Decide what kind of insurance agent you want to become

Starting a career in the insurance industry can be an appealing opportunity for new and established professionals. Depending on the area of emphasis, it’s a career path that allows for flexibility and a diverse roster of interesting clients. The requirements to become an insurance agent vary by state, but they can often be completed much faster than other professions that require a license.


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Exactly how long does it take to become an insurance agent? Most people can become one in only a few weeks, and a bachelor's degree isn't required. If you choose to take an online education course that stipulates a certain number of study hours, your ability to complete it will largely determine your licensing time. There may also be a week or two of waiting for the license to be issued once your exam and background checks are complete.

If you’re ready to jump into the world of insurance sales, consider these steps to becoming an insurance agent.

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Decide what kind of insurance agent you want to become

You will need to decide between two types of insurance agents when starting your insurance agent business: captive and independent.

Captive insurance agent

A captive agent is one who works with only one company, typically a large national insurance provider. The captive company provides training and support to the agent. In return, the agent represents only the company’s products and cannot sell policies for a competitor.

Many captive insurance agents are required to sign a non-compete agreement, limiting them to only one insurance company for a specific period. Commission rates may be lower based on the marketing support provided to the agent by the carrier.

Independent insurance agent

An independent agent is someone who works with more than one insurance company. The agent provides clients with policy quotes from multiple companies to find the best policies and price.

Independent agents have greater flexibility in their product offerings but receive less training and support from the insurance carriers they work with.

Agents must also build their brand in the markets they work in, rather than relying on marketing support from well-known insurers, which can make the path to becoming an independent insurance agent more challenging.

Review your state’s licensing requirements

Before you begin the process of getting licensed, you’ll need to know which products you will be selling (see above) so that you choose the proper type of license for your insurance agent business. License names will vary depending on the state you live in.

What are the two most common license types?

• Property and casualty license, for agents who plan to serve clients who need auto, home, and business casualty insurance.
• Life, health, and accident license, for agents who plan to serve individuals who need insurance and annuities related to life events, such as life insurance, accidents, or health insurance.

Your career plan may require you to obtain multiple licenses. You will need to get the specifics from your state's department of insurance or the company you plan to represent.

Why do insurance agents need a license?

Insurance agents must be licensed to discuss insurance products or complete sales. Your location will likely have unique city and state licensing requirements. People who operate without a license could face penalties or legal action.

Take an insurance license exam

Most states require you to complete a pre-licensing course. Many of these can be taken online or through an in-person course. Education requirements vary depending on the state, from a one-day class to 20-40 hours of online training. The National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) has a helpful resource for looking at state-specific licensing requirements and fees.

After you have fulfilled any pre-exam requirements for your state, you’ll need to schedule your official licensing exam. An outside company usually proctors these exams. You will go to a testing site at the scheduled date and time to take the test online. You may need to show proof of your completed training class before taking the insurance exam.

What to expect during your insurance license exam

The exam process usually is not difficult, especially if you have completed pre-exam requirements and come prepared. You’ll arrive at your scheduled time and be placed at a computer. Test questions are usually in multiple-choice format. When the exam is complete, you’ll immediately find out if you passed. If you don’t pass on the first try, you can reschedule and take it again.
5. Submit your license application and background check

When you pass your state insurance license exam, you’ll submit all required licensing applications to your state licensing department. Some states will require a background check, which may involve fingerprints. Once you've obtained your licensure, you’ll be able to legally discuss and sell insurance policies.

6. Get appointed with an insurance company to sell products

You must be appointed by an insurance company before you have the authority to be an insurance sales agent. You will need to complete an application with each insurance company you plan to sell products for and be granted an appointment and binding authority, which is recorded on your state insurance license.
7. Find and maintain clients

You have a license. Now what? You’ll want to begin prospecting for clients. Many agents begin by writing their own insurance and prospecting to friends and family. This is a great way to get a good feel for how the systems work and become comfortable quoting new coverage.

At this point, it’s a good idea to begin marketing your agency. You may want to join the local chamber of commerce, create a website and promote your business online, or explore local advertising options. Many options are available, and most will require some trial and error until you find what works best for you.