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The insurance sales agent is the person that works directly with both prospective and existing clients by determining needs for their initial policy or to be able to assess the current policy and make any changes if needed.

An insurance agent is different from an insurance broker as they don’t work with multiple insurance companies like the broker does; they only work for the insurance company in which they are hired by. The only exception to this is that if they are an independent insurance sales agent.

If you’re looking to get multiple quotes from different companies this distinction is an important one as you’re not going to get it from a sales agent unless they are independent.

Coverage Considerations

In order to give the best possible services for the money the client is spending the insurance sales agent is going to carefully go over and consider the coverage types that are needed and the amounts to carry. This is pretty basic in concept as it’s just asking the client questions to gather what the coverage they are interested in, what they have to protect and what they are willing to pay for premiums.

Taking all of the answers into consideration the insurance sales agent is going to tailor a package, specifically to that client, that is going to be able to meet the needs at the best possible price that the new insured is willing to pay in premium.

The Face of the Company

When it comes to the “face of the company” the insurance sales agent is very often the only link in this manner. The sales agent is going to meet on occasion either on the phone or in person to evaluate life changes and make any needed modifications to fit new circumstances if applicable.

Also should there be a claim the sales agent is likely to be the first person called and will help to start the claims process by providing forms as well as just offering advice when the insured is submitting a claim. There are a lot of agents that will call in the claim for the insured; especially if it is an incident that has led to a death or the person is just too uncomfortable in doing so for any reason.

Specific Focus

For the most part almost all of the insurance sales agents will maintain a specific focus on only two lines of insurance; such as, personal lines which includes auto and home and the applicable add-ons. Heath and life insurance can be divisions of their own.

By working with someone that has that specific focus they will be a lot more likely to know the products offered in a much greater detail. Working with a more generalized agent allows the insured to maintain a relationship with the one person and purchase all of the policies.

Beginning work at an insurance company rather than at a brokerage or as an independent agent you’re likely only going to be hired for one specific insurance line focus; whether it be life and health, auto and more, etc… If you go to work for a brokerage you’re much more likely going to need to know a little about everything as you’re often the “all in one” for your clients.

Education and Licensing

When you’re looking forward to a career in insurance you should look to start out as an insurance sales agent. While not required; a degree in a field like finance, business administration or marketing can be very helpful in helping you land a position.

There are a lot of jobs/insurance companies that will only require you to have a high school degree; however, you will need to get your insurance license through the state before you’re actually able to start selling policies. Check with your states insurance division for specific on your state as each state has their own insurance division and insurance commissioner.