Auto Insurance Agent Training
Being an insurance agent can be a great opportunity for those who enjoy sales, and have good people skills and a good business ethic. Each state requires agents to be licensed, so this position requires training to obtain the licensing, as well as continuing education training to maintain the license. Check with your state's Department of Insurance to find the specific requirements for where you live.
Other People Are Reading
-
Communication Skills
-
Insurance work is people-oriented. Be sure to hone your communication skills by enrolling in classes at your community college or adult education school. Consider joining a public speaking club like Toastmasters. These will help you perform your job more effectively.
Pre-Licensing
-
Though each state's pre-licensing requirements differ, they all have some requirement to fulfill. Enroll in the appropriate classes either at a vocational school or, if your state allows, through self-study at home. For auto insurance, you will need a Property & Casualty license. There may be more than one class for this type of license.
-
Exam Preparation
-
You will be required to pass a state exam to receive your license. Some may be comfortable enough with the material just from the pre-licensing classes, but for others there are special classes designed to assist with passing the exam. This may be beneficial for you if you have difficulty taking tests.
Continuing Education
-
Every year or two, depending on your state, a certain number of continuing education credits will be required in order to renew your license. There are a number of classroom and online courses available to fulfill this requirement. Once you pass these courses, the institution will report your credits earned directly to the state.
Brokerage Mentorship
-
Because the requirements are different for each state, and because it can be tricky to find the schools you need and to coordinate with the testing centers and Department of Insurance, it is wise to partner with an existing agency or brokerage firm, if possible, when beginning your career. This will also give you valuable insight into running this type of business.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit agent showing a flat image by forca from Fotolia.com
