what is the best way to be an auto insurance agent and get licensed?
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 at
4:48 am
kim k asked:
I need a midllife career change. I want to get my auto insurance license and to be trained. What options do I have?
I need a midllife career change. I want to get my auto insurance license and to be trained. What options do I have?
Tagged with: Auto Insurance Agent • Insurance • Insurance License
Filed under: Auto Insurance
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Got to study for the license exam which is called personal lines. Find a insurance staffer in your local community who can place you with an agency to sponsor you for the test.
I would call the large carriers, Allstate, State Farm, etc. They will hire a new agent and help you open an office if they think you have what it takes. You can even buy a book of business.
I would pick the company with the best training and the best mentor/sales manager.
You go to your state insurance department website to get the information on how to get licensed – you basically just have to pass a test.
But if you have no experience, and no sales experience, you’re not likely to get a company willing to let you sell their insurance.
To be trained, you basically have to get a job selling insurance for someone who already has the contract. They’ll keep half your commission, but they’ll service the accounts, and teach you about insurance. DEFINATELY the way to go, with no experience.
You can study and get licensed on your own. You should be able to go to your state’s dept of insurance website and get information about getting licensed. It’s also possible that you can work through a company to licensed to. I’m an agent with State Farm and we look more at the quality of an employee rather than if their already licensed. Most agencies will pay for your licensing once they’ve decided to hire you.
You’re best bet is to start by working with another agent and learn the industry. I usually post ads on craigslist when I’m hiring.
Many companies out there will offer to make you an agent right away, but very few “green” agents make it.
Work for another agent for at least a year and then you’ll be much better prepared to start an agency.