Insurance agents sell a wide variety of insurance-related policies to both individuals and businesses. The types of insurance policies they sell include; automobile, life, home, health malpractice (for businesses) and disability. Some insurance agents also offer mutual funds and securities as well as some retirement and estate planning.
In order to do well as an insurance agent, it is important to have sales skills. Insurance agents need to have excellent interpersonal skills. In addition, they must obtain a license in the state they plan to sell in.
Insurance Agent Facts and Stats:
Insurance Agent Job Duties:
Insurance agents help individuals and businesses choose the best insurance policies for their needs. These might include life, health, malpractice, and car insurance therefore insurance agents need to understand the details of a number of different types of policies and help advice their clients on them. Insurance agents spend their workdays finding new clients, writing reports, and filling out paperwork.
Insurance Agent Work Environment:
Insurance agents usually work out of small offices. Independent insurance agents spend their time between an office and meeting with clients. They often work evenings and weekends to work around client schedules. Most insurance agents work at least 40 hours a week.
Insurance Agent Education and Training:
While many companies seek out candidates with college degrees, a degree is not a requirement for becoming an insurance agent. Although competition is stiff, high school graduates may gain employment especially if they have sales skills. Insurance sales agents must gain a state license for the state they plan to sell insurance in.
This profession is expected to grow at about an average rate. Individuals with a college degree plus sales skills will have the easiest time gaining employment.
Insurance Agent Salaries:
According to the Occupational Employment Statistics survey program the middle 50% earn between $31,640 and $69,180. Independent insurance agents may receive all of their income through commissions while those who work through an agency may receive commissions plus a salary. Bonuses are also a possibility.
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