The insurance sector in India is thriving, and there are wonderful career opportunities for people who want to make a difference. The most satisfying profession in business is that of an insurance advisor. The following step-by-step procedure will direct you on how to become an insurance advisor and how to become an insurance agent in India.
Who is an Insurance Advisor?
An insurance advisor, or an insurance agent, is a person who advises companies and individuals about the best insurance coverage to ensure their future. Insurance advisors are well educated about various insurance policies such as life insurance, medical insurance, motor insurance, etc. Insurance advisors act as a mediator between clients and insurance companies to advise their clients on the best available option.
If you have excellent communication skills, knowledge of human needs, and enthusiasm for financial planning, then this career as an insurance advisor is a good fit for you.
Why Become an Insurance Advisor?
The following are some compelling arguments to choose this profession:
Flexible Working Schedule: As an insurance advisor, you have the privilege of a flexible working schedule, which is appropriate for those who desire a work-life balance.
High Pay: Your salary is determined by your performance. You are paid a commission for every policy you sell, and it is an amount of money.
Job Satisfaction: Motivating individuals to plan for their future and become financially independent is very fulfilling.
No Retirement Age: There is no retirement age for insurance advisors like there is for most other jobs. You can work until you can.
Steps to Become an Insurance Advisor in India
Here are the steps to become an insurance advisor in India:
Step 1: Read the Eligibility Criteria
First, ensure that you meet the following minimum criteria:
- Age: You need to be over 18 years old.
- Education: Matriculation (passing class 10) is required.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Insurance Category
Choose specialisation in life insurance, general insurance, or both. Life insurance deals with policies of life coverage, and general insurance deals with insurance of health, car, house, and travel.
Step 3: Get the Required Training
You will be asked as an insurance advisor to do a required training course. Training has been created to give you extensive knowledge of insurance products, sales skills, and rules.
Duration: Training is typically 15 hours, either conducted by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) or through an IRDAI-approved training school.
Step 4: Pass the IRDAI Exam
You’ll need to pass IRDAI’s Insurance Agent Certification Exam after your training. The exam tests your familiarity with insurance concepts, ethics, and rules. Some tips below will prove helpful during preparation:
- Read nice topics discussed under training.
- Practice tests so that you are comfortable with the pattern of the exam.
Take proper care to develop a clear understanding about definitions of terms such as premium, sum assured, claim settlement, etc.
Step 5: Insurance Agent Registration
Once you clear the IRDAI exam, you have to complete your Insurance Agent Registration. Follow the below-given steps:
Select an Insurance Company: Select the insurance company you want to represent. It is preferable to select a popular insurer whose values and mission align with yours and your professional as well as personal aspirations.
Submit Documents: You will have to submit the following documents to the insurance company:
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)
- Proof of address
- Educational records
- Passing certificate of the IRDAI exam
Sign the Agreement: After your documents have been verified, you will need to sign an agreement with the insurance company. The agreement would clearly define your roles, responsibilities, and commission rate.
Step 6: Selling Policies
Congratulations! You are now a registered insurance advisor. Start by building your network, understanding your clients’ needs, and suggesting policies that are appropriate for their objectives. Trust and honesty are the success mantras for this profession.
Success Tips for an Insurance Advisor
- Improve Your Communication Skills: Good communication is the key to making complex insurance products user-friendly.
- Create a Strong Network: Use personal and professional contacts to build your client base.
- Stay Current: Keep yourself abreast of new insurance products, industry trends, and regulatory updates.
- Employ Technology: Employ technology like CRM software, social media, and web conferencing platforms to make your business efficient and reach more customers.
- Customer Satisfaction: Customer satisfaction takes the top spot as satisfied customers will refer to business, and that can be an excellent source of leads for your business.
Problems You Can Encounter and How to Overcome Them
Just like in any other profession, there are issues of being an insurance advisor as well:
- Finding Customers: It may be challenging to develop a list of clients at the start. To counter this, employ word-of-mouth and internet promotion.
- Handling Rejections: Not everyone will purchase insurance coverage, but you will survive through determination and perseverance.
- Maintaining Competition: Be different from others through the delivery of personalised service and remaining current on matters concerning the state of affairs in the market.
Conclusion
Development as an insurance consultant in India is a fulfilling career with unlimited income opportunities and personal growth. Following the course outlined within this guidebook and remaining committed to the customer-centric path, you can become a renowned counsellor in the insurance world. The journey appears to be very daunting when one starts, but industry and diligence make it highly possible to attain success.
If you’re ready to take the plunge into the world of insurance, begin your journey today. Write about insurance advisor success stories to inspire yourself and others, and explore innovative ways to grow your career. The path to a thriving career in this field starts with a single step: insurance agent registration.