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Start your career in insurance TODAY!
Click here to start. Simply select your state from the drop-down menu, and select your licensing course!
About us ... American Education Systems L.C. (AES) offers online, self-study, and seminar courses for the busy professional. Current AES offerings include courses in insurance (Life, Accident & Health and Property & Casualty lines), banking, NASD securities, real estate, and sales training. AES courses can qualify for mandatory continuing education, pre-licensing, and professional staff development. As a leading provider of educational materials to the professional insurance and financial services community, AES is committed to help businesses and individuals reach their maximum potential. We look forward to helping your business grow!      
"Helping professionals succeed since 1994"         

 800-775-6339
 

Employment in the insurance industry? What you find may just surprise you! 

2.5 million American’s work in this trillion-dollar industry. Working in insurance means assisting companies and individuals in guarding themselves against loss. Risk management is central to this work.  As an insurance professional, you will guide customers in identifying the type, and level of insurance necessary, and help them purchase the correct policy. Positions in the insurance agency include sales representative, underwriter, customer service representative, asset manager, or actuary.Those in the insurance business can expect stimulating, lucrative environment!

  • What would I be selling?The three most common types of insurance are property and casualty (for automobiles, homes, and businesses), health insurance, and life insurance. Insurance agents need a license in order to start their career -- and we can help you with that! Learn more about licensing here.

  • Hey -- Insurance is not just about selling!
    There are quite a few people weary of an insurance career because they think they have to be an aggressive sales person. Of course, sales is a necessary ingredient, however insurance is a service everyone needs. Besides, most positions do not require straight sales.

A variety of career paths are available to you!

Here are a few of the possible careers in the insurance industry:

  • Agent and Broker
    Brokers and agents sell insurance policies to individuals and companies that want to guard their assets against liability. In the event of a fire, injury, or accident, customers call their agents; therefore agents must have a detailed knowledge of policies and their limitations. Those who are familiar with business practices and comfortable talking with all types of customers can make a good living working an adjustable schedule in the insurance industry.

  • Service Representatives
    Because of their function as a go between insurance companies and insurance agents, service representatives must have excellent communication skills and a detailed understanding of insurance products. A successful representative is good at building relationships with agents and company representatives. A General liberal arts education provides a solid foundation for a career as a service representative.

  • Claims Adjuster
    When a customer has had an accident, been injured, or been through a loss, adjusters help determine a fair settlement between all involved. A successful claims adjuster must have excellent communication and negotiation skills and should be able to arbitrate with grace and empathy. Adjusters spend time in the field, as well as behind a desk.

  • Underwriter
    When a person applies for a policy, it is an underwriter who determines whether that person is worth the risk of insuring. By assessing how much risk a person represents, underwriters ensure that all policyholders fit the company’s requirements. In addition, underwriters often help determine policy pricing.
Job prospects and earnings

Employment is expected to increase...
Employment of insurance sales agents is expected to increase by 12 percent over the 2008–18 period, which is about as fast as average for all occupations. Future demand for insurance sales agents depends largely on the variety of financial products and volume of sales. Sales of health insurance, long-term-care insurance, and other comprehensive financial planning services designed specifically for the elderly are expected to rise sharply as the population ages. In addition, a growing population will increase demand for insurance for automobiles, homes, and high-priced valuables and equipment. As new businesses emerge and existing firms expand their insurance coverage, sales of commercial insurance also should increase, including coverage such as product liability, workers' compensation, employee benefits, and pollution liability insurance.

Compensation is competitive ...
The median annual wages of wage and salary insurance sales agents were $45,430 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,070 and $68,730. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of $26,120 or less, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $113,930. Median annual wages in May 2008 in the two industries employing the largest number of insurance sales agents were $48,150 for insurance carriers, and $44,450 for agencies, brokerages, and other insurance related activities.

Many independent agents are paid by commission only, whereas sales workers who are employees of an agency or an insurance carrier may be paid in one of three ways: salary only, salary plus commission, or salary plus bonus. In general, commissions are the most common form of compensation, especially for experienced agents. The amount of the commission depends on the type and amount of insurance sold and on whether the transaction is a new policy or a renewal. Bonuses usually are awarded when agents meet their sales goals or when an agency meets its profit goals. Some agents involved with financial planning receive a fee for their services, rather than a commission.

Company-paid benefits to insurance sales agents usually include continuing education, training to qualify for licensing, group insurance plans, office space, and clerical support services. Some companies also may pay for automobile and transportation expenses, attendance at conventions and meetings, promotion and marketing expenses, and retirement plans. Independent agents working for insurance agencies receive fewer benefits, but their commissions may be higher to help them pay for marketing and other expenses.

To begin your career in insurance, you will need to get licensed. You can do that here.