Insurance Agents and Brokers Insurance Agents and Brokers Nature of the Work Working Conditions Employment Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Job Outlook Earnings Related Occupations Sources of Additional Information Significant Points Employers prefer to hire college graduates and persons with proven sales ability or success in other occupations. Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average as the increasing use of computers allows agents to handle more sales.
Most people have their first contact with an insurance company through an insurance agent or broker.
These professionals sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses to provide protection against financial loss. Insurance agents and brokers help individuals, families, and businesses select the policy that provides the best insurance protection for their lives and health, as well as for their automobiles, jewelry, personal valuables, furniture, household items, businesses, and other properties. Agents and brokers prepare reports, maintain records, and, in the event of a loss, help policyholders settle insurance claims. Some agents may help an employer provide employees the opportunity to buy insurance through payroll deductions. Insurance brokers do not sell for a particular company, but place insurance policies for their clients with the company that offers the best rate and coverage.