Description

Insurance brokers often work as agents of large insurance companies or independently; in either case, they work directly with clients and must have necessary licenses in their states of employment.Insurance brokers provide insurance quotes via phone, online, or in-person. They must assess consumers’ individual needs prior to providing quotes and may need to conduct valuations of properties or businesses to be insured. They may also take photographs, obtain inspection reports, and compare coverage plans of different insurers. They must always try to secure the best rates without sacrificing quality (above-average ratings by third-party institutions) for their clients and must always be fair, ethical and unbiased in their work.Some insurance brokers may also need to pass series 6 and 7 exams administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a government agency. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills are important in this position; on behalf of their clients, they must research ways to reduce premiums by combining different types of insurance, such as home and auto insurance, for substantial discounts. They must also explain any small print that clients should know, such as terms and conditions, and send them certificates of insurance when necessary. Insurance brokers are encouraged to read professional journals relevant to their industry to stay up-to-date in their careers.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an insurance broker with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Assist clients in understanding their insurance needs, analyzing risks, and recommending suitable coverage options.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with insurance carriers to negotiate the best coverage terms and premiums for clients.
  • Review insurance policies and claims, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations and client requirements.
  • Provide exceptional customer service by promptly addressing client inquiries, resolving issues, and processing policy changes efficiently.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Insurance Broker, the following qualifications are required:

  • In-depth knowledge of insurance products and services to effectively assess clients' needs and recommend suitable coverage options.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, insurance underwriters, and other stakeholders.
  • Strong sales and negotiation abilities to close deals and secure competitive insurance premiums for clients.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in analyzing policy terms, conditions, and exclusions to ensure clients' coverage aligns with their risk management goals.

Essential Skills For Insurance Broker

1

Sales Strategy

2

Life Insurance Policy

3

General Insurance Policy

4

Insurance Management

Skills That Affect Insurance Broker Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Training

4%

Managing Accounts

3%

Customer Relationship Management

6%

Commercial Bonds

13%

Career Prospects

The role of an Insurance Broker in Canada requires 6-9 years of work experience. If you are looking for alternative roles within the insurance industry, here are four options to consider:

  • Underwriting Manager: A role that involves assessing and managing risks, determining insurance coverage, and setting premiums for clients.
  • Claims Manager: A position focused on handling insurance claims, including investigating and verifying claims, negotiating settlements, and ensuring compliance with policy terms.
  • Risk Manager: A role that involves identifying and evaluating potential risks faced by individuals or organizations, developing risk management strategies, and implementing risk mitigation measures.
  • Insurance Product Manager: A position focused on developing and managing insurance products, including conducting market research, analyzing customer needs, and collaborating with various departments to launch new products.

How to Learn

According to recent data, the insurance broker role in Canada is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the job has shown consistent demand and is expected to continue this trend in the upcoming years. With an increasing population and growing demand for insurance services, employment opportunities for insurance brokers are predicted to expand. Google does not provide specific statistics on the number of future employment opportunities, but the overall outlook for this position remains positive and suggests a promising future in the Canadian market.