People that sell insurance coverage have different avenues in which they can become proficient. There is health, life, annuity, retirement planning, home, auto, and even disability. With so many types it can be confusing for one person to stay knowledgeable. Laws and regulations change constantly so they need to be able to advise their customers on the latest information. This is why insurance continuing education is a necessary requirement. Courses must be taken on an annual basis. These can now be taken online instead in the classroom. There are ramifications for those that do not comply with completing their educational requirements.
Who determines what minimum requirements are needed by agents? This is decided on by each individual state. They also detail what courses need to be taken as well as the minimum number of total credits that must be attained. The insurance commissioner and board of insurance agents look at what topics are of current interest and make classes available that students can take.
When a person sells coverage they receive personal data and information from each of their clients. This can be used in a negative manner. The insurance board wants to make sure that this does not happen so they require an ethics course to be taken by each person every year. They feel that this will help to deter agents from making bad decisions whether they realize they are making them or not. Even if you do not know something is wrong is no excuse. An agent can lose their credentials regardless of this fact.
In the past agents had only one option which was to take classes in a classroom. This was in a brick and mortar building. This often interfered with their schedules and prevented them from meeting with clients. Now with the use of the internet students have the option of taking courses online through providers approved by their state insurance board. Many times the cost is must cheaper than in the past. As they work on their own at their own pace they can complete their requirements must sooner and at a cheaper cost.
Although classes are needed to stay an agent, you need to be certain of the school that is offering the subject material. Unless they are approved and have proper credentials you could be taking courses that will be of no value to you. Verify their credentials before you spend any money.
Some states do have exemptions for those agents that meet certain criteria. This often means many required years of service. If you are of a certain age you may also qualify. If you plan on staying in this field it is important to understand what the requirements are for getting exempted.
Do not let your license expire. This happens when you do not complete the training courses needed for credits each year. You can default on policy commissions and income. Many companies provide bonuses and incentive trips for their top sellers. As an agent that cannot sell policies you will not be able to participate. You will need to take all the basic courses over again. This can take time which you may not have.
If you decide to become an agent it will be a requirement to have insurance continuing education courses to sustain your license and credentials. You can choose how you want to take your classes. They can be taken online or in a classroom. The allotted courses needed are pre-determined by the state where your license is held.
Who determines what minimum requirements are needed by agents? This is decided on by each individual state. They also detail what courses need to be taken as well as the minimum number of total credits that must be attained. The insurance commissioner and board of insurance agents look at what topics are of current interest and make classes available that students can take.
When a person sells coverage they receive personal data and information from each of their clients. This can be used in a negative manner. The insurance board wants to make sure that this does not happen so they require an ethics course to be taken by each person every year. They feel that this will help to deter agents from making bad decisions whether they realize they are making them or not. Even if you do not know something is wrong is no excuse. An agent can lose their credentials regardless of this fact.
In the past agents had only one option which was to take classes in a classroom. This was in a brick and mortar building. This often interfered with their schedules and prevented them from meeting with clients. Now with the use of the internet students have the option of taking courses online through providers approved by their state insurance board. Many times the cost is must cheaper than in the past. As they work on their own at their own pace they can complete their requirements must sooner and at a cheaper cost.
Although classes are needed to stay an agent, you need to be certain of the school that is offering the subject material. Unless they are approved and have proper credentials you could be taking courses that will be of no value to you. Verify their credentials before you spend any money.
Some states do have exemptions for those agents that meet certain criteria. This often means many required years of service. If you are of a certain age you may also qualify. If you plan on staying in this field it is important to understand what the requirements are for getting exempted.
Do not let your license expire. This happens when you do not complete the training courses needed for credits each year. You can default on policy commissions and income. Many companies provide bonuses and incentive trips for their top sellers. As an agent that cannot sell policies you will not be able to participate. You will need to take all the basic courses over again. This can take time which you may not have.
If you decide to become an agent it will be a requirement to have insurance continuing education courses to sustain your license and credentials. You can choose how you want to take your classes. They can be taken online or in a classroom. The allotted courses needed are pre-determined by the state where your license is held.
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