Insurance Licensing

Missed ya.

I can't see any downside to being licensed in all states, unless the costs are extravagent, or it involves lots of extra study. Health and dental insurance is almost priceless.

So, I didn't answer the question, but am glad to see you back.

Hi ya roger - nice to see you.

Yeah, I'm thinking that if I spend the time and $ on MA and they'll go ahead and get me licensed in all other states - it can't be bad - right?

Hi Quinn!!!

Can't help you, but it's great to see you back here.

what 'k said!

Missed you, Quinn.

There are a couple of different types of insurance licenses in my state. (AZ) I have a resident Property and Casualty License in AZ with a multitude of non resident licenses in other states. This gives me the ability to sell and discuss a variety of insurance related items with customers which includes homeowners, workman's comp, auto, and commercial policies. There is another license which can be obtained that is strictly focused on auto insurance (personal lines) but does not allow the insurance professional to obtain non-resident licenses in some states. Many companies will offer a training class (can last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks) to help you prepare for the exams. Typically the insurance company you work for will be responsible for the fees if you are designated as an 'agent'. If you are designated as a 'broker' you are not held to one company as their agent and typically will end up paying the fees yourself.

The exam for the property and casualty exam was quite difficult and will require ample time to study. The personal lines exam was easier since it focused on auto insurance only but is still difficult for some.

In order to maintain my non resident license, once every four years I must complete a minimum of 20 hours continuing education. The cost can rack up quite quickly as there are renewal fees not just for one state but every state one has licenses in but if you are an aggressive sales person you'll more than make up for it in the long run.

Ten years ago I knew nothing about insurance and wasn't even sure I would understand it all. Not a day goes by in my work I don't learn something new and I throughly enjoy the people I work with.

Hope this helps a little! Good luck to ya in whatever you decide

k, Region, Noddy - NICE TO SEE YOU ALL!! see my post on work at home no life


MBC - thanks - interesting stuff.

I'm not sure if I would be an agent or a broker. I'm guessing an agent. What's the difference?

Agent - They only sell insurance for the company they are an agent for. If they change employment they must transfer their agent status to the new compnay. The company they work for is the 'owner' of the policies the agent sells.

Broker - is like someone who is an independent sales person. They earn commision based off their sales and can sell insurance for almost any insurance company if that company allows their product to be sold through brokers. Essentially the broker 'owns' their customer policies and with the customer's permission can move the business from one insurance company to another for the customer's benefit.

Ah, you working for NASE, or something similar? Focusing on self-employed & small businesses? I had one of those plans, and I know someone that took on one of those jobs last year. Haven't spoke to him recently, no clue how he's doing.

Well if you end up getting a MA resident limited lines producer's insurance license(if I said that right), let me know how the hell you studied for it. I'm supposed to have that license for my job, and can't find anything on how to prep....so I'm just not licensed. And really could care less whether or not I get it, but in case my company puts any pressure on me.

http://www.testeachersonline.com

Looks like they offer licensing courses in MA. I'm sure there are a ton of others out there...

MBC - thanks - I will have to get more info from the gals to see if it's broker or agent then. Hard to guess at this point.



I may have to wait until it's a bit more stable with this and then do that. Seems like it's quite a bit of work. I'm working pretty crazy now. LOL.

Slappy - no, not like that. But, I did get my SE Insurance for Health, etc with a NASE agent

Great link BTW -- Slappy go check that out - not sure if it helps but, it is interesting.

The girls are saying it's agent.

Check with Dept of Insurance
http://www.nipr.com/

A lot of them did it on line:
http://www.license2go.com/license2go/login_company_info.jsp

They also shared some info for continuing ed info:
http://www.webce.com/

Now - to get the time to go check all of that!! LOL

Good luck on that exam Quinn!

Thanks MBC!

Hopefully I can find the time to do this at some point this year