What does an Insurance Agent do?
Published 3 min read
An insurance agent is a professional who sells insurance policies to customers on behalf of an insurance company. Insurance agents typically work for a specific company and sell only that company's products.
Insurance Agent job duties include:
- Act as a liaison between insurance companies and their policyholders
- Assist policyholders with the claims process
- Investigate and resolve policyholder complaints
- Process and track insurance applications
- Underwrite new and renewal policies
- Update policyholder information
- Generate reports on insurance activity
- Monitor changes in the insurance industry
- Keep abreast of new products and services offered by insurers
- Maintain knowledge of state and federal insurance regulations
Insurance Agent Job Requirements
Most insurance agents have a college degree, although some jobs may only require a high school diploma or equivalent. Many states also require insurance agents to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require insurance agents to take an exam and complete a background check. Some states also require continuing education for insurance agents. Insurance companies may also have specific job requirements, such as experience in the insurance industry or in sales.
Insurance Agent Skills
- Listening
- Communication
- Persuasion
- Negotiation
- Closing skills
- Prospecting skills
- Self-confidence
- Product knowledge
- Industry knowledge
- Computer skills
- Math skills
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How to become an Insurance Agent
An insurance agent is a professional who sells insurance policies to customers on behalf of an insurance company. Insurance agents typically work for a specific company, but some are independent agents who work for themselves.
The first step to becoming an insurance agent is to research the requirements of the position. Most states require insurance agents to be licensed, and the requirements for licensure vary by state. Many states require insurance agents to complete pre-licensing education and pass an examination before they can be licensed.
Once you have met the requirements for licensure in your state, the next step is to find a job with an insurance company. Many insurance companies hire new agents as trainees, and provide training on the products they sell. Once you have completed training, you will be able to sell insurance policies to customers on behalf of your company.
If you are interested in becoming an independent insurance agent, you will need to build up a clientele of customers. You can do this by working with an existing insurance agency or by starting your own agency. Independent agents typically earn a commission on each policy they sell, so it is important to be able to generate new business.
Insurance sales can be a challenging but rewarding career. With hard work and dedication, you can succeed as an insurance agent and help people protect their assets.
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