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These Agents Have You Covered!
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Achieve3000, November 17, 2011). Are you in the market for a car? An automobile can be an exciting—and expensive—purchase. But after bringing your new wheels home, you'll need to make sure your car is protected in case something happens to it. That's where an insurance sales agent can help. Insurance sales agents assist individuals, families, and businesses in selecting insurance policies that provide the best protection for their lives, health, and property. If you are interested in a fast-growing career in sales, this might be the job for you.

Here are some frequently asked questions about a job as an insurance sales agent:

Question: What exactly does an insurance sales agent do?

Answer: An insurance sales agent sells one or more types of insurance. For example, an agent might sell property and casualty insurance, life insurance, or health insurance. Property and casualty insurance agents sell policies that protect individuals and businesses from financial loss resulting from accidents, fire, theft, storms, and other events. For businesses, property and casualty insurance can also cover injured workers' compensation and product liability claims. Life insurance agents sell policies that compensate individuals when a policy holder dies. Health insurance agents sell health insurance policies that cover the costs of medical care. These policies also cover loss of income due to illness or injury.

Insurance sales agents prepare reports, maintain records, and seek out new clients. They match insurance companies and policies with the best rates and coverage plans to meet their clients' needs. If policy holders experience loss or damage, agents help them settle insurance claims and receive payment.

Q: What skills should an insurance sales agent possess?

A: Insurance sales agents should be flexible, enthusiastic, confident, and disciplined. They must have excellent problem-solving skills. Agents work with clients who have a wide range of needs. Therefore, they must be able to communicate effectively and inspire confidence in their customers. Because agents usually work without supervision, they must have good time management skills. They must also have the drive to attract new business.

Click here to learn more about different types of diplomas and degrees.

Q: What education or licensure is required?

A: For insurance sales agent jobs, many agencies prefer to hire college graduates, especially those who have majored in business, finance, or economics. Many colleges and universities offer courses in insurance. A few schools offer a bachelor's degree in the field. Prospective agents should take courses in finance, mathematics, accounting, and economics. They should also study business law, marketing, and business administration.

All insurance sales agents must obtain a license from the state in which they intend to work. Licensure requirements vary by state. However, they typically include some insurance-related coursework and the passing of several exams. Most state licensing authorities also have mandatory continuing education requirements every two years. These classes focus on insurance laws, consumer protection, ethics, and the technical details of various insurance policies.

Q: What is the typical work environment for an insurance sales agent?

A: Most insurance sales agents work in offices. Some independent agents, or brokers, however, may spend much of their time traveling to meet with clients, to close sales, or to investigate claims. Most agents work a 40-hour week. Some work much longer. Agents usually determine their own hours of work. They often schedule evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of clients.

Q: How much do insurance sales agents earn?

A: According to the latest government information, the median annual salary of insurance sales agents is $45,430. The middle 50 percent earns between $33,070 and $68,730. The lowest 10 percent earns $26,120 or less. The highest 10 percent earns more than $113,930.

Q: Will there be many job opportunities for insurance sales agents in the future?

A: According to the government, employment opportunities for insurance sales agents are expected to increase by 12 percent by 2018. This is about the average growth rate for all occupations. Opportunities will be greatest for college graduates who have sales ability and expertise in insurance and financial services. Sales of health insurance and financial planning services designed for the elderly are expected to rise sharply. In addition, a growing population will increase demand for insurance for automobiles, homes, and other valuables.

Question 2


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Based on the article, which is most likely to happen?

The number of job opportunities for insurance sales agents will grow.
Counselors will urge prospective insurance agents to focus their studies on health care.
Sales of health insurance designed for the elderly will decrease sharply.
New insurance agents will be offered salaries averaging about $113,000 annually.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Based on the article, the statement that is most likely to happen is:

**The number of job opportunities for insurance sales agents will grow.**

The article mentions that employment opportunities for insurance sales agents are expected to increase by 12 percent by 2018, which indicates growth in job opportunities for this profession.