Career summary

Details for Insurance Sales Agents


Description

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

Tasks

  • Call on policyholders to deliver and explain policy, to analyze insurance program and suggest additions or changes, or to change beneficiaries.
  • Calculate premiums and establish payment method.
  • Customize insurance programs to suit individual customers, often covering a variety of risks.
  • Sell various types of insurance policies to businesses and individuals on behalf of insurance companies, including automobile, fire, life, property, medical and dental insurance, or specialized policies, such as marine, farm/crop, and medical malpractice.
  • Interview prospective clients to obtain data about their financial resources and needs, the physical condition of the person or property to be insured, and to discuss any existing coverage.
  • Seek out new clients and develop clientele by networking to find new customers and generate lists of prospective clients.
  • Explain features, advantages, and disadvantages of various policies to promote sale of insurance plans.
  • Contact underwriter and submit forms to obtain binder coverage.
  • Ensure that policy requirements are fulfilled, including any necessary medical examinations and the completion of appropriate forms.
  • Confer with clients to obtain and provide information when claims are made on a policy.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and handling policy renewals.
  • Select company that offers type of coverage requested by client to underwrite policy.
  • Monitor insurance claims to ensure they are settled equitably for both the client and the insurer.
  • Develop marketing strategies to compete with other individuals or companies who sell insurance.
  • Attend meetings, seminars, and programs to learn about new products and services, learn new skills, and receive technical assistance in developing new accounts.
  • Inspect property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk.
  • Install bookkeeping systems and resolve system problems.
  • Plan and oversee incorporation of insurance program into bookkeeping system of company.
  • Explain necessary bookkeeping requirements for customer to implement and provide group insurance program.

Interests

  • Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
  • Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
  • Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Experience - A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Knowledge

  • Computers and Electronics -Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Mathematics -Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • English Language -Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Education and Training -Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Sales and Marketing -Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Skills

  • 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.

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