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How to Become an Insurance Broker in Texas

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If you are seeking to become an insurance broker in Texas, your first step will be to get the appropriate insurance licenses for the type of insurances you want to sell. To be licensed, you will need to satisfactorily demonstrate the appropriate depth of knowledge concerning regulations and legalities central to the insurance industry and actions expected of insurance brokers when dealing with the public. The purpose of such legalities and regulations, along with specific licensing requirements, are implemented to ensure the public is protected from unscrupulous business behaviors. An insurance broker is expected to act in his customer best interest by exhibiting honesty and integrity when representing clients.

Decide what types of insurance you want to sell. In Texas, you will need a license for each kind of insurance you will sell, whether life insurance, health, accident, property and casualty.

Visit the Prometric agency website authorized by Texas to administer insurance licensing testing--and order study materials for the type of test you want to take.

Study the materials sent to you by Prometric and be sure to retain the information for testing.

Schedule the time and date to take your licensing test by revisiting the Prometric website.

Show up at the test center where you scheduled your exam, at the time and date scheduled and take your exam.

Wait for the final results to be mail to you indicating a passing score.

Get sponsored by an insurance company so your can apply for your license. Search your local newspaper ads for insurance companies that are hiring for the exams you have taken and passed.

Go to your local State Police barracks and get your fingerprints taken and have a criminal background check done. Both are required for the licensing application process.

Gather all your documents to include your fingerprint card, your criminal background check, your exam results and sponsorship letter along with the application form filled out in its entirety and signed by a notary, then remit to the State of Texas Insurance Department by postal mail (See References).

Become appointed by your company once your receive your insurance license from the State of Texas.

Tip

The fee for fingerprinting processing is $34.95, in addition to the fee of $9.95 charged by the State Police or by companies authorized by TDI to take fingerprints, effective 2007. You must remit payment of $9.95 at the time your fingerprints are taken and remit the $34.95 processing free to TDI when sending in your application.

Warning

Agents are not allowed to sell pre-paid legal services with an insurance license. There are separate licensing requirements to sale such products and services in Texas.

Tips
  • The fee for fingerprinting processing is $34.95, in addition to the fee of $9.95 charged by the State Police or by companies authorized by TDI to take fingerprints, effective 2007. You must remit payment of $9.95 at the time your fingerprints are taken and remit the $34.95 processing free to TDI when sending in your application.
Warnings
  • Agents are not allowed to sell pre-paid legal services with an insurance license. There are separate licensing requirements to sale such products and services in Texas.
Writer

Kenneth W. Michael Wills is a writer on culture, society and business. With more than 15 years of experience in sales, public relations and written communications, Wills' passion is delighting audiences with invigorating perspectives and refreshing ideas. He has ghostwritten articles on a diverse range of topics for corporate websites and composed proposals for organizations seeking growth opportunities.

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Drazen Zigic/iStock/GettyImages