How does one become an insurance agent?

Question

I live in Louisiana. I have looked at the state website and found out that to become an insurance producer (I assume this is an agent) I need to take some classes then pass a state exam. I looked up the info on classes in my area and some are given by certain companies (example New York Life). If I take one companies classes doe that mean I have to sell only their policies or would I be able to contact other companies. Also, how do you get in contact with the insurance providers to sell their policies?

Answer 1

If you take a NYL class, you can bet they're going to want to work only for you.

If you pay to take a class through a local agent association, you can work for anyone who will appoint you.

But getting the appointments is really hard, if you want to not be tied to one company.  Getting in contact with providers to sell their policies, you just look them up on the internet, call, and ask to talk to a marketing rep for your territory, whereever that is.  But it's not EASY. And if you're going in cold, with no insurance experience, it's probably not going to happen.

Most agents wash out the first year.  The more companies you have, the harder it is to give a company all the business they want.  

You're probably best off, going to a local agency, and asking if you can work for them for a commission split.   Meanwhile, you're learning about the business, and making valuable contacts.

Answer 2

Apply for employment for an insurance company, like NYL, Met Life, Monumental Life, Liberty Mutual, Liberty Life, etc.

They will train you to prospect, get appointments, fact-find, uncover needs, create clients desire to cover needs, show solution, answer objections, close sale.

Along with the training, you will also be offered other benefits, such as group life, health, retirement, 401K, etc. and a guaranteed starting salary.

After a few years, and you've got some experience, you may or may not want to break off on your own.

I was an employee agent/sales mgr. for 19 years, then opened my own scratch agency, and sold it after 11 years for a nice chunk of change.

Answer 3

Some states, including my own, call us producers but it's the same as an agent.

Generally, if the class is sponsored by a company they expect you to sell for them as a captive agent. There are generall insurance classes if you want to be independent.

Most insurance companies will have contact information on their websites but if you are first starting out you'll probably do better if you can work with an existing agency.

Answer 4

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