Friday, 8 July 2011

Why Insurance Agents Need Insurance Continuing Education

By Ed Hulse


There are many areas that an agent can sell coverage protection to clients. Some may take multiple courses, while other decides to specialize in only one or two. Whatever their specialty it is necessary that they take insurance continuing education classes to keep abreast of what they have learned and to stay current on new rules. The lessons that they learn will help them to become better agents and stay in compliance with their state government. For those that do not take their classes it may be difficult to remain an agent.

Who determines what minimum requirements are needed by agents? This is decided on by each individual state. They also detail what courses need to be taken as well as the minimum number of total credits that must be attained. The insurance commissioner and board of insurance agents look at what topics are of current interest and make classes available that students can take.

Ethics knows what is right and wrong and how to apply it in everyday life. The information gained should be applied and practiced. No one wants to do business with people that are untrustworthy or someone that is capable of committing fraud. This course is designed to help people determine what is correct and not correct business practices.

In the past agents had only one option which was to take classes in a classroom. This was in a brick and mortar building. This often interfered with their schedules and prevented them from meeting with clients. Now with the use of the internet students have the option of taking courses online through providers approved by their state insurance board. Many times the cost is must cheaper than in the past. As they work on their own at their own pace they can complete their requirements must sooner and at a cheaper cost.

If you do a search online you can probably find many places that will offer you courses to complete your necessary license requirements. However, you need to know whether or not they are accredited to teach you. You should check with your state and all other locations where you hold a license to see if they qualify. You do not want to waste money.

Is it possible that you might not need to take courses? Is there an exemption available for your state? To find out you should ask the insurance board or commissioner. They can advise you on what the current regulations are to opt out and if you meet them.

Do not let your license expire. This happens when you do not complete the training courses needed for credits each year. You can default on policy commissions and income. Many companies provide bonuses and incentive trips for their top sellers. As an agent that cannot sell policies you will not be able to participate. You will need to take all the basic courses over again. This can take time which you may not have.

If you decide to become an agent it will be a requirement to have insurance continuing education courses to sustain your license and credentials. You can choose how you want to take your classes. They can be taken online or in a classroom. The allotted courses needed are pre-determined by the state where your license is held.



1 comment:

johnseomaven said...

Keeping your insurance license for renewal also brings a challenge. After getting licensed, you are also required to take a renewal exam also known as Insurance Continuing education. Most licensed insurance agents and adjusters now prefer to take their insurance CE course online. After fulfilling such necessary requirements, you only need to seat back take the insurance renewal exam with the convenience of your home or office. Taking online insurance licensing courses are strongly recommended and suggested by many experts. These online courses are also intended for those who are in an out-of-town vacation or staying outside the state they want to work in.