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Insurance Representative

Insurance representatives sell insurance policies to companies and individuals to protect them financially from risks such as death, fire and theft. They may also deal with superannuation, income protection and other savings products.

 

Tasks & duties

Insurance representatives may do some or all of the following:

  • meet with or telephone people who may be interested in buying insurance
  • work out the insurance needs of individuals or companies
  • advise clients on the products and level of cover that is best for them
  • help clients complete application forms and collect any extra information needed
  • keep in contact with clients and amend their policies
  • collect and record payments
  • help deal with clients' insurance claims
  • liaise between clients and insurance companies

 

Specialisations

Insurance representatives may specialise in the following areas:

  • health and medical insurance
  • life insurance, including disability, trauma and critical care policies
  • fire and general, which includes house and contents insurance
  • income protection, risk and financial insurance
  • motor vehicle insurance
  • marine insurance
  • agriculture and farm insurance
  • travel insurance
  • pet insurance

 

Skills & knowledge

Insurance representatives need to have:

  • knowledge of the insurance industry
  • knowledge of insurance policies, including what each policy covers
  • an understanding of relevant government policies such as tax requirements, benefit allowances and accident compensation
  • sales skills
  • good communication skills, including interviewing skills
  • organisational, planning and time management skills

 

Entry requirements

To become an insurance representative you must not have any criminal convictions. You may also be required to have a driver's licence unless you work as a telephone salesperson.

 

Secondary education

School Certificate or NCEA equivalent is preferred. Useful subjects include English, maths and science.

 

Tertiary education

Although there are no specific tertiary requirements for becoming an insurance representative, a tertiary qualification in finance or completion of an insurance qualification is useful.

 

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job, and industry training courses are available through the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF). This organisation gives awards and fellowships to the students who receive the highest results in their qualifications.

Ongoing training courses in sales, computers and new insurance policies may be provided by the company or other training organisations.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience includes work with insurance claims or underwriting. Sales or administrative work can also be useful.

 

Related courses

Banking and Finance
Insurance and Actuarial Studies

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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