There are either auto insurance agents or insurance companies.They sell insurance to car owners.If you enjoy working with others and are competitive, this may be a good career choice for you.The hours can be irregular.An auto insurance agent makes around $48,000 a year.The lowest paid agents make less than $26,000 a year.If you want to be your own boss, becoming an auto insurance agent is a great career path for you.
Step 1: You can learn about the career path.
Before you begin your journey towards becoming an auto insurance agent, you shouldFamiliarize yourself with the career.It is important to make sure the work is right for you.Some auto insurance agents work for an insurance company.They work on commission selling insurance policies to car owners.The majority of insurance agents are employed by an auto insurance agency such as AllState.Your job as an auto insurance agent is to seek out sales.It will be a combination of phone and face-to-face work.Your schedule may be somewhat unpredictable if you work independently.If you're working through an agency, there may be a quota for commission.There is a high level of turn around for new agents due to this issue.It is possible that having a background in sales will give you a better chance of success.
Step 2: Start in high school.
If you have a high school degree and a license, you can become an auto insurance agent.If you don't plan on pursuing education beyond high school, you should take the right classes while you're still in school.The sales aspect of the job will be helped by classes on economics, accounting, marketing, and finance.If your school has engineering classes or classes about automobiles, that's a good sign.Vocational classes and summer programs can be found at your school.Being an auto insurance agent has a lot to do with emotional intelligence.You have to listen to clients and understand what they want out of a policy so you can make the right recommendations.Take a psychology course in high school.You might be able to improve your ability to read others if you learn how people function.Extracurricular activities can help you in your career.You can join clubs and organizations that are relevant to your career goals.It's possible that your school has a club about cars and mechanics.Extra-curricular activities that force you to work with others are something you might want to look into.Consider joining a debate team.
Step 3: Look for internship opportunities.
You can get insight into how a particular business or industry operates with an internship.Look for internship opportunities in high school.If you want to become an auto insurance agent, you should ask your high school career counselor about internship opportunities.He or she can walk you through the application process for internships.There are a lot of internships that could help with an auto insurance agent position.If you have an internship in marketing or sales, it could look good on your resume.You could apply for an internship with a local mechanic.The more knowledge you have about cars, the better.
Step 4: People skills can be gained.
You will spend a lot of your time working one-on-one with clients if you have people skills.Work experience forces you to work with people.A part-time sales job at the mall during high school would be helpful.Over the summer, you could work as a receptionist at a local business.People skills are built by these types of positions.When possible, aim for sales jobs specifically as marketing and sales will be a big part of your career.Experience selling products can help you stand out in the field.
Step 5: Consider getting a college degree.
A bachelor's degree is required in some states to take the auto insurance agent licensing exam.Even if your state does not require a degree, you may want to consider a college education.It can help set you apart from the competition if you have more in-depth knowledge of the field.College degrees are required by larger auto insurance companies.If you get a college degree, you can make more money.A four year degree in business or finance can help you in your career.You don't need a four year degree.Two-year programs can be found at community colleges and business schools.If you don't want a four year degree, consider a two year program.
Step 6: There are on-the- job training programs.
Many insurance companies prefer to train their employees on their own.They offer on-the-job training programs where you can learn the trade and make money.Insurance companies offer on-the-job training as you near the end of high school.This could be a good alternative to a college education.
Step 7: Understand the licensing requirements in your state.
Every state requires auto insurance agents to be licensed.Each state has different requirements.Before starting the process, you should know your state's licensing requirements.You only need to take the written exam in some states to get a license.Some states require a degree in addition to the exam.You will not be able to get a license if you don't have the proper education.Information on license requirements can be found on your state's government website.Career counselors are available at your high school or college.Ask the auto insurance agent you know how to get a license.
Step 8: You need to study for your exam.
You should spend a lot of time studying for the exam once you have figured out your state's requirements.Information from your state's insurance department can be used to study.This information can be found in textbooks, overviews of insurance laws, and other resources at a local library.It's a good location with good lighting.The best place to study is at a desk.Write the information down.Writing in your own words helps you understand the material.You're saying that in terms that you understand.There are games and devices that can help." Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally" is a popular phrase used by high school students to remember the order of operations in mathematics.Think of a sentence that will help you remember a concept.Take breaks.It can burn you out if you study for hours on end.Give yourself a break every 45 or 50 minutes.People may respond to rewards.Allow yourself to browse the internet for 15 minutes before you get back to work if you study for 45 minutes.
Step 9: You can learn about the exam in your state.
