What is a career in insurance brokerage like?

Insurance agents—sometimes also referred to as insurance brokers—are knowledgeable about all areas of personal insurance and advise individuals and small businesses on insurance matters. There are two distinct types of insurance brokerage activities:

• Tied agents work primarily on behalf of or in the interest of insurance companies. They advise existing and potential customers, present them with insurance offers, and enter into insurance contracts with them. They forward the signed contracts to the insurance companies for further processing.
• Independent insurance brokers work primarily on behalf of individuals, companies, and organizations. They evaluate the offerings of various insurance companies for their clients, advise them, and secure the best possible insurance policies on their behalf as part of their insurance brokerage services.

Consultations and brokerage services take place at the client’s location or in our own offices or agencies and cover every step of the process, from making initial contact and assessing insurance needs to presenting and thoroughly explaining the offers and signing the contract.

The personality of insurance brokers plays a central role in this process. Success in insurance brokerage can only be achieved—and sustained—if brokers earn the trust of their clients and do not squander that trust by selling insurance policies that are unscrupulous, inappropriate, or forced upon clients. Building trust and maintaining relationships are an important part of the brokerage business, as insurance policies must be repeatedly adjusted to new circumstances or renewed.

Insurance Brokerage Course Overview: Certified Insurance Broker