Insurance Agent Job Description

Are you wondering about the job description of an insurance agent? What exactly does an insurance agent do on a day-to-day basis?

Commonly called an insurance sales agent,  the main job description of an insurance agent is to sell life, property, disability, and/or long-term care insurance. An insurance agent helps families choose the best insurance policies for their needs. This job description can include some or all of the following duties:

• Advising clients how to minimize financial risk based on their personal circumstances. The insurance agent will ask questions in order to make recommendations about the best type of insurance for a client and his or her family.
• Selling financial products to aid in retirement planning, such as mutual funds.
• Finding new clients.
• Preparing quotes and reports for clients.
• Helping clients settle an insurance claim--receive the money due to them--if they experience a loss.
• Traveling to meet with clients to investigate claims, or with potential new clients.
• Preparing paperwork and presentations for prospective clients.

A job as an insurance agent might be good for you if you are friendly and enjoy working with people, good at math and statistics, have sales experience, and prefer a flexible work schedule. Though a college degree is not required, many insurance companies prefer to higher graduates. A degree in business or finance is recommended if you'd like to become an insurance agent. Agents also must be professionally licensed in the state where they practice. The average annual salary for insurance agents was $45,430 in 2008.

For more information about how to become an insurance agent, check out the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents. This group can provide information about education and licensing for insurance agents. Ongoing education is an important part of the job description for insurance agents, since insurance products and regulations change frequently. Your state may also have its own professional organization for insurance agents.