A California Insurance Career
Becoming an Insurance Agent

What a challenging, rewarding, and lucrative career path to take! Insurance is one of the largest and most important industries in the world. As an insurance professional, you will be responsible for helping protect the basic economic needs of individuals and families.

As an agent you’ll help analyze and explain how life insurance, health insurance, annuities, disability income, and property and casualty insurance can help people meet their own financial needs and those of their loved ones. Your sound advice and practical solutions will show clients how to live in security and with peace of mind.

While an insurance agent does sell insurance, it’s far different from selling tangible products, such as cars or refrigerators. Insurance policies offer something that cannot be seen or touched: the promise of security and protection provided.

Find out if an insurance career is right for you
Changing careers can be an emotional roller coaster…do I have what it takes…am I too old…am I too young…what is it going to cost me? Experts agree: Gaining as much knowledge as you can before you take the plunge will better prepare you to succeed in the long run. Check out our FREE articles to help you decide if an insurance career is a good match for you:

• Is an Insurance Career Right for You?
  Changing careers can bring up a lot of questions (FREE Download)
• Hate Taking Tests?
  Tried and proven test-taking tips so you pass the first time! (FREE Download)
• Nine Things to do for More Referrals
  It takes more than just "staying in touch" (FREE Download)
• Have the Right Mindset to Get Referrals?
  Use these tips to build your referral-based business (FREE Download)
• Five Simple Steps for Generating Sales Leads
  The basics of making lead generation work for your company (FREE Download)

Characteristics of a Successful Insurance Agent's Career
Those who excel in insurance tend to be:

• At ease with many types of people
• Skilled negotiators
• Professional and dedicated to customer service
• Detail-oriented
• Computer-savvy
• Driven by high personal goals
• Well connected in their communities
• Independent and self-motivated
• Comfortable with daily variety

A Day in the Life of a California Insurance Agent
As an insurance agent, you’re licensed by the state to sell insurance policies, collect premiums, service accounts, and sustain a committed relationship with clients. On a daily basis you will process applications, premiums and other paperwork.

For the client, you will analyze his/her needs, recommend the type and amount of insurance necessary, prepare the application, and send it to the company for review and approval. For the company, you will act as their "field underwriter" by determining if an applicant is acceptable to the insurer.

After your client becomes insured, your ongoing duties will include servicing their changing needs. You will advise them of necessary coverage changes brought on by the addition of children, home remodels, vehicle purchases, the onset of old age, and hiring key employees.

Starting Out
Selling insurance offers a lot of choices. You can get licensed in many different “lines” of insurance, such as:

• Fire and Casualty Broker-Agent
• Life Only Agent
• Accident and Health Agent
• Personal Lines Broker-Agent
• Limited Lines Automobile Insurance Agent

As there are different types of insurance lines, there are different types of insurance agents. You can work as an "independent agent," free to represent many insurance companies, or as a "captive" or "exclusive" agent representing only one. Regardless of what type of agent you become, you will hold a position of trust, honesty, and responsibility.

Unlimited Earning Potential
In today’s insurance industry, some positions pay solely salaries, solely commissions, or a mixture of both. Earnings vary according to geographic area, specialization, market conditions, and contacts.

Most importantly, the effort you put in—day in and day out—determines how much you bring home. It’s simple: The harder you work, the more you make. The sky’s the limit!