What Type of
Insurance Agent
Do You Want to Be?
Regardless of what type of insurance you want to sell, it’s important to know the steps involved. Lean on the Big “I” to find out what type of insurance agent you want to be.
Here’s what you’ll learn.
What’s the Steps to getting an insurance license
The Different Types pf Insurance Agents to Become
Continuing education is also a requirement
How to sign up for a Big “I” membership in your state?
Understanding the types of insurance.
Wherever you live, if you want to sell life, auto, home or commercial insurance, you’ll need a license. However, the requirements may vary depending on the state. A college degree isn’t usually required, but you’ll need a high school diploma.
- Complete an insurance pre-licensing course, which typically can be done online.
- Pass the insurance exam.
- Apply for the insurance license.
- Get fingerprinted and complete a background check.
- Maintain your insurance license by satisfying continuing education requirements.
What does it Take to be an Independent Insurance Agent?
Commercial vs Business agents.
Businesses typically need commercial vehicle insurance, whether it’s to make deliveries, transport goods or provide their employees with a company car. This is an important market for insurance agents. Businesses need insurance to operate. Because independent insurance agents represent a variety of insurance companies, they can tailor a business insurance policy to their client’s specific needs.
To become a commercial vehicle insurance agent, you’ll need to check your state’s specific guidelines to find out how many hours of education are required before you can apply for a license. An easy way to find these are through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website, which can link you to each individual state’s department of insurance. After you satisfy your educational requirements, you’ll have to pass a licensing test, pay your state’s application fee, do a background check and get fingerprinted.
Another name for business insurance is commercial insurance. To become a commercial or business insurance agent, you’ll need to have a high school diploma. Then, it’s important to check the NAIC website to find out your state’s educational requirements and the application fee amount. You’ll need to pass the licensing exam, pay the application fee, do a background check and get fingerprinted.
How to become a home insurance agent.
Virtually everyone, whether they own a home, townhome or condo, or rent an apartment, should have an insurance policy, also known as homeowners insurance or renters insurance. Since independent insurance agents represent a variety of insurance companies, they are well-suited to meet the needs of homeowners and renters.
Becoming a home insurance agent is very similar to becoming an agent in other types of personal lines coverage, and, in fact, most home insurance agents sell other personal insurance too.
- Check your state’s educational requirements.
- Fill out your state’s online application form.
- Pay the license application fee.
- Pass the state licensing exam, which is typically required.
- Get a background check and get fingerprinted.
- Continuing education also a requirement.
- Start selling insurance with your new license.
What is the Big “I”?
The Big “I” is a national trade insurance federation. It consists of more than 50 independent state associations as well as the national association. Their mission is to provide support for independent agents and brokers by offering membership benefits and resources such educational tools, informative publications, networking, and more.
These associations also serve as advocates for independent insurance agents by working with insurance companies, state insurance departments, the federal government, and other stakeholders to maintain a stable and viable marketplace. Through the collective efforts of the Big “I,” independent agencies are better equipped to thrive.
What are the benefits of a Big “I” membership?
A Big “I” membership provides access to more than 30 top-tier insurance markets, including commercial auto, homeowners, flood and specialty types of insurance companies. This benefit comes with no extra fees.
The Big “I” Best Practices study classifies top-performing agencies in six revenue categories, from small to large. These surveys help new and upcoming independent agencies tailor their operations and strategies for success.
Big “I” members receive a monthly copy of Independent Agent magazine and weekly digital articles that cover market trends and analysis to help agencies succeed.
Big “I” membership includes hiring tools, such as access to interview resources and job descriptions to help your new agency hire top talent for your team.
The Big “I” Virtual University provides new independent agencies with a huge research library on numerous subjects, including certificates of insurance, commercial lines and personal lines. It also has experts standing by to answer tough coverage questions.
Periodically, the Big “I” Office of General Counsel reviews and provides observations of key provisions of insurance company agent agreements.
Big “I” members have access to a host of digital marketing and branding tools, without giving up your agency’s identity.
The Big “I” provides many benefits for those interested in becoming an insurance agent, including:
How to sign up for a Big “I” membership in your state.
Signing up for a Big “I” membership in your state is easy. Just fill out the online form to get started. Member dues vary by state, firm size and revenue. If you have questions, the Big “I” is standing by to answer them and assist you in every way possible.
