Insurance Sales Agents

• Interview prospective clients to obtain data about their financial resources and needs, the physical condition of the person or property to be insured, and to discuss any existing coverage.
• Sell various types of insurance policies to businesses and individuals on behalf of insurance companies, including automobile, fire, life, property, medical and dental insurance, or specialized policies, such as marine, farm/crop, and medical malpractice.
• Call on policyholders to deliver and explain policy, to analyze insurance program and suggest additions or changes, or to change beneficiaries.
• Seek out new clients and develop clientele by networking to find new customers and generate lists of prospective clients.
• Customize insurance programs to suit individual customers, often covering a variety of risks.
• Ensure that policy requirements are fulfilled, including any necessary medical examinations and the completion of appropriate forms.
• Explain features, advantages, and disadvantages of various policies to promote sale of insurance plans.
• Inspect property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk.
• Calculate premiums and establish payment method.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and handling policy renewals.
• Select company that offers type of coverage requested by client to underwrite policy.
• Develop marketing strategies to compete with other individuals or companies who sell insurance.
• Contact underwriter and submit forms to obtain binder coverage.
• Confer with clients to obtain and provide information when claims are made on a policy.
• Monitor insurance claims to ensure they are settled equitably for both the client and the insurer.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and programs to learn about new products and services, learn new skills, and receive technical assistance in developing new accounts.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Insurance Sales Agents.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Insurance Sales Agents.