Occupation AtlasInsurance Sales Agents

O*NET · 41-3021.00

Insurance Sales Agents

Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

Also called Account Representative · Account Specialist · Auto Insurance Agent · Auto Insurance Agent (Automotive Insurance Agent) · Bilingual Insurance Sales Agent · Bond Writer · Burial Agent · Commercial Lines Account Manager
52 more

Compensation Agent · Customer Relations Rep · Customer Relations Rep (Customer Relations Representative) · Cyber Insurance Policy Specialist · Debit Agent · District Agent · Enrollment Specialist · Estate Planner · Field Marketing Representative · Field Representative · Field Service Representative · Group Insurance Special Agent · Group Insurance Specialist · Health Insurance Agent · Health Insurance Sales Agent · Health Insurance Specialist · Inside Sales Representative · Insurance Agent · Insurance Agent Team Member · Insurance Broker · Insurance Producer · Insurance Representative · Insurance Sales Agent · Insurance Sales Rep · Insurance Sales Representative (Insurance Sales Rep) · Insurance Salesman · Insurance Salesperson · Insurance Solicitor · Insurance Special Agent · Insurance Specialist · Insurance Verification Specialist · Licensed Health Insurance Agent · Licensed Health Insurance Sales Agent · Licensed Insurance Agent · Licensed Life Insurance Agent · Licensed Medicare Insurance Agent · Life Insurance Agent · Life Insurance Producer · Life Insurance Sales Agent · Life Insurance Sales Rep · Life Insurance Sales Representative (Life Insurance Sales Rep) · Life Insurance Salesperson · Network Contractor · Outside Sales Representative · Pension Agent · Sales Agent · Sales Associate · Sales Representative · Sales Special Agent · Sales Specialist · Solicitor · Underwriting Sales Representative

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ECS35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ECSEnterprising · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • E Enterprising5.95
  • C Conventional5.46
  • S Social3.71
  • I Investigative2.25
  • A Artistic1.09
  • R Realistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent15%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate15%
  • Some College Courses8%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree16%
  • Bachelor's Degree40%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate7%
Related work experience
None (43%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • PersuasionImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • NegotiationImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
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Tasks

14 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Customize insurance programs to suit individual customers, often covering a variety of risks.Importance 4.4
  2. 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.Importance 4.4
  3. Explain features, advantages, and disadvantages of various policies to promote sale of insurance plans.Importance 4.2
  4. Perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and handling policy renewals.Importance 4.2
  5. Call on policyholders to deliver and explain policy, to analyze insurance program and suggest additions or changes, or to change beneficiaries.Importance 4.1
  6. 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.Importance 4.1
  7. Seek out new clients and develop clientele by networking to find new customers and generate lists of prospective clients.Importance 4.1
  8. Contact underwriter and submit forms to obtain binder coverage.Importance 4.1
  9. Confer with clients to obtain and provide information when claims are made on a policy.Importance 4.1
  10. Ensure that policy requirements are fulfilled, including any necessary medical examinations and the completion of appropriate forms.Importance 4.0
  11. Select company that offers type of coverage requested by client to underwrite policy.Importance 4.0
  12. Calculate premiums and establish payment method.Importance 3.9
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  1. Develop marketing strategies to compete with other individuals or companies who sell insurance.Importance 3.9
  2. Attend meetings, seminars, and programs to learn about new products and services, learn new skills, and receive technical assistance in developing new accounts.Importance 3.6
  3. Monitor insurance claims to ensure they are settled equitably for both the client and the insurer.Importance 3.9
  4. Plan and oversee incorporation of insurance program into bookkeeping system of company.Importance 3.8
  5. Inspect property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk.Importance 3.7
  6. Install bookkeeping systems and resolve system problems.Importance 3.3
  7. Explain necessary bookkeeping requirements for customer to implement and provide group insurance program.Importance 3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • MathematicsImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • TransportationImportance 3.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
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  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.5Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • PsychologyImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • GeographyImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level —
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.1Level —
  • BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
  • DesignImportance 1.0Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.0Level —
  • PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Near VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.6
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.6
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  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number FacilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • OriginalityImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Far VisionImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 0.8
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
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  • Processing InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 2.9
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.1Level 2.9
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.5Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General5.0
  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.8
  • Contact With Others4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Spend Time Sitting4.6
  • Time Pressure4.5
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.4

Technology

64 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot

Hot (7; 2 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe After Effects
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Zoom
Other tools (55)
  • Advantage Information Systems The Agency Advantage
  • Agency management software
  • Agency Master
  • Agency Software AgencyPro
  • Allied Financial Software Act4Advisors
  • Allstar Software Systems Kofax
  • AMS Services AMS 360
  • AMS Services AMS Sagitta
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Applied Systems The Agency Manager
  • Applied Systems Vision
  • Benefits Technology Group SalesLogix
  • CoVirt VirtGate
  • CPU Tracker Software CPU Tracker
  • Cygnus Software IncomeMax
  • DORIS FILESERVERonline
  • E-Z Data SmartOffice
  • FINEOS Insure
  • Fiserv FSC Manager
  • G2X Agility:Insurance
  • GBS Agency Expert
  • GroupMe
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • Hoffman Computer Systems Amsoft
  • Infospectrum Quick Insure
  • InStar Orion
  • Insurance analysis software
  • Insurance rating software
  • Insurance Systems WebWriter BackOffice
  • Insurance Technologies Corporation InsurancePro
  • Insurance Technologies ForeSight Enterprise
  • Insurance Technology Consultants WOW
  • irs-aims MARS
  • LIDP Consulting Services The Administrator
  • LinkedIn
  • LogMeIn GoToMeeting
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • MI-Assistant MI Management System
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • NaviSys Front Office
  • North American Software Associates Eclipse
  • Online Database Solutions Agent Intelligence
  • QuickQuote QuickFile Agency Management System
  • Results International Systems Artius Suite
  • Scheduling software
  • Skywire Software Policyware
  • Special Agent
  • Tangle S Creations Your Insurance Office
  • Terrace Consulting AgencyInsight
  • Tritech Financial Systems General Insurance Management System GIMS
  • Underwriting software
  • United Systems and Software Individual Life and Health Administration System
  • Vulcan Solutions Vulcan Insurance
  • Web browser software
  • YouTube

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ESCO equivalents

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.