How to Become an Insurance Agent

Who it suits

People who like helping others understand options, follow rules carefully and are comfortable with outreach.

How people get started

New agents usually complete pre-licensing education, pass a state exam for each line of authority (such as Life & Health or Property & Casualty) and get appointed with carriers.

Step-by-step plan

Choose your line(s) of authority.
Look up your state insurance department through the NAIC.
Complete required pre-licensing education.
Schedule and pass your state exam.
Apply for your license and complete any background check.
Get appointed with carriers.
Learn suitability and ethics rules.
Set up a compliant way to find clients and track continuing education.

Skills to learn first

Policy types and concepts, suitability and ethics rules, and how agents find and serve clients.

Policy concepts for your lines
Suitability and ethics
State-specific rules
Needs-based conversations
Recordkeeping and continuing education

Licensing pointers

Insurance licenses are issued by your state insurance department. Find yours through the NAIC at content.naic.org.

Insurance licenses are issued by your state insurance department (find yours through content.naic.org). Marketing calls and texts follow the consent rules in Part one.

Rules vary by state, county and city. Confirm with your state board or agency before you start. This isn't legal advice.

Insurance to ask about

Errors and omissions (ask your agency or carrier)
Ask what your agency provides

Equipment and tools to research

Licensing study materials
CRM or contact tracker
Professional phone and email

Week-by-week getting-started plan

Week 1

Choose lines
Find your state department

Week 2

Start pre-licensing
Study plan

Week 3

Practice exams
Schedule exam

Week 4

Exam
Research agencies

How people find their first customers

Your agency or carrier's training
Your personal network, with consent
Referrals from satisfied clients
Community events and education

Common beginner mistakes

Selling outside your license lines
Calling or texting without consent
Recommending products that don't fit the client
Missing continuing education deadlines

Quality red flags

Complaints about pressure
Unclear explanations
Missing records

Questions to ask yourself before you commit

Captive or independent?
Am I comfortable with outreach?
Which lines interest me most?

Questions to ask a licensing board

Which license or registration do I need for exactly the work I plan to offer?
What education, hours or exams are required, and in what order?
What can I legally do while my application is pending?

Questions for an insurer

Which coverages are required by law for my work in this state, and which are just recommended?
What isn't covered by the policy you're quoting?
Do I need different coverage when I hire my first employee or subcontractor?

Questions for a mentor

What do you wish you'd known in your first year?
What mistakes cost beginners the most time or customers?
How did you find your first customers?

My worksheet

Use only your own numbers and research.

Lines of authority: ________
My state insurance department: ________
Course chosen: ________
Exam date: ________
Agencies to contact: ________
Continuing education due: ________
Mentor: ________
Questions for the department: ________

My startup checklist

Lines of authority chosen (for example life and health, or property and casualty)
Pre-licensing education completed if my state requires it
State licensing exam passed
Background check and fingerprints completed if my state requires them
License application filed with my state insurance department (find it through content.naic.org; many states use nipr.com)
Agency or carrier joined, and carrier appointments completed as required
Errors and omissions coverage asked about with my agency
Continuing education and renewal rules noted

If you later go independent: business setup (structure, registration, EIN, bank account, bookkeeping and your own insurance) comes then. See Part one.

Your next step

Back to the free starter guide

General education only. Not legal, tax, financial or licensing advice. Rules vary by state, county and city, so confirm with the official sources named here and a qualified professional. No income, earnings or business results are promised or implied. Published by Ryan Via, doing business as The Collective.