The Importance of Insurance Continuing Education | The Communication Blog

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Importance of Insurance Continuing Education

By Ed Hulse


People that sell insurance coverage have different avenues in which they can become proficient. There is health, life, annuity, retirement planning, home, auto, and even disability. With so many types it can be confusing for one person to stay knowledgeable. Laws and regulations change constantly so they need to be able to advise their customers on the latest information. This is why insurance continuing education is a necessary requirement. Courses must be taken on an annual basis. These can now be taken online instead in the classroom. There are ramifications for those that do not comply with completing their educational requirements.

Who determines what minimum requirements are needed by agents? This is decided on by each individual state. They also detail what courses need to be taken as well as the minimum number of total credits that must be attained. The insurance commissioner and board of insurance agents look at what topics are of current interest and make classes available that students can take.

Ethics knows what is right and wrong and how to apply it in everyday life. The information gained should be applied and practiced. No one wants to do business with people that are untrustworthy or someone that is capable of committing fraud. This course is designed to help people determine what is correct and not correct business practices.

If you are not a new agent you were accustomed to taking your course requirements in a classroom at school. As technology has grown and learning providers have created lessons and plans online one can take classes over the internet. The cost to complete the training is much cheaper as you do not have to pay for transportation costs, or the school's overhead. You can take as many classes as you want as fast or slow as you are able. You are not subject to a time frame for completion other than the state mandated yearly date.

If you do a search online you can probably find many places that will offer you courses to complete your necessary license requirements. However, you need to know whether or not they are accredited to teach you. You should check with your state and all other locations where you hold a license to see if they qualify. You do not want to waste money.

Is it possible that you might not need to take courses? Is there an exemption available for your state? To find out you should ask the insurance board or commissioner. They can advise you on what the current regulations are to opt out and if you meet them.

If you currently sell coverage to your customers but do not feel that it is important to stay current on courses you may end up putting yourself out of work. There are repercussions from not taking the courses needed to remain an agent. You could lose your license and end up retaking the basic courses to reacquire your certification. While you are not an agent you could also lose your source of income and any commissions you may be built up.

If you decide to become an agent it will be a requirement to have insurance continuing education courses to sustain your license and credentials. You can choose how you want to take your classes. They can be taken online or in a classroom. The allotted courses needed are pre-determined by the state where your license is held.




About the Author:



The Communication Blog
Bookmark and Share

No comments:

Post a Comment

 

The Communication Blog Copyright © 2009