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If you are an outgoing self-starter with an eye for detail, working as an agent for a property and casualty insurer may be a good career path. Insurance sales agents help customers understand insurance coverage, sift through plans and find the right fit.
Sales agents usually specialize in a certain type of insurance, such as property and casualty, which covers losses to a business, individual or property. Read on to learn how to become a property and casualty insurance sales agent.
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What are Property and Casualty Insurers?
Property and casualty insurers, such as Nationwide or Allstate, provide coverage in case of harm to an individual, a business or property. You may be familiar with some specialty insurance types, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
Property and casualty insurance are typically bundled into one policy, but the terms refer to different things:
- Property insurance covers your belongings, such as your home.
- Casualty insurance covers your expenses if you are found liable for damages to another person or their belongings.
Say someone falls and is injured on your property. You may be responsible for paying their medical bills, but an insurer can help cover that expense. Insurers can also reimburse you for damage from vandalism or natural disasters, depending on your policy.
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What Is a Property and Casualty Insurance Agent?
Most property and casualty insurance sales agents work for insurance companies. They find and contact potential clients through cold calls and visits. Sales agents help customers understand their policy options and choose the best fit. Once a policy is set, they handle changes and renewals.
There are several types of insurance agents:
- Captive agents work for one company and sell only the insurer’s policy.
- Independent agents sell from multiple companies, offering more variety to customers.
- Insurance brokers represent customers’ interests in finding the best policy.
Property and casualty insurance agents must stay on top of current insurance laws and provisions for individuals and businesses. A customer purchasing homeowners insurance may need coverage for fires or earthquakes, for example, which can increase their rate. Insurance agents must be experts in understanding and clearly explaining policy terms while making sales.
Property and Casualty Insurance Agent Requirements
Is working for a property and casualty insurer a good career path? It can be—especially for people pivoting in their careers or those without an advanced degree. This field has a low barrier to entry, but there are still some requirements to keep in mind.
Education
Most employers require at least a high school diploma and many require a bachelor’s degree in risk management, business or a relevant field.
Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in a related field can gain skills by taking online classes in business, finance, economics, sales or public speaking.
Work Experience
You don’t need any prior experience to work as an insurance agent. You can learn on the job, and many interpersonal and communication skills are transferable to insurance sales. If you work at an insurance agency or firm, a more experienced agent may train you on policy details and sales tactics.
Licensure
Insurance sales agents must earn state licensure, but requirements vary. Research licensing requirements for the state where you want to practice.
Property and casualty insurance agents are licensed separately from those selling health and life insurance. To become licensed, most states require you to complete courses and pass an exam.
New York, for example, requires applicants to take a state-approved course with at least 90 hours of instruction. The licensure fee is $80, and agents must maintain their license through continued education courses, including ethics and insurance law.
Salary and Job Outlook for Property and Casualty Insurance Agents
Insurance sales agents make reliable salaries that vary depending on specialty. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups salary information for all insurance specialties together, including property and casualty insurance.
Insurance sales agents made a median annual wage of $57,860 in May 2022, according to the BLS. This figure includes commission and bonuses. The top 10% of insurance sales agents made a median annual wage of $130,350, whereas the lowest 10% of earners made $31,530.
Sales agents may have different income structures. Those employed by an agency may earn a salary plus commission or bonuses. Independent agents, however, might only earn a commission.
Job Outlook
The BLS predicts a 6% growth in this field from 2021 to 2031, which is on pace with the 5% expected growth across all occupations.
The BLS expects demand for insurance agents to continue as they ensure profitability for insurance companies. However, independent sales agents should see the strongest employment growth. While insurance information is increasingly available online, customers still depend on agents’ expertise to navigate the market.
Types of Property and Casualty Insurance
Customers can find insurance coverage for almost any situation. These are some of the main specialties:
- Car: Covers your vehicle (or another person’s) in case of an accident and medical bills if you injure someone with your car.
- Condo: Covers damage to your condo or shared areas of the property.
- Homeowners: Covers damage to your home and property and injuries that occur on your property.
- Landlord: Covers property you rent out and potential liability issues with tenants.
- Marine: Covers losses to shipping vessels and shipyards
- Power sports: Covers vehicles such as scooters, ATVs and motorcycles.
- Professional liability: Covers businesses and individuals if a customer claims negligence.
- Renters: May cover theft and damage to renters’ belongings, injuries to others and living expenses if renters must move.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Property and Casualty Insurance Careers
Is selling property and casualty insurance a good career?
Yes, selling insurance can be a good career for independent workers with strong sales skills. Sales agents often earn bonuses and commission, so their income potential depends on their talent.
