How to Become an Insurance Agent in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you interested in starting a career as an insurance agent in Ohio? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of obtaining your Ohio insurance license, finding a job, and succeeding as an insurance agent

Overview of the Insurance Agent Career

An insurance agent also known as a producer helps individuals, families, and businesses select insurance policies that suit their needs. Agents sell life insurance, health insurance, property insurance, casualty insurance, and other types of insurance products. They work with insurance carriers or directly for an insurance company.

Insurance agents perform various duties, including:

• Meeting with clients to determine their financial goals and risk tolerance
• Educating clients on different types of insurance and policy options
• Calculating quotes based on a client’s unique circumstances
• Submitting applications and paperwork for new insurance policies
• Providing ongoing service for policyholders
• Helping clients file insurance claims

The typical steps to start a career as an insurance agent are:

1. Obtain the proper licensing and training
2. Look for job openings and apply
3. Get appointed by insurance carriers
4. Market your services and build a book of business
5. Provide excellent service and generate referrals

Insurance agents have the potential to earn a great living while enjoying flexibility and helping people secure their financial futures. However, it takes hard work building a client base and insurance expertise. This guide will help you launch a rewarding career as an Ohio insurance agent.

Step 1: Obtain Ohio Insurance Licensing

To sell insurance in Ohio, you must obtain a license from the Ohio Department of Insurance. Ohio offers several lines of authority for insurance agents:

• Life – Allows the sale of life insurance and annuity products
• Accident and health – Enables the sale of health, dental, and disability insurance
• Property – Covers home, auto, commercial property insurance
• Casualty – For liability insurance like errors and omissions or professional liability
• Personal lines – Allows the sale of property/casualty insurance for individuals and families
• Credit – Required for selling credit insurance

The two main license types in Ohio are:

• Resident license – For agents living in Ohio
• Non-resident license – For agents living in another state but looking to operate in Ohio

To qualify for an Ohio insurance license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Pass the licensing exam
• Undergo a background check
• Maintain Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance

The steps to getting licensed are:

1. Complete prelicensing education: All resident applicants must take 20 hours of approved prelicensing education before taking the exam. Courses are offered by insurance companies, college continuing education programs, and exam prep providers.
2. Pass the licensing exam: Exams are administered by Pearson VUE testing centers. The exams cover general insurance concepts as well as state-specific laws and regulations. Life exams have 150 questions and most other lines have 200 questions.
3. Submit license application: After passing the exam, apply for your resident or non-resident license via the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR).
4. Pay license fees: Initial resident license fees are $50 while non-resident is $90. Renewal fees are lower at $25 for resident and $75 for non-resident.
5. Undergo background check: Fingerprinting and a criminal background check are required.
6. Get E&O insurance: Agents must carry minimum E&O coverage limits of $250,000 per claim.

It takes most people 4-8 weeks to study, schedule exams, and process the application. You can hold multiple lines of authority but will need to pass an exam for each. Continuing education is also required for license renewal.

Step 2: Search for Ohio Insurance Agent Job Openings

Once licensed, the next step is finding an insurance agent job in Ohio. There are a few main employment options:

• Insurance Carriers – Large insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, and Nationwide hire agents to sell policies directly to the public.
• Captive Agencies – These agencies only offer products from a single carrier. As a captive agent, you would exclusively promote and sell policies from that insurance company.
• Independent Agencies – Independent agencies offer insurance products from multiple carriers. This allows you to shop rates and offer clients the best options.
• Insurance Brokerages – Brokers act as intermediaries who work with agents and carriers to place coverage. Some brokerages hire new agents.
• Banks – Major banks often hire agents to sell insurance like life insurance to their banking clients.

The most common job titles you’ll see for entry-level insurance agents are:

• Insurance Sales Agent
• Insurance Producer
• Customer Service Representative
• Sales Representative
• Account Manager
• Insurance Specialist

Focus your job search on openings for new agents or those 0-2 years of experience. Large carriers and agencies often have formalized training programs for new agents.

Look for job postings on:

• Company websites – Check careers pages for openings
• Online job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn
• Insurance industry job sites like InsuranceJobs.com
• Ohio Department of Insurance job board
• Professional associations like National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)

Step 3: Get Appointed by Insurance Carriers

After getting hired, insurance agents must get appointed by each carrier they wish to sell policies for. Appointments authorize you to represent that insurance company.

The appointment process involves:

• Completing carrier training – Online and self-study programs to learn the carrier’s products, underwriting guidelines, tools, and more. Training varies from 10 hours to 2 weeks.
• submitting appointment paperwork – Background check authorization forms, W9 tax info, E&O proof.
• Paying appointment fees – Ranges from $0 to $200 per carrier. Renewals are annual.
• Signing contracts – Review and sign producer agreements legally designating you to sell for the carrier.
• Obtaining state carrier license – After training and contracts, carriers will submit appointment requests to the state Department of Insurance to license you specifically for that company.

Getting appointed with multiple strong carriers gives you the most options for finding clients the best policy rates and coverage. Take time to research the top Ohio carriers for the lines of insurance you plan to sell.

Step 4: Market Your Services and Build a Book of Business

Building a solid book of business is vital for succeeding as an insurance agent. A book of business is the collection of clients an agent has sold policies to and continues servicing.

Marketing your services helps generate new clients. Consider these tactics to promote yourself as a broker:

• Create a website – A professional website listing your services, credentials, and contact info. Blogs and testimonials build trust.
• Network – Attend local Chamber of Commerce and professional events to connect with potential clients.
• Leverage social media – Build a strong social media presence on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Share content to attract prospects.
• Utilize ads – Run Google Ads and social media ads targeted locally to promote your services.
• Partner with centers of influence – Build referral relationships with accountants, mortgage brokers, attorneys, real estate agents and other professionals.
• Host events/seminars – Hold free workshops on insurance topics to establish yourself as an expert.
• Volunteer – Getting involved with charities or trade organizations raises your visibility.
• Request introductions – Ask existing satisfied clients to connect you with friends or family members who need insurance.

Building word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business from happy clients you provide excellent service to is key for growing your book over time.

Step 5: Provide Outstanding Service

Delivering exceptional ongoing service is how successful agents keep clients for many years while also getting referrals. Follow these best practices:

• Annual policy reviews – Contact clients yearly to re-evaluate their coverage and identify gaps or potential savings.
• Prompt communication – Return calls, emails, and texts quickly to answer questions and resolve issues.
• Assist with claims – Help clients through the claim filing and settlement process.
• Add value – Send pertinent articles, info on new products, and local event invites to stay top of mind.
• Customer satisfaction surveys – Asking for structured feedback shows you care and helps improve your services.
• Education – Offer periodic webinars and workshops to keep clients informed on insurance issues relevant to them.
• Show appreciation – Send thank you notes, cards during the holidays, and small gifts to delight customers.

By providing ongoing, white-glove service, you build loyalty and retention. This protects your book of business while allowing it to steadily grow through new business and referrals.

Launching a rewarding career as an Ohio insurance agent requires obtaining the proper licensing, finding employment, getting carrier appointments