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What does an Insurance Sales do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An insurance sales person is responsible for selling insurance policies to customers on behalf of an insurance company. They work with potential customers to determine their needs and then recommend the best policy for them. Insurance sales people must be able to explain the features and benefits of various policies in order to make a sale.

Insurance Sales job duties include:

  • Meet with potential clients to discuss their needs and whether particular insurance products are right for them
  • Explain features, advantages and disadvantages of various insurance policies to help clients make informed decisions
  • Develop sales proposals and presentations to illustrate the benefits of buying a particular policy
  • Generate new business by contacting potential customers and selling them insurance products
  • Service existing accounts by providing policy updates and responding to customer inquiries
  • Stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes in coverage to better serve clients’ needs
  • Maintain strong relationships with insurance carriers to ensure best possible coverage and rates for clients
  • Negotiate with carriers on behalf of clients to get the most favorable terms possible
  • Keep abreast of competitors’ products and services to better meet the needs of potential customers

Insurance Sales Job Requirements

Most insurance sales jobs require at least a high school diploma, although some companies may prefer or require a college degree. Many insurance companies also require new agents to complete training programs lasting several weeks to several months. Some states have licensing requirements for insurance agents, and most companies require agents to take continuing education courses. Insurance sales agents usually need at least 1 year of experience working in the insurance industry before they can be promoted to manager or supervisor positions.

Insurance Sales Skills

  • Communication
  • Persuasion
  • Active listening
  • Research
  • Time management
  • Organization
  • Prioritization
  • Cold calling
  • Presentation
  • Negotiation

Related: Top Insurance Sales Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Insurance Sales

The first step to becoming an insurance salesperson is to research the different types of insurance policies that are available and find the one that best suits your needs. Once you have found the right policy, you will need to contact an insurance company and set up an appointment to speak with a sales representative. During your meeting, be sure to ask questions about the policy and find out what discounts are available. Once you have all of the information you need, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the policy.

Related: Insurance Sales Resume Example

Related: Insurance Sales Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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