Insurance agents specialize in helping people find and purchase the most appropriate policies for life, health, property, casualty, and other types of insurance. Many agents work for insurance agencies, proposing custom insurance plans for customers. Individuals who work as brokers are not employed by a specific company; rather, they investigate several policies from different firms in hopes of providing their clients with the best coverage. There are many laws, regulations, and industry-specific procedures involved in insurance sales, so professionals are required in most countries and states to hold specialized licenses. A person can pursue an insurance agent license by obtaining a college degree, gaining supervised experience in the field, and preparing for an extensive written or computerized examination.
While some insurance agents are able to find employment with high school diplomas, the majority of brokerage firms and insurance companies prefer to hire people with college experience. A person who wants to earn his or her insurance agent license can benefit from obtaining an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in economics, finance, business administration, or a similar subject. In college, students have the opportunity to learn the different mathematical functions, statistical analyses, and management tactics involved in the insurance business. Many college students and other individuals who want to become insurance agents look for part- or full-time jobs in sales, customer service, or administrative assistant work to gain experience dealing with clients.
A person who is able to secure a job at an insurance company or private brokerage firm usually begins by assisting established agents, performing receptionist duties, and observing them in their work. A new professional learns about specific policies and how to handle different situations from experienced sales agents. Before being allowed to sell policies themselves, new workers are encouraged to pass insurance agent license exams, which are administered by state or country government boards.
The exact content of insurance agent license exams varies by location, but most exams measure new agents' understanding of confidentiality, ethics, general sales procedures, and specific insurance laws. Many bookstores, libraries, and websites offer books and brochures that contain tips and practice examinations to help people prepare for the detailed test. A licensing test may be written or available online, and usually costs a small fee that is frequently covered by a person's employer. After passing an insurance agent license test, an individual receives the credentials that allow him or her to start recruiting clients and selling policies independently.
