A Career in Insurance Sales Essay -- essays research papers

A Career in Insurance Sales Nature of the Work Insurance agents sell one or more types of insurance, such as life, property, casualty, health, disability, and long-term care (Edwards, 1999, A12). Agents sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses to provide protection against loss or catastrophe. Insurance agents consider the financial status and life situation of their clients, and assist them in selecting their optimal insurance policy. Some policies can be designed to provide retirement income, funds for the education of children, or other benefits (Edwards, 1999, A12). Insurance agents prepare reports, maintain records, and they help policyholders to settle insurance claims (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Special in-group policies may help employers provide their employees the opportunity to buy insurance through payroll deductions (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Agents may work for one company or independently for several companies (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Brokers do not sell for a particular company, but direct their clients to companies that offer the best rate and coverage (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Life insurance agents and brokers are sometimes referred to as life underwriters (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Property and casualty insurance agents and brokers sell policies that protect individuals and businesses from financial loss, as a result of automobile accidents, fire or theft, tornadoes and storms, and other events that can damage property (Edwards, 1999, A13). Property and casualty insurance can also sell health insurance policies to businesses that cover the costs of hospital and medical care for their employees (Edwards, 1999, A13). Increasingly, insurance agents and brokers offer comprehensive financial planning services to their clients, such as retirement planning counseling (Edwards, 1999, A13). Because of this, many insurance agents and brokers are licensed to sell mutual funds and other securities (Edwards, 1999, A13). Education and Training Requirements College training may help agents or brokers grasp the technical aspects of insurance policies and the fundamentals and procedures of selling insurance (Abraham & Herman, 1998). Many colleges and universities offer courses in insurance, and a few schools offer a bachelor’s degree in insurance (Abraham & Herman, 1998). College courses in finance, mathematics, a... ... growth of mutual fund sales (Vault.com, 1999). Insurance agents do not desire a rise in crime, since fear of crime leads more people to seek insurance coverage for their homes, cars, and valuables (Vault.com, 1999). Sales of commercial insurance should increase as new businesses emerge and existing firms expand their coverage (Vault.com, 1999). Trends toward multiline agents, self-insurance, and group policies will also contribute to increased volume of insurance sales, and open positions (Vault.com, 1999). Since insurance is considered a necessity, agents are unlikely to face unemployment in times of recession (Vault.com, 1999). References   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Abraham, K. G., & Herman, A. M. (1998). Insurance agents and brokers. Occupational outlook handbook. (1998-1999 ed.). 250-252.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Edwards, S. A. (1999, March 8). Insurance: what you need to know. The Hartford Courant, pp. A12, A13. (Article appears on two separate pages.) Vault.com Inc.  © 1999 150 West 22nd St., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011 http://www.vault.com/vstore/pages/occupations.cfm?Product_id=513&objectgroup_id=284&chapter=1