How Do You Buy Annuities? 
To buy annuities , you shop for them from insurance agents . If purchasing a fixed or indexed annuity , the life insurance agent must be licensed in life insurance . If purchasing a variable annuity , the agent must also have some securities licenses . You will review the features of different options , make your decision , then pay the premium that puts your annuity into effect . If your money is tied up elsewhere , you may need to roll it over into the annuity . 