How To Become An Independent Insurance Agent In Georgia

Georgia residents need to carry a variety of insurance types, such as life insurance, auto or homeowners insurance, property and liability insurance for businesses, and more. Agents who sell these policies need a different license for each one. If you’re researching how to become an independent insurance agent in Georgia, you should know that you’ll need to complete a number of steps before you can start your business.

Becoming an Insurance Agent in Georgia

1. Complete Pre-Licensing Education
   Before you can apply to take a licensing exam in Georgia, you must complete a minimum amount of pre-licensing education. Course requirements range from 20 to 40 hours, with a few exceptions. Travel insurance licensing does not require courses or an exam, and credit insurance licensing calls for five hours of self-study. If you want to become an independent insurance agent, you should research which lines of authority you plan to sell, and find courses that meet the requirements of each one. You may need to take multiple exams, depending on your goals.
2. Register for Exam
   When you are ready to take the exam, you can register online. Exam applications ask for information specific to you, including your address and Social Security number. You’ll also need to provide proof of your pre-licensing education, with the school name or code. You can choose a time and location that works for you and pay the fee online when you register. Be sure to arrive at the testing location at least a half-hour early, so that you can start the exam on time.
3. Pass Licensing Exam
   Before you can take the licensing exam, you must bring two forms of ID to prove your identity. One must show your picture, while the other needs to show your signature. The test takes one to two hours, depending on the license. All questions are multiple-choice, and you can take a tutorial to test out the computer beforehand. Once you finish the exam, you receive a result that indicates pass or failure. Applicants who do not pass on the first or second try have to wait two weeks to retake the test.
4. Apply for License
   Once you get a passing score on the exam, you can start applying for your license. Georgia requires a number of steps to get your license, including submitting an affidavit of citizenship and fingerprinting. You submit an application through one of two websites, which you will use to check on the status of your application, as well. The state estimates a review time of about two weeks, but incomplete or inaccurate applications may take longer. If your application is successful, you’ll receive an email notification of your license.
5. Establish Your Business
   With an active license, you can work on establishing your business. To start your own independent agency, you may need to complete a number of tasks, including:
   • Apply for a business license.
   • Open business accounts.
   • Choose a location for your business.
   • Research insurance companies and submit applications to sell their policies.

   Don’t forget that your license expires every two years. You’ll need to complete continuing education and submit a renewal application. Renewal is a good time to evaluate your goals and determine if you’d like to add more licenses to your business.

Become an Insurance Agent

If you’re looking to become an insurance agent in Georgia, it’s wise to look for assistance. Renegade Insurance provides a convenient platform to manage your clientele, so you can focus on building your business. See how Renegade Insurance can help you reach your goals and become an agent today.