Sign up to take the exam after studying the material.Where you sign up for the exam varies by state.You will know the location of the testing center when you sign up, as well as the date and time you will take the exam.Take the time to learn about your state's exam.State to state, the format of the exam varies.In some states it's pen and paper in others.You should know the format before the event.You should know what you need to bring to the exam room.Some states may require a photo ID.You will not be punished for taking the exam if you know what you will do.Guidelines will usually be sent after you sign up.If you leave answers blank, you may lose points.This will help you decide if it's better to leave a question blank or guess, if you don't know the answer.Retake policies can vary by state.Take the exam if you know your state's retake policy.
Step 10: Take the exam.
The exam should be taken on your scheduled testing day after you've learned about the exam.Try to remain calm during the exam.Before the exam, get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.Staying focused during the exam can be helped by taking care of yourself.Keep calm during the exam.You can make errors if you stress out.If you're having a hard time with a question, come back to it at the end.If you're taking the exam in a room with other people, focus on your own work.Stressing out on how quickly others finish is not helpful.You can sell insurance in your state if you pass the exam.
Step 11: You should write a resume.
You need to start the job hunt after you've finished your exam.A good resume is needed to find a good job.The first thing to do is include basic information on your resume.Basic contact information includes your name, phone number, and e-mail address.Consistency is what Formatting on a resume should be consistent throughout.The space between sections and what words are in italics should be kept consistent.It's a good idea to choose a legible fonts.It is not a good idea to use fonts that are in cursive or unprofessional.List your work experience in the best possible way.If you worked at Sears, don't say "helped customers pick out clothing" on your resume."Assisted customers in choosing high-quality clothing based on their personal needs, maintaining a professional, friendly demeanor throughout the process."When possible, go for specifics.How much do you make per month?How many customers did you help?
Step 12: Good interview skills can be learned.
A good resume is important to finding a job, but standing out at the interview is equally important.If you're called in for an interview at an insurance company, make sure you have great interview skills.It's a good idea to research the company.You shouldn't go into an interview with no knowledge of the company's philosophy or ethics.It is a good idea to browse a company's web page prior to the interview.You can look at a company's social media profiles.This can teach you a lot about the company's values.Take a look at common interview questions."Where do you see yourself in five years?"In an interview, "tell me about a time where you experienced conflict" is a common question.You can come up with a variety of potential answers by reviewing the questions ahead of time.You need to dress up for the interview.It's better to be slightly overdressed than under dressed.You should have a few professional interview outfits ready.A nice dress, business suit, or blouse is good for women.A suit and tie is appropriate for men.Body language can convey confidence when entering a room.Stand up straight, smile and give a good handshake.While the interviewer is talking, you should also listen.Give other non-verbal signals to show you are listening.
Step 13: Return to old contacts.
The best way to find a job is through networking.Talk to the insurance companies you worked for.Ask if they are hiring new agents.Ask if they have leads on firms that are currently hiring.If someone you know would be willing to give you a word in, that's great.
Step 14: You can find jobs in the field.
Seek out jobs on your own if you don't have any luck networking.It can be difficult to find a job in any industry, but with persistence you should eventually find something.When you complete your licensing exam, there is usually a job waiting for you, if you did an on-the-job training program.It is best to avoid applying to firms that provide these programs if you did not do such a program.Firms that train their employees usually hire them.There are job boards.While job boards can be frustrating, as many people apply to the same position, consistently applying to a handful of jobs each day may eventually pay off.When looking for a job, boards like Monster, Indeed, and SimplyHired can be helpful.Don't get discouraged.It can take months for you to get a job in your field.It's common to take some time to establish an industry.Try to keep a positive attitude.A negative attitude can be seen in subtle ways on cover letters.
Step 15: Stay current with your license.
If you want to be an auto insurance agent, you will need to keep your license current.There are different requirements for renewing and maintaining your license in different states.You should know your state's requirements.Take the time to read over any paperwork regarding your license.You need to take exams and classes to prevent your license from expiring.
Step 16: Get used to working on a commission.
You will work on commission as an auto insurance agent.In addition to commission, some companies provide a base salary.You can't depend on this salary for your career.An insurance company will not keep an agent if he or she isn't making sales.Make sure you keep up with your sales quota.You may have to work odd hours as an agent.You'll be working with customers and clients.If it means making sales, be willing to tolerate erratic schedules.
Step 17: You should look for opportunities throughout your career.
You should always be looking for opportunities for advancement in your career.Many people go on to higher paid, higher profile positions as their career continues, even though some people stay insurance agents for the long term.Always be on the lookout for opportunities for growth and advancement.