An insurance producer, also commonly referred to as an insurance agent or insurance broker, is a licensed professional involved in the insurance industry whose main roles include the selling, servicing, and negotiating of insurance policies. Producers can work as representatives of a single insurance company or as independent agents that represent multiple insurers.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Selling Insurance: Producers identify the needs of clients and help them choose the best insurance policies to meet those needs.
- Servicing Policies: This includes the management of existing insurance policies and addressing the concerns of policyholders.
- Negotiating Insurance Policies: When working as a broker, a producer compares offerings from various insurers to find the best deal for their clients.
Legal and Professional Requirements
To operate in this profession, one must:
- Obtain a legitimate insurance producer license. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally involve passing an examination and completing continuing education courses.
- Abide by all relevant laws such as the Insurance Brokers Act and regulations set forth by state-specific insurance departments.
Important Links and Resources
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website
- State-Specific Insurance Department websites
Insurance producers play a crucial role in the insurance market, ensuring that individuals and businesses find adequate protection against potential risks.