How To Become An Independent Auto Insurance Agent
Selling auto insurance can be a great career with the right preparation. Auto insurance agents sell and maintain policies that provide protection for vehicles. As an independent agent, you’re not bound to sell the policies of a particular company. You can also build your business and plan to sell it when you’re ready to retire. This guide shows you how to become an independent auto insurance agent, along with a few tips to increase your long-term success.
Guide to Becoming an Independent Auto Insurance Agent
Becoming an independent auto insurance agent involves getting your license, finding insurance companies whose policies you can sell and building your business. Although it’s not a bad idea to have a college education before you get started, it may not be a requirement for success. Here’s what you need to do.
Training and Licensing
The rules for becoming an independent auto insurance agent depend on the state in which you plan to work. Many states set a number of hours of education that you must complete before you can take a licensing exam. You can usually get the hours through an organization that offers pre-license education. You’ll also need to apply for the license, which often involves providing your fingerprints and information for a background check. Once you get to the exam, there’s a minimum score you need to pass. With the right score, you can complete the final paperwork to receive your license.
Applying With Insurance Companies
As an independent insurance agent, you’ll need to submit applications to work with different insurance companies. Before you start, it’s important to research the benefits and requirements of working with each one. It’s not uncommon to need to apply to multiple auto insurance companies for independent agents. If you are accepted to work with several companies, you’ll have a wider variety of policies that you can offer to customers. Investing time into building relationships with insurance companies can make it easier for you to grow your business.
Building Your Business
Operating as an independent insurance agent means running your own business. You’ll need to figure out a variety of aspects of your career, including:
- Where you plan to work
- How you will handle administrative services, such as communications or payroll
- Whether you want to specialize or be a generalist
- What is your target market and how to reach them
One of the best ways you can get a head start is to make a formal business plan. You’ll have an easier time selling your services to clients.
Independent Auto Insurance Agent Tips
The way that you approach becoming an auto insurance agent can determine your future success. Here are a few tips:
- Research the time needed to get your license, which could take weeks to months.
- Plan to spend at least a few hundred dollars on training, exams and licensing fees.
- Set a budget on expenses and do what you can to save up to help you get established.
- Build networks with other auto insurance agents, which can help you avoid common problems.
- Keep an eye on your license renewal date, so that your license remains current throughout your career.
Choose Your Insurance Agent Career Path
The path to becoming an independent auto insurance agent could take as little as a month, depending on your state’s requirements and your overall goals. Everything you do to prepare can help to set you up for a successful career. Renegade Insurance provides opportunities for independent agents to maintain important services for clients, so you can focus on growing your business. To learn more about your options or get started on your career path,
become an agent today.
