| Insurance Agents evaluate and assist clients in | | | | of policies such as property and casualty, life, |
| choosing insurance policies that provides coverage | | | | health insurance, disability, and long-term care |
| to meet their needs in case of a loss. Clients can | | | | insurance. Many agents also sell mutual funds, |
| be individuals, families, or businesses. | | | | securities, and annuities. There are also agents and |
| To be a successful insurance agent, you should | | | | companies that only offer insurance to businesses |
| enjoy working closely with people, have the ability | | | | and on the other side, there are ones that only |
| to create a calm environment from one that may | | | | accept personal line clients. |
| be tense and stressful, have a positive attitude, | | | | A college degree is not a requirement for |
| possess good negotiating skills, be motivated, | | | | becoming a licensed insurance agent, but all states |
| have computer and internet skills, and be | | | | require insurance agents to be licensed. You must |
| comfortable with advising clients of the different | | | | also carry separate licenses to sell the different |
| insurance policies. | | | | types of insurance, such as life and health or |
| There are two types of insurance agents; captive | | | | property and casualty insurance. Most states |
| agents, who work exclusively for an individual | | | | require insurance agents to complete pre-licensing |
| insurance company, or independent insurance | | | | courses and pass state examinations prior to |
| agents or brokers that represent several | | | | getting a license. |
| companies. While captive agents can only offer | | | | One thing to decide is if you want to work for an |
| insurance policies within the companies they | | | | established insurance company or start your own |
| represent, independent agents can offer clients | | | | business. By working for an established company, |
| many policy choices, often splitting them over | | | | you have the power of the name behind you; |
| several companies. | | | | however, as with any employee - employer |
| Rather your career choice is captive insurance | | | | relationship, you are bound by company rules. To |
| agent or independent insurance agent, the types | | | | start your own business, it requires upfront |
| of insurance products sold may be the same. | | | | capitol, planning, advertising, and branding to |
| Some agents specialize in particular products, such | | | | become successful. |
| as life insurance, while others offer a wide range | | | | |