Insurance agent is one who is licensed by a state to sell insurance policy for one or more specific insurance companies. There are mainly two types of insurance agents; 1. independent agent - An insurance agent who represents multiple insurance companies, not just a single one. And 2. captive agent - An insurance agent working exclusively for a single insurance company, as opposed to an independent agent.
1. Familiarize yourself with all the insurance category field such as Life, health, property and liability insurance.
2. Receive a bachelor's degree in business or economics. Insurance companies prefer to hire individuals whose academic background includes courses in finance, math, accounting, economics, business and public speaking.
3. Become proficient with the computer software used by the insurance industry.
4. Work part time for an insurance agency while you're in college. Collect Insurance related information and ideas from the date while you are in college.
5. Expect to take your state's exam for the mandatory insurance license after an agency hires you.
6. Classes for the exam are offered in pre-licensing schools of insurance agents associations and in offices of some insurance companies. Make sure you will meet all the licensing requirements of your state.
7. Be prepared to take continuing education and upgrade yourself as time being.
8. Obtain certification to further your advancement within the industry. By taking intensive courses and examinations after you have had considerable experience as an agent, you can obtain the highly respected designation of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter.
A Day in an Insurance Agent's Life:
On a typical day an insurance agent might perform some of the following duties:
• prepare reports and maintain records;
• seek out new clients;
• in the event of a loss, help policyholders settle insurance claims;
• some may also offer their clients comprehensive financial planning services, such as retirement planning, estate planning, or assistance in setting up pension plans for businesses;