If you’ve ever been in an accident, you know how important it is to have insurance — but have you ever wondered how to become a licensed insurance agent?
It’s actually not as difficult as you might think. In most states, you’ll need to take a written test and pass a background check. You’ll also need to complete a pre-licensing course that covers topics such as insurance law, ethics, and contracts. And once you’ve met all those requirements, you’ll be able to apply for your license.
After you have your license, you’ll be able to help people protect themselves and their families from financial ruin. So if you’re looking for a rewarding career that makes a difference in people’s lives, becoming an insurance agent is a great choice.
Here’s how:
Steps to Become a Licensed Insurance Agent
There are many types of insurance out there: Life insurance franchises, health insurance, car insurance, homeowners insurance… the list goes on and on. And each type of insurance has its own set of rules and regulations. So how does someone become a licensed insurance agent? The process may vary slightly from state to state, but there are some general steps that are usually required.
First, the aspiring insurance agent will need to take some courses in order to obtain knowledge about the various types of insurance and how they work. Once the courses have been completed, the next step is to pass a licensing exam. Some states require you to take additional exams if you want to sell certain types of insurance, such as life or health insurance. Finally, once you’ve passed all your licensing exams, you’ll need to find a job with an insurance company.
After completing these steps, you’ll be ready to start helping people find the right insurance coverage for their needs.
Do You Need a College Degree to Become a Licensed Insurance Agent?
No. A four-year degree is not a prerequisite to becoming a licensed insurance agent. This is great news for people who decided not to pursue college but still want to earn a good living with a dynamic career.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Insurance Agent?
Becoming a licensed insurance agent can take up to several months in certain states, but this isn’t always the case. This is because each state has different requirements. These range from as little as a one-day class to a 40-hour online training course. You can find your state’s licensing requirements by visiting the National Insurance Producer Registry website.
In any case, the process typically involves completing pre-licensing education courses, passing an exam, and then completing a background check and fingerprinting.
Some states also require continuing education courses to maintain your license. So if you’re looking to get into the insurance world, be prepared for a bit of a commitment.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Licensed Insurance Agent?
The cost of becoming a licensed insurance agent can vary, but in general, it’s relatively low. It roughly costs somewhere between $500 and $700 for the educational course, licensing exam, your state license application, and background check, depending upon which state you’re in.
Of course, there are also ongoing costs associated with being an insurance agent, such as renewing your license and liability insurance, but compared to other professions, the cost of becoming an insurance agent is quite reasonable. So if you’re looking for a new career that won’t break the bank, becoming an insurance agent is definitely worth considering. Not to mention, the benefits of owning a franchise certainly outweigh the costs.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Licensed Insurance Agent?
How to become a licensed insurance agent is the main focus of this article and an important question in its own right. But who should become one is just as important. After all, you can learn about insurance through educational courses and training. But there are several qualities you should possess inherently that will predict your success as an insurance agent.
So before jumping into a career in insurance, ask yourself if you possess the three most important qualities for success in this field:
- Interpersonal skills
- Business & sales acumen
- Ability to deal with difficult personalities, i.e., “thick skin”
Let’s get into more detail on each of them:
First and foremost, you’ll need to be a people person. A successful insurance agent is one who is able to build rapport quickly and establish trust with potential customers. That’s because, before you can make a sale, you’ll need to get prospective customers to like you and want to do business with you.
You’ll also need to be a good salesperson: The ability to close a deal is essential in this business. Because if you’re not closing deals, you’re not making money in insurance.
And finally, you’ll need to have thick skin. The insurance industry can be competitive, and rejected sales can be discouraging. You may also have to deal with disgruntled customers from time to time. But if you have thick skin and you’re confident in your skills and knowledge, you’ll thrive in the insurance sales industry.
How to Become a Licensed Insurance Agent: A Recap
In this article, we’ve covered the processes required to become a licensed insurance agent. Remember, the process and its costs vary by state. But, in general, it boils down to three steps:
- Enroll in an accredited insurance education course and complete it
- Take and pass your state licensing exam
- Gain employment with an insurance company as a practicing licensed insurance agent
Become a Freeway Insurance Licensed Insurance Agent
Now that you know how to become a licensed insurance agent, it’s time to take action! Join Freeway Insurance, the top insurance franchise opportunity in the industry.
You can use our established business model, national network, and training and marketing support to kickstart your insurance career.
The insurance industry can be competitive. But if you have the skills and drive to succeed, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed insurance agent. Freeway Insurance is here to support you all along the way. Get started today.
