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Insurance Sales Agent

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What Does it Take to Be an Insurance Sales Agent?

Job Description & Duties Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

List of Insurance Sales Agent Job Duties

  • Calculate premiums and establish payment method.
  • Contact underwriter and submit forms to obtain binder coverage.
  • Confer with clients to obtain and provide information when claims are made on a policy.
  • Explain features, advantages, and disadvantages of various policies to promote sale of insurance plans.
  • Inspect property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and handling policy renewals.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Insurance Sales Agent?

When polled, Insurance Sales Agents say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Other Insurance Sales Agent Job Titles

  • Solicitor
  • Account Executive
  • Insurance Agent
  • Pension Agent
  • Group Insurance Special Agent

Is There Job Demand for Insurance Sales Agents?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 501,400 jobs in the United States for Insurance Sales Agent. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 49,800 new jobs for Insurance Sales Agent by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 54,700 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Insurance Sales Agent are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Insurance Sales Agent Salary

The average yearly salary of an Insurance Sales Agent ranges between $27,500 and $125,610.

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Insurance Sales Agents who work in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Insurance Sales Agents make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $81,410
Alaska $71,150
Arizona $59,160
Arkansas $58,340
California $76,420
Colorado $68,560
Connecticut $80,120
Delaware $60,450
District of Columbia $74,990
Florida $63,180
Georgia $59,940
Hawaii $66,150
Idaho $57,410
Illinois $69,520
Indiana $65,310
Iowa $63,130
Kansas $68,100
Kentucky $55,800
Louisiana $50,420
Maine $60,840
Maryland $66,590
Massachusetts $89,100
Michigan $66,910
Minnesota $74,140
Mississippi $61,650
Missouri $59,420
Montana $63,620
Nebraska $72,040
Nevada $70,870
New Hampshire $65,310
New Jersey $76,160
New Mexico $47,070
New York $84,540
North Carolina $69,020
North Dakota $63,940
Ohio $60,500
Oklahoma $60,010
Oregon $65,040
Pennsylvania $80,970
Rhode Island $67,880
South Carolina $58,600
South Dakota $63,180
Tennessee $57,460
Texas $62,760
Utah $54,370
Virginia $60,100
Washington $61,930
West Virginia $52,240
Wisconsin $74,690
Wyoming $57,190

What Tools & Technology do Insurance Sales Agents Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Insurance Sales Agents:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Facebook
  • Scheduling software
  • YouTube
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • LinkedIn
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects
  • Applied Systems Vision
  • Insurance rating software

How do I Become an Insurance Sales Agent?

What education or degrees do I need to become an Insurance Sales Agent?

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What work experience do I need to become an Insurance Sales Agent?

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Who Employs Insurance Sales Agents?

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Below are examples of industries where Insurance Sales Agents work:

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those interested in being an Insurance Sales Agent may also be interested in:

Those who work as an Insurance Sales Agent sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Nick Youngson via Creative Commons 3 - CC BY-SA 3.0

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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