Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Insurance Agents

Insurance Agents Nature of Work

Insurance agents sell life, automobile, property, health and other types of insurance to individuals, businesses and public institutions. Insurance agents purchase insurance from a variety of companies on behalf of clients. Insurance agents are employed by individual insurance companies or are independent representatives of specific insurance companies. Insurance agents are employed by brokerage firms, or may work in partnerships or hold sole proprietorship.

Insurance Agents Work Conditions

Most insurance sales agents are based in small offices, from which they contact clients and provide information on the policies they sell. However, much of their time may be spent outside their offices, traveling locally to meet with clients, close sales or investigate claims. Agents usually determine their own hours of work and often schedule evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of clients.

Insurance Agents Personal Requirements

• able to pay attention to detail
• an aptitude for numbers and calculations
• good communication skills
• sound judgment

Insurance Agents Employment Requirements

• Completion of secondary school or
• On-the-job training and insurance industry courses and training programs are usually required
• Licensure by the insurance governing body

Insurance Agents Duties and Tasks

Insurance agents may perform the following tasks:

• collect and keep records of payments
• draw up a list of potential clients
• interview prospective clients to explain the details of an insurance policy and make recommendations on the amount and type of cover that may be taken
• make contact with these clients and see if they are interested in insurance
• market their services to increase their number of clients
• research and review available insurance products to make sure that the clients are given the best and most appropriate offer

Insurance Agent Example Titles

• Insurance Broker
• Insurance Sales Representative

Insurance Agent Related Occupations

• Financial Dealers
• Financial Planners
• Insurance Investigators
• Insurance Officers
• Insurance Underwriters
• Insurance Managers
• Real Estate Agents
• Sales Representatives

Insurance Related Industries

• Banking
• Quality Control