How to Get a Homeowners Insurance License

Get your homeowners insurance license.

If you've decided to change careers, or are just entering the workforce, and want to become a homeowners insurance agent, you will need to obtain a property and casualty insurance producer's license. Every state requires such a license to solicit or service insurance policies, so obtaining one that is valid in your state is the first step to beginning your new career.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with basic office computer programs. Technology has drastically reduced the cost of homeowners insurance, and nearly every commercial agency today uses computers and the Internet for daily operations. To increase your chances of landing a job with an existing agency, learn the most popular business software and office programs. Microsoft's Office Suite, for example, is used by a significant percentage of insurance agencies; so, you will have a distinct advangtage if you already know how to effectively work within MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook, when you apply for a job.

2. Study sales strategies and marketing techniques. The lifeblood of any homeowners insurance agent is a steady flow of new customers. By understanding sales concepts and advertising strategies, you will increase your chances of success. It is important that you become familiar with basic sales psychology and closing techniques, as the sale of new policies is often the only way homeowners insurance agents earn an income. Visit websites like JustSell.com and StartSellingMore.com to learn simple and effective ways to initiate the sales process, build rapport, turn the conversation to ionsurance, and present products. By using these sales concepts, you can demonstrate to potential customers the benefits of homeowners insurance products and increase the likelihood of making a sale.

3. Complete the pre-licensing educational requirements. Every state requires the completion of various industry-related courses before you are permitted to sit for the producer's license exam. Most states allow self-study of the required material using text books and online materials, but some states insist on mandatory in-person classroom attendance. You must complete the pre-licensing education before you can schedule your exam.

4. Take the state insurance exam. After the successful completion of your pre-licensing courses, you will be issued a certificate indicating you have satisfactorily finished the mandatory insurance producer's pre-licensing education. Contact your state's insurance department for a list of authorized testing centers, then call one in your area to schedule your homeowners insurance producer's exam. Most states will issue you an insurance license if you achieve at least a seventy percent score on the test.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not engage in the solicitation or sale of homeowners insurance products until you have received a valid property and casualty insurance producer's license. It is illegal to sell or service insurance products without a license, and you could face severe civil and criminal penalties for violating this law.

References

• InsureMe.com: How to Become an Insurance Agent
• CareerToolKits.com: How to Become an Insurance Agent

Resources

• Microsoft Office Online: Free Self-Paced Training Courses for Office Programs
• JustSell.com: Tools
• StartSellingMore.com: Basic Sales Techniques