In most states, an insurance agent must have a license to sell auto insurance. There are several steps to getting a license, including taking state-required pre-licensing courses and passing an exam.

The exam tests your knowledge of general insurance terms and concepts, as well as the specifics of your line of authority. It also includes questions about real-world scenarios and practicality.

Licensing Requirements

Whether you work for an insurance company or as an independent broker, you must be licensed to discuss and sell auto insurance. This helps protect consumers.

The licensing requirements for an auto insurance license vary by state. They typically include a high school diploma or GED certificate, as well as passing a background check and taking a test.

You can also get your auto insurance license through on-the-job training. Many companies offer this option.

It can take a few weeks to a month to complete the exam and licensing process, depending on how much you prepare. Those who choose to receive on-the-job training can earn while they learn.

New York requires all insurance agents to take pre-licensing education courses. The number of hours required varies by line of authority.

Pre-Licensing Education

The pre-licensing education you need for an auto insurance license varies by state. In New York, for instance, you must take a five-hour course and pass an exam.

It’s not impossible to pass the insurance license exam, but it does require a lot of preparation. Luckily, there are online options that help you study at your own pace and prepare for the test.

Kaplan is one of the largest online learning providers, and it offers a variety of courses in multiple formats, including live and on-demand classes. However, it’s available in only 14 states and prices vary.

RealEstateU is another popular online education provider. It offers pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education courses at affordable prices.

This company is a great option for those looking to get an insurance license without breaking the bank. While it doesn’t offer classes in all states, it does have good reviews and low prices. The only downside is that it doesn’t provide a pass guarantee, so you won’t get refunded if you don’t pass the exam.

Exams

There are several exams that you need to pass in order to get an auto insurance license. These include the Property & Casualty exam and the Life, Accident and Health insurance agent/broker exam.

In order to sit for an exam, you must first complete your pre-licensing education and then schedule an examination appointment. The exam is a multiple-choice test and you have two hours and thirty minutes to complete it.

Each state has its own set of questions, which are written by third-party companies to test your knowledge. These tests are designed to be challenging, so you should prepare as much as possible before taking them.

You must bring two forms of identification with you to your testing appointment, one of which must contain your name and photo. If you fail to provide these items, your exam appointment will be canceled and you will forfeit the $33 examination fee. You will also need to have a copy of your proof of completion for your pre-license education course.

Continuing Education

All insurance licensees are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of approved continuing education in each two-year renewal period. The course credits may be earned in any form including classroom, self-study, webinars, or out of state courses.

CE credits are credited to the licensee’s record at the time of course completion and must be reported by providers to North Dakota Insurance Department. If credits are not reported on or before the expiration date, you will not be allowed to renew your license.

The continuing education requirements for auto insurance agents apply to both resident and non-resident licensees. Licensed non-resident producers are exempt from the requirements to complete CE if their home state has a reciprocal agreement with this state relating to licensing and continuing education.

To obtain approval to teach CE in California, submit a Provider Certification Application and List of Instructors/Subject Matter Experts form along with applicable fees. Include a signed “Prelicensing and Continuing Education Provider Stipulation to Maintain Records Outside of California” form.