What is the role of an independent insurance agent?

Asked by: Ms. Meredith Rolfson  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (7 votes)

An independent agent is an insurance agent that sells insurance policies provided by several different insurance carriers, rather than just a single insurance company. The independent agent acts as a middleman to connect insurance buyers and sellers in order to facilitate a transaction.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a insurance agent?

What is the Job Description of an Insurance Agent?
  • Data Collection Activities. An insurance agent must generate leads. ...
  • Call and Follow-up. ...
  • Set a Meeting Target. ...
  • Know What You Are Selling. ...
  • Know Whom You are Selling to. ...
  • Attend Post Sale Queries. ...
  • Generate Your Profit &Loss Statements.

Who do independent insurance agents represent?

Independent insurance agents typically represent a number of insurance companies, or "carriers", and sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. Independent agents typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law.

What does an insurance agent do daily?

The daily tasks of an insurance agent

Ensure all paperwork is filled out and properly filed in order to put policies in place. Customize insurance policies to meet your client's needs. Ensure all policy requirements are fulfilled. Inspect properties to evaluate current conditions and decide on potential risk.

What do insurance agents need to know?

Below are some of the characteristics a successful insurance agent needs to complete their puzzle:
  • People Skills. People skills are the number one characteristic of a successful insurance agent. ...
  • Good Salesmanship. ...
  • Customer Service Skills. ...
  • High Energy Level. ...
  • Honesty. ...
  • Knowledge on a Variety of Products. ...
  • Choose the Right Carrier.

What is the role of an independent insurance agent?

40 related questions found

Why do insurance agents fail?

The number one secondary reason agents quit selling insurance was that they ran out of money. The second most common secondary reason agents failed selling insurance was that they ran out of prospects to sell to. The third reason was the agency wasn't a good fit. And the fourth was personal issues.

Do independent insurance agents handle claims?

Although the insurance company manages the claim, independent agents often are the point of contact for insureds and play a crucial role in the claims process.

How do independent insurance agents make money?

Independent agents are paid primarily on commission. The more clients they serve, the more money they make. And as those clients renew each year, independent agents continue to make commissions of those policies. In general, however, independent agents receive larger commissions than captive agents.

What is the difference between an independent agent and a broker?

A broker represents the insurance buyer. Agents serve as representatives of insurance companies and may be captive or independent. ... An independent agent represents multiple insurers. An insurance agency sells policies on behalf of insurers that have granted it an appointment.

What are the duties of a sales agent?

Sales Agent Duties and Responsibilities
  • Research potential leads from business directories, web searches, or digital resources.
  • Contact potential customers through phone calls and emails.
  • Determinecustomer needs and offer product or service solutions and support.
  • Deliver customized, targeted sales strategies.

How much do insurance agents make per policy?

Annual commissions for auto insurance range from 10 to 12.5 per cent, although a few firms pay up to 13.5 per cent. Property insurance offers commissions of 20 to 23 per cent. So if you use an insurance broker and pay $1,000 annually to insure your home, upward of $200 a year would be going to the broker.

What type of insurance agent makes the most money?

Overview of the Insurance Field

While there are many kinds of insurance (ranging from auto insurance to health insurance), the most lucrative career in the insurance field is for those selling life insurance.

Who makes more money insurance agent or broker?

Typically earn more commission from insurance companies than captive agents who enjoy more stability. Pay their own overhead costs for running an independent business.

Can you get rich selling insurance?

There's no limit to how much you can make selling insurance provided you have the passion and commitment to put in the extra work. However, insurance sale is a lucrative business that can earn you substantial profit margins once everything is up and running.

Is insurance agent a good job?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for insurance sales agents is positive, with an estimated growth rate of 5% between 2019 and 2029. This number amounts to 27,500 new jobs, marking a higher growth estimate than average for all occupations.

Are independent insurance agents better?

They give you a choice – Independent agents represent many different insurance companies that offer a wide variety of coverage options and price points. ... With their connections and their knowledge of the market, agents can often find a better value for your insurance dollar than you might find searching on your own.

What does Agent mean in insurance?

An insurance agent is a professional who sells an insurance company's products to consumers for a commission. To sell insurance, an agent helps consumers select the right insurance to buy, but represents the insurance company in the transaction.

Do State Farm agents help with claims?

02 Claim Investigation

We'll review your claim and assess the damage. If needed, we'll contact you for additional details. We may also contact you to discuss your coverage and next steps. You'll be able to track your claim online or through our mobile app.

How long do insurance agents last?

Most life insurance agents do not last a year in the business, and even fewer make it five years. The ones who persevere, however, are rewarded immensely with renewal commissions.

Do insurance agents make residual income?

An insurance broker or agent will often earn a lump sum percentage against the first-year premium of a policy that they sell and then a smaller but ongoing annual residual income payment over the policy's life.

Is being an insurance agent stressful?

CareerCast ranked being an insurance agent 155th out of 200 on the worst jobs list. They rank the stress as “average,” whatever that means. A good income makes up for a lot of stress for many people, so that helps. ... That doesn't mean you won't be making warm calls.

How do I market myself as an insurance agent?

Low-Cost or Free Marketing Ideas for Insurance Agents
  1. Create Original Content. This is a no brainer when it comes to free marketing ideas. ...
  2. Videos. ...
  3. Email. ...
  4. Create Eye-Catching Graphics. ...
  5. Consistently Publish on Social Media. ...
  6. Advertising. ...
  7. Host a Class or Event. ...
  8. Request online reviews.

Do insurance brokers have to disclose their commission?

All insurance brokers must disclose the “Nature (type of remuneration i.e. commission) and Basis (source of the remuneration i.e. insurer)” of the remuneration, but it stops short of having to disclose the actual earning figure in cash terms.

What are the different types of insurance agents?

There are two types of insurance agents:
  • Captive Agents. Captive agents work for one insurance company either full-time or as independent contractors. ...
  • Independent Agents. ...
  • Retail Brokers. ...
  • Wholesale Brokers. ...
  • Surplus Lines Brokers.