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.
• 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.
• Ensure that policy requirements are fulfilled, including any necessary medical examinations and the completion of appropriate forms.
• Customize insurance programs to suit individual customers, often covering a variety of risks.
• Explain features, advantages, and disadvantages of various policies to promote sale of insurance plans.
• Calculate premiums and establish payment method.
• Inspect property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk.
• 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.

• 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.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
• Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

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