What should i do to be able to sell insurance?

Question

i've recently in life had to make a carrer change due to health related problems, and thought that becoming an insurance broker would be a good, stable job.

does anyone out there know what i should do to get started?

i live in florida, and i do realize that there are many different licenses, so what should i get first? and what company(s) (if any) would hire me on as a grunt, and let me get my licenses while with them? thanks in andvance for any help given!

Answer 1

There are not many companies out there that will let you be a broker for them without being licensed first.  Quite frankly, I can't think of one.  To get Life/Health and a P&C license, with classes and all, will probably put you about 1-2k out of pocket.

The other option is to find another company to go with to get your feet wet (and your licensing) then break off into your own brokerage firm.

Although the payment can be quite good, stable it is not unless you have built a business out of it or are given leads.

I personally work with Primerica, although it is a tough getting started, I know the payout is well worth it.  A good benefit with Primerica though is they WILL pay for your licensing for Life, and depending on the state, the Health as well.  And the Series 6 and 63 securities tests (certain guidelines must be met).

Regardless of what you choose, expect a rough ride for a while.

Answer 2

As stated above, you need your ins. license.  You generally need a company to sponsor you.  Perhaps you could get a job as an admin. person in an insurance agency with the understanding that you wish to get your license to sell.  You didn't specify whether P&C or Life/Health.  If you can find a place that will train you, that is well worth it.  I started as an agent for Prudential 35 years ago, and then went independent 10 years later. I now have a thriving business practice, mostly financial planning but still 30% is life and health insurance.  So, get your license, study and learn as much as you can.  There are many courses available on line for little $$.  It is a great profession, takes hard work for the first 5+ years but is well worth it.  I like the independence and financial rewards of my work.  Good luck

Answer 3

Check out  http://www.naawashington.com . It can show you how to be an independent agent and how to get your license. Good luck and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Answer 4

The state exam basically involves getting a 70% or better on a multiple choice test.  That's the easy part.

You said "stable job" in your question.  That, insurance ain't.  Most brokers don't make it a year.  Most of those don't make it five years.  I love the industry and what I do.  You may be able to create stability after a while, but don't go in expecting it.

Answer 5

Good choice of career.  I am in insurance and love it.  As far as getting started you might want to try getting in to an office as an administrative assistant basically just taking payments answering phones, that sort of thing. Talk to your boss and let him/her know you are interested in getting licensed.  Some companies will pay for you to go to a class and might even pay for the P&C the test.  Mine did. I work for Allstate, but not in Florida, I think they are having some problems down there but anyway....give it a go and good luck at whatever you decide to do.

If I was you, I would stay with whatever company you can get into for as long as possible because there is so much to learn in insurance you can't just learn it in a few months.  That way you make darn sure you know what you are doing before you become a broker or even try to start your own business.  Every day is different in insurance.

Answer 6

Ok, I'm not sure about FL I'm in La but i had to get my license before anyone would hire me, I'm in life and health, i haven't taken property and casualty yet, but its about a week (varies per state) class, then an exam, and that's bout it. you could try to speak with some agencies and find out i think property and casualty offices are more likely to take on someone and then they get they're license.