Without a doubt, the insurance industry is difficult to navigate. That is why insurance brokers are so important in assisting consumers in selecting the best plans for them.
Insurance broker employment is expected to expand by 7% between 2020 and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Furthermore, according to Research and Market analysis, the worldwide insurance brokers market is predicted to reach $113.99 billion by 2025.
Insurance brokers are qualified to provide expert advice on insurance plans, assist clients in risk management, compare rates and pricing, and provide clients with peace of mind.
If you want to become an insurance broker, read on to learn about their position, responsibilities, and qualifications, why they’re vital, and how they differ from an insurance agent.
What is an insurance broker?
An insurance broker operates as a go-between for a client and an insurance company, assisting clients in locating and purchasing the best insurance coverage for their needs.
Brokers may specialise in one sort of insurance, such as life insurance or group health insurance plans, but they frequently provide advice on other types of insurance.
A broker might operate for themselves or for an insurance brokerage firm.
Brokers offer insurance but are not employed by insurance firms. They work directly with their client to ensure that they obtain the finest advice possible while selecting insurance alternatives.
Simply, an insurance broker acts as a middleman. Their mission is to act as a bridge between individuals or businesses seeking insurance coverage and the companies who provide the insurance product.
Brokers are well-informed in many types of insurance, including:
- Auto insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Homeowner and commercial insurance
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Commercial inventory and contents insurance
- Business loss of income and workers’ compensation
Brokers begin by identifying their clients’ personal and commercial needs and dangers.
Knowing this, they may offer informed recommendations regarding the type of insurance needed, and how much to purchase, and present the customer with multiple quotations to compare.
Because brokers do not represent insurance companies, they cannot execute insurance sales or bind policies on their behalf.
Once the client has made a decision, the account is turned over to an insurer or insurance agent to finalise the transaction.
Contrary to popular misconception, there is no additional expense to utilising a broker.
Brokers make money by selling insurance to their clients and receiving commissions. Depending on their state’s legislation, commissions often range between 2% and 8% of the premium.
Responsibilities of an insurance broker
An insurance broker has a variety of functions and responsibilities, including risk management and industry knowledge.
Because an insurance broker might work independently or for a corporation, the variety of functions and responsibilities of an individual broker can vary.
Here are nine different roles and responsibilities of an insurance broker:
- Act as a liaison between the insurance carrier and the client
- Compare, negotiate, and sell insurance policies
- Help clients understand and manage risks
- Advise and consult with their clients to provide the best policies and premiums
- Handle administrative duties for their clients
- Schedule and attend meetings with their clients, the insurers, or both
- Keep accurate records
- Stay compliant in the insurance industry by keeping their license current, learning new development, and sharpening their skills
- Comply with all legal requirements in their jurisdiction
Also read: How an Insurance Broker Makes Money
What qualifications does an insurance broker need?
To become an insurance broker, you should first obtain a degree in insurance, business, economics, or finance.
In addition, states need brokers to have an insurance licence obtained from the National Insurance Producer Registry in order to sell insurance.
If you supervise other brokers or agents in other states, you may be required to obtain a second insurance broker licence in those jurisdictions as well.
Similarly, if you want to sell different forms of insurance, you may require more than one licence.
Furthermore, some states demand a certain amount of training hours and a licencing exam to be eligible for licensure and the following insurance licence, so it’s crucial to double-check what your state requires.
To remain in compliance, you must normally renew your licence on a regular basis by completing specified continuing education courses.
Why are insurance brokers important for consumers?
Brokers are well-versed in the insurance industry. They understand the nuances of insurance coverage and can efficiently compare the numerous firms offered.
Before suggesting the purchase of any insurance policy, brokers consider their clients’ criteria and needs.
However, these are only a few of the reasons why an insurance broker is vital. We’ll go through a couple more in depth below.
Consumers save on insurance rates and receive faster claim payouts
A broker negotiates with multiple insurance providers to get the best policy for their customers.
They give thoroughly thought recommendations to serve their client’s needs and guarantee they have the proper coverage at a reasonable price.
A broker can also negotiate competitive prices and add any applicable discounts because they have ties with multiple insurance partners.
A broker will assist their customer through the claim process in the case of a claim.
They can respond and act as an advocate to ensure that the settlement is fair and delivered to the customer in a timely manner.
Get expert advice from an experienced industry professional
It is an insurance broker’s responsibility to provide individualised support to their clients so that consumers may grasp the insurance coverage options presented to them.
When speaking with a client, a broker has a broad knowledge of insurance alternatives and years of experience to draw from, which comes in helpful when navigating the difficult seas of insurance.
Brokers assist their clients in obtaining the greatest policy price while also instilling confidence and peace of mind.
Shopping for and managing insurance coverage is usually less stressful and more comprehensive with the assistance of an insurance broker.
Clients are protected from dishonest conduct
To be in compliance, all brokers, as previously stated, must hold an insurance licence.
This includes continuing education, professional competency, ethical behaviour, and insurance-related financial services.
Working with a broker gives the client confidence that they will be handled properly and that their best interests will be represented.
It is also critical that brokers maintain their objectivity. Brokers can educate clients about policy loopholes and other potential dangers.
A broker essentially acts as an extension of their client’s business, therefore clients should receive an honest perspective they can rely on.
What is the difference between an insurance agent and a broker?
Insurance agents and brokers are sometimes misconstrued as the same profession.
They share certain parallels, such as the fact that they both require a licence to operate. While they both operate in the same industry, an agent and a broker are not the same.
For a commission, an insurance agent offers an insurer’s goods to consumers.
An agent assists consumers in selecting the appropriate insurance to purchase, but they ultimately represent the insurance business in the transaction.
The two types of insurance agents are:
- A captive agent that represents only one insurance company
- An independent insurance agent that typically represents more than one insurer
If you’re unsure if you want to be an insurance sales agent or a broker, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
An insurance agent and an insurance broker compare in the following ways:
| Insurance agents | Insurance brokers |
| Represent the insurer | Represent the consumer |
| Can bind coverage | Can’t bind coverage |
| Receive a contract from the insurer outlining the products they can sell and for what commission rates, such as life insurance or annuities only | They are under no contracts so they can solicit price quotes from multiple insurers |
Final Thoughts
The primary purpose of an insurance broker is to meet the insurance needs of their clients.
This includes recommending the finest coverage at the best available pricing, answering inquiries, acting as an advocate, and prioritising the interests of their clients.
Before deciding how to become an insurance broker, it’s vital to complete all educational requirements, learn the job’s responsibilities, and adhere to all state licencing criteria.
Following the principles in this article will provide you with a solid basis for starting a career in the insurance sector.