which is the first course someone should take to become an insurance agent

by Lurline Kihn 6 min read

Here are the basic steps you can take to become an insurance agent: 1. Earn a bachelor's degree While a high school diploma is technically the only requirement for an insurance sales agent, most companies prefer that insurance agents hold a college degree.

Earn a bachelor's degree
Aspiring insurance agents should consider taking courses in business, economics or finance to be more effective in selling insurance as a product. They may also want to study marketing or psychology to become better at promoting their insurance products and selling them.
Feb 22, 2021

Full Answer

What is the best course for a new insurance agent?

Feb 22, 2021 · Aspiring insurance agents should consider taking courses in business, economics or finance to be more effective in selling insurance as a product. They may also want to study marketing or psychology to become better at promoting their insurance products and …

What are the requirements to become an insurance agent?

Take an insurance license exam Most states require you to complete a pre-licensing class. Many of these can be taken online or through an in-person course. Requirements vary depending on the state, from a one-day class to 20-40 hours of online training.

How long does it take to become an insurance broker?

Jun 29, 2018 · State Licensing The most important course for a new insurance agent is the license training course. Regardless of the type of insurance you sell, you must be registered as an insurance agent with...

Where can I go to get an insurance agent license?

While you will need a bachelors degree to become an insurance agent, there is no set courses you need to take. As long as you have a major in business administration or finance, then this will be fine later on. Taking elective subjects in English can be helpful as you will need finely tuned communication skills.

What is the best way to market insurance?

a brand strategy to help guide all of your marketing efforts. create social media pages for your business. It can really help to make a marketing checklist for your insurance agency.

How long is the insurance exam?

The hours required vary depending on the state, courses vary from one day long to up to 40 hours in some cases. Once you finish your pre-exam course you will have to take the official insurance exam. You have to book an appointment where you will have to choose a date and time to take the test.

How to market insurance?

In order to start marketing and promoting your insurance agency, you will need the following: 1 to define your target audience and your specialty 2 an insurance website that is useful for your target audience 3 a brand strategy to help guide all of your marketing efforts 4 create social media pages for your business

What is captive insurance?

Captive insurance agent. As a captive insurance agent, you will be allowed to only work with one company. This will carry the benefits of working with big companies: a clear organizational structure, thorough training, mentors, and a steady salary.

What is independent insurance?

Independent insurance agent. In contrast as an Independent agent, you will be able to operate with multiple entities. Also known as brokers, calculating different policy quotes from different companies to find the best market price. Instead of earning a monthly salary, an independent agent will receive commissions from the policies sold.

Can you sell insurance without a license?

Once you decide which type of insurance products and policies you will be offering its time to start the process of getting licensed. You cannot operate or sell insurance without one, the industry is highly regulated and complex in some cases. Operating without one could face legal actions.

What is personal insurance?

Personal insurance is a set of policies covering individuals and families. Including vehicles, home insurance, health insurance, and life insurance. Commercial insurance provides services to companies and businesses. The most common package would be Building, Contents, Theft, Glass, and general property.

Business Classes

According to Farmers Insurance, one benefit to being an insurance agent is that you are your own boss. Taking business classes will arm you with the knowledge to better manage yourself and grow your revenue by increasing your business.

Communication Classes

As an insurance agent, you will be dealing with a diverse population ranging from various socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles. Knowing how to communicate effectively and professionally with all types of people will make you a more successful insurance agent.

English Classes

You may not need to know the symbolism within a Truman Capote novel, but taking an introductory English course will help you improve your writing abilities and increase your vocabulary. As an insurance agent, you will have to communicate via e-mail with clients, potential clients and insurance underwriters.

Computer Science Classes

Every single major insurance office is computerized, and taking computer science classes will help make you efficient in using job-related software, performing simple computer tasks, enhancing your Internet skills, and even helping you better market yourself on social media platforms.

How long does it take to get an insurance license?

Working as an insurance agent allows for flexibility, and it often takes only a few weeks to acquire a license. 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 ...

What happens when you pass the insurance license exam?

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’re officially licensed, you’ll be able to legally discuss and sell insurance policies.

Why do insurance companies require E&O coverage?

Errors and omissions: E&O coverage is required by almost all insurance companies before you will be allowed to write their policies. This protects your clients against errors that you or your staff may make. For example, you might accidentally delete the wrong car from a policy, and it isn’t covered in an accident.

What is a captive insurance agent?

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.

What is an independent agent?

An independent agent, also called an insurance broker, 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.

What is commercial insurance?

There are many kinds of commercial insurance and personal insurance policies. Personal lines of insurance focus on coverage for individuals and families. This includes insurance for motor vehicles, home insurance, and life insurance. Commercial insurance agents focus on providing coverage to businesses with policies ranging from general liability ...

What is a property and casualty license?

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

How to become an insurance agent?

The most important course for a new insurance agent is the license training course. Regardless of the type of insurance you sell, you must be registered as an insurance agent with your state. To do so, you must register for a state-approved training course in the insurance type of your choice and take a proctored exam. You can take exams in life, health, accident and car insurance, to name a few. Once you pass the exam you are allowed to sell insurance in your state.

What is the most important course for an insurance agent?

The most important course for a new insurance agent is the license training course . Regardless of the type of insurance you sell, you must be registered as an insurance agent with your state. To do so, you must register for a state-approved training course in the insurance type of your choice and take a proctored exam.

How much does an insurance agent make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, insurance agents earn an annual median wage exceeding $49,990. If you want to become a successful agent, there are a few courses to keep in mind that can help you on your career path.

How many years of experience do insurance salesmen need?

