Want to be an agent

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 02:19 pm Post Subject:

You'd first need to decide what type of insurance? Life/Health, Property/Casualty, etc.. and then decide if you want to work for someone else or be independent. Check out forums for details and some companies that may work better for you than others. Keep your eyes open, and don't sign anything until you are sure you know what you are signing...

Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:25 am Post Subject: A place to start

If you are new to the insurance industry I would suggest the company I am with National Agents Alliance. They provide leads and do not have many agents in Alaska yet. It would be a good chance for you. You can email me at zackarychapple[at]yahoo.com and I can explain more.

Zack

[email address edited as per forum rules]

Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 11:47 pm Post Subject: Becoming An Insurance Agent

Hi Atwood,
I will tell you that you have chosen a very challenging but very rewarding career.
The first thing I would do is to visit the Department of Insurance for Alaska http://www.dced.state.ak.us/insurance/

This will tell you what the requirements are for an insurance agent in Alaska. It will also tell you who can't become an insurance agent in Alaska.
As you are researching this state site, ask yourself the question:
Why do I want to be an insurance agent?
As you have already been advised, you need to decide what types or lines of insurance on which you wish to concentrate.
My state requires a certain number of hours of instruction prior to sitting for the state licensing exam - not sure about Alaska.
Now, will you be an independent agent, a captive agent, or work with some insurance agency?
If you choose independent agent working with auto, home, life and health, be prepared to already have 3 to 4 years of income in the bank.
It will take a while to build up your agency.
If you choose to be a captive agent, keep in mind that you can only sell the products offered by that particular company. This sometime causes you to leave a home or business without having a product to serve the need of a potential customer.
If you choose to work for another independent agent, you will have access to all the existing customer files, which will furnish leads.
Anyone can sell insurance, but not everyone can "prospect" and without someone to see, you're out of business.
Hope this helps.
*Link deactivated as per forum rule