cancers without a recommended screening. Too many cases are found too late—only after symptoms appear. Finding cancer early creates the best chance for successful treatment.4
In an industry often associated with death, Galleri redefines what life insurance can do by adding value not later but right now. To learn more about the Life Insurance Advisory Committee of Distribution Leaders, then visit https://www.galleri.com/liac.
Reference:
- Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (www.seer.cancer.gov) SEER*Stat Database Incidence – SEER Research Limited-Field Data, 21 Registries, Nov 2020 Sub (2000-2018) – Linked To County Attributes -Time Dependent (1990-2018) Income/ Rurality, 1969-2019 Counties, National Cancer Institute, DCCPS, Surveillance Research Program, released April 2021, based on the November 2020 submission. Risk Factor Data on file: American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Studies II/III.
- NIH/National Cancer Institute. Understanding Cancer: What Is Cancer? https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-iscancer#types.
- US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended cancer screening tests, Grade A,B,C. Accessed 7Mar2023. https://www. uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/topic_search_results.
- American Cancer Society. The Cancer Atlas book. EARLY DETECTION. https://canceratlas.cancer.org/taking-action/early-detection/.