Insurance salesmen are typically expected to have three to five years of related experience. This experience can be obtained through insurance, banking, finance or direct sales experience.

What are some good things to put on a resume?

College courses that look good on your resume include business law, business communication, risk management, insurance, financial management, financial accounting, leadership and marketing.

Education Requirements to Become an Insurance Agent

While you’re still in high school, taking courses in math, business, and English will all be helpful.

Insurance Agent Job Description

An insurance agent works to meet the insurance needs of their clients.

Insurance Agent Salary and Career Path

Most people in the insurance industry start with an entry level job for a large company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, insurance agents work for insurance companies and their main job is to offer all the products provided by the company to businesses or individuals.

How long does it take to get an insurance license?

Getting your insurance licenses – Three to six weeks. Finding an insurance agent job – Two or more weeks. Getting your FINRA licenses (optional) – Four to eight weeks. These numbers are estimates, and not guaranteed by any means. Finding the right job could potentially take much more time than two weeks.

How many questions are asked in the insurance exam?

These exams are generally between 80-160 questions, obviously depending on the state. You will need to take an exam for each line of insurance you wish to attain, which means that in some states you may be required to take as many as four exams total (though most only require two).

What is insurance pre license?

This is a course that can be taken online or in-person to prepare you to pass your insurance license exam.

What is the SIE exam?

The SIE exam will be a qualification you must complete before attempting to get your Series 6 or Series 63. Some agents choose to get their Series 7 license instead of Series 6, as this allows them to market and sell a much broader line of securities products.

Is being an insurance agent a good job?

Becoming an insurance agent is an excellent job choice. Whether you are young and just starting out, working to level up your sales skills, or changing your career path mid-way, being an insurance agent is a great way to make good money and live how you want. This article will cover everything you need to know to become an insurance agent.

Is insurance stressful?

Whether insurance is stressful or not is completely dependent on your temperament and external factors of your agency. Some agents who have a handle on the day-to-day may find almost no stress in their job, while others may not have as strong a grip and find the work to be much more demanding.

What does "no ceiling" mean?

This means that the more you sell, the more you make. No ceiling! Low barrier of entry – A license and a hunger to learn and work hard are the only things you need to enter in as an insurance agent. Flexibility – Insurance agents often work at whichever time of day makes the most sense for them.

What is agent broker training?

It is a service that every person needs, and starting a career in insurance can be very rewarding! The Agent Broker Training Center offers Insurance Agent training for individuals who are either beginning a career in insurance or who are already established but would like to improve or expand their knowledge with additional insurance agent training.

What is a property and casualty license?

Property And Casualty Insurance. A license is a requirement for selling property and casualty insurance in the United States. The license is obtained by upon successful completion of an entry-level exam that tests the applicant's knowledge of general insurance concepts, insurance provisions and policies, and contract law.

Is Farm Bureau insurance the same as day to day?

A day in the life of a Farm Bureau insurance agent is never the same! As your own boss, you will set your own schedule, which means you can make it as routine or spontaneous as you’d like. Beyond a day-to-day basis, you never know when disaster will strike your community, and when it does your local insurance agents are some of the first to help keep things together and protect families that were affected.

Is it too late to start a farm bureau?

It’s never too late to start a career in insurance! In fact, the ideal Farm Bureau agent is someone who is interested in running their own business, a leader and an individual who wants to make a difference in the lives of people in their community. If you are someone who is ready to transition from your past career to a new one as a Farm Bureau agent , we’d love to talk to you.

Is insurance sales a 9-5 job?

It’s true that a career in insurance sales isn’t your typical “9 to 5” job. Farm Bureau agents are expected to be there for their client/members when they’re needed most, and in the event of an emergency, that can be day or night.

Does Farm Bureau offer life insurance?

Most people think of insurance in terms of life and car insurance, but there are a number of other important products to consider. Farm Bureau offers a full suite of insurance products, meaning our agents are able to help people from all walks of life - rural, urban and in between - protect everything from their family to their professional dreams.

Do insurance agents have a background?

The truth is, most of our agents don’t have a background in insurance sales . They possess other innate, transferable qualities that make them quick learners and successful leaders. Though many of our top candidates have some prior experience in sales, business and/or marketing, certain personality traits, such as having an entrepreneurial spirit, ...

Career Quiz

In this career quiz, there are 10 questions that will give you a pretty good perspective on whether the career of an Insurance Sales Agent is right for you.

Suitable Personality

People who are suitable for this job tends to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Typical Day

Insurance Sales Agents sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company..

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Business Classes

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According to Farmers Insurance, one benefit to being an insurance agent is that you are your own boss. Taking business classes will arm you with the knowledge to better manage yourself and grow your revenue by increasing your business. These classes teach students marketing skills that will draw more clients, as well as the …
See more on theclassroom.com

Communication Classes

  • As an insurance agent, you will be dealing with a diverse population ranging from various socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles. Knowing how to communicate effectively and professionally with all types of people will make you a more successful insurance agent. UCLA’s Department of Communication Studies offers courses that teach a number of basic theo…
See more on theclassroom.com

English Classes

  • You may not need to know the symbolism within a Truman Capote novel, but taking an introductory English course will help you improve your writing abilities and increase your vocabulary. As an insurance agent, you will have to communicate via e-mail with clients, potential clients and insurance underwriters. If you can’t write professionally and accurately, you may risk …
See more on theclassroom.com

Computer Science Classes

  • Every single major insurance office is computerized, and taking computer science classes will help make you efficient in using job-related software, performing simple computer tasks, enhancing your Internet skills, and even helping you better market yourself on social media platforms. In computer science classes, such as those offered at Hunter College, you can take c…
See more on theclassroom.com