Overview
An internal transfer (also called a hierarchy change) is when an agent moves their upline from one agency under Spark to another agency that is also under Spark. This differs from a full release- the agent’s contracts remain with Spark, but their upline agency changes.
The transfer process is managed by Spark’s Contracting team. Once a request is initiated, Spark will coordinate with the agent’s old and new upline agencies and support the necessary updates with each carrier.
How to Request a Transfer
If you are an agent looking to transfer to a different agency under Spark, reach out to your Agency Principal (AP). Your AP will coordinate with Spark on your behalf to get the process started.
If you are an Agency Principal initiating or receiving a transfer request, loop in your Account Manager (AM). Your AM will work with Spark’s Contracting team to log and process the request.
Old Upline Approval
Spark requires approval from the agent’s current (old) upline agency before processing a transfer. Here’s how that plays out:
If the old upline approves, Spark will initiate first actions on the transfer within 3–5 business days of receiving that approval.
If the old upline does not respond or declines, the agent will be subject to a 90-day waiting period. 90 Days after the transfer request is received, Spark will proceed with the transfer automatically — no further action is needed from the agent or AP.
Note for Agency Principals: If one of your downline agents has requested a transfer to another agency, Spark will reach out to you directly to request authorization. If you do not respond, the agent will be processed as a delayed transfer after 90 days. |
Timeline
Spark’s goal is to complete the full hierarchy change, meaning the carrier has confirmed the updated upline within 30 days of receiving upline approval (or 30 days after the 90-day waiting period ends).
Some transfers require the agent to take action on an invitation from a carrier portal. If that’s the case, Spark will reach out with instructions. The transfer for that carrier cannot be completed until that action is taken.
✅ Once the transfer is complete, the agent’s contracts will reflect the new upline agency. |
A Note on Your Email Address
If your email address uses a domain tied to your old agency (for example, [email protected]), Spark may reach out to confirm whether that email will still be valid after the transfer. If it won’t, we’ll ask you to provide an updated address so your account access isn’t interrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m an agent. Do I contact Spark directly to request a transfer?
No. Reach out to your agency principal first. Your AP will loop in your account manager, who will coordinate with Spark’s Contracting team to initiate the request.
Does the 90-day waiting period start automatically?
Yes. Once Spark reaches out to the old upline and does not receive approval, the 90-day period begins. The agent does not need to resubmit or follow up — Spark will proceed automatically once the waiting period ends.
Will the agent’s contracts be affected during the transfer?
Existing contracts remain active during the process. Some carrier contracts may require the agent to take an action (like accepting a carrier portal invitation) before the upline change is reflected. Spark will notify the agent directly if that step is needed.
I’m an Agency Principal. Can I request a transfer for an agent in my downline?
Yes. Contact your Account Manager to initiate a transfer request on behalf of one of your agents.
Who do I contact if I have questions about a transfer in progress?
Agents should reach out to their Agency Principal. Agency Principals can follow up with their Account Manager for a status update.
What happens if I switch to LOA during a hierarchy transfer? Switching contract levels (e.g., to LOA) during a hierarchy transfer can restart carrier waiting periods, including those with carriers like Aetna and Humana. It is recommended to complete the transfer process before initiating any contract level changes.