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Do you need a license to sell insurance in the US?

By Sophia Koch |

In order to sell health insurance in any U.S. state, you must have a current license. Many states issue a Life & Health license that covers both types of insurance. Certain non-sales positions within the insurance sector may require this license as well.

What are the requirements to sell life insurance?

In general, to obtain a license to sell insurance, one must pay a fee, complete a pre-licensing training course and pass a licensing examination. Some states also require license applicants to be sponsored by an employer. Agent licenses must be renewed periodically and maintained by completing continuing education.

Can I sell life insurance independently?

On the downside, independent insurance agents are generally not allowed to sell policies offered by the companies which rely on captive agents, which often sell their policies through their own agents exclusively.

How much can you make selling life insurance?

An agent selling one or two policies per week at this commission level could make $50,000 to $100,000 in their first year as an agent.

What kind of license do you need to sell life insurance?

For example, in some states you can choose to apply for a license to sell only life insurance, or you can apply for a more comprehensive license that covers health, accident, and life insurance. The table below lays out insurance agent license requirements by state, including training, exam, and fingerprinting requirements.

What kind of license do you need to be an insurance agent?

The most common licenses new insurance agents get are the property & casualty license (P&C) , life and health insurance license (L&H). The types of insurance products and policies you’ll be selling will determine which licenses you need.

Why do you need a life insurance license?

A life and health insurance license enables you to sell these life insurance products, plus policies that provide protection for medical expenses, loss of income due to a disability, and the need for long-term care.

Do you need a life insurance license to sell IUL?

You must have the underlying life insurance license to sell either product. If you think that’s obvious, you haven’t experienced the questions we get about selling IUL or VUL!