Wednesday, 28 December 2011

Why are so many Canadian job seekers becoming Insurance Agents?

In today's economy many people are looking for flexible jobs that have the potential for a good income. It's no wonder that many job seekers are seriously considering careers in the insurance business.

Twenty-five years ago, most insurance agents were contracted directly by the insurance companies whose policies they sold. Agents were in-house representatives of firms such as Manulife or Sun Life and employers were responsible for keeping tabs on their sales forces. Recently a new business model has sprung up.

Managing general agents (MGA's) have dominated the industry. And in the span of a decade, these agencies have quietly grown into one of the most powerful forces in Canada’s life insurance industry.

The MGA model helps deal with a large roster of independent agents, while helping agents obtain access to various policies sold by insurers, in exchange for a cut of the action.
According to Investor Economics, a financial industry consultancy, the MGA channel is now responsible for at least 44 per cent of the new life insurance policies sold to individuals across the country.

What does this mean to you?

Today, most agents are independent, and can sell policies from multiple insurers. So, more than likely you may find yourself working for an MGA as an independent agent. In fact, the number of independent agents selling life insurance has soared to 76,300. A large but unknown number of those are now working through MGAs.

That means, the role of career agents has dwindled to the point that they represent less than one-third of the industry’s sales. The bulk of sales come from independent agents.
Only a handful of life insurers, including London Life Insurance Co. and Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc., are still recruiting and using career agents.

Sun Life has the biggest stable, with more than 3,500 people across Canada. Manulife Financial, the largest Canadian-based life insurer, conducts more business through MGAs than any other underwriter. But be careful. The life of an insurance agent is not always a path to riches. Especially
if you are a commissioned sales person.

Simply put, if you don't sell...you don't make a commission.

But in most cases if you can market yourself and get clients you stand
a good chance of making a decent income whether you work for an MGA
or choose to be a career agent.

To learn more about how to be an Insurance Agent in Ontario
visit the following link and you can download my FREE report that will show you how to
get a job as a life insurance agent. Visit this site now at www.ontarioinsurancecareers.com

Monday, 19 December 2011

How to be an Insurance Agent - 4 Steps to a Lucrative Career

If the promise of a good income and excellent career growth is what you are looking for then you may want to seriously consider life insurance sales as your career.

I've been in the financial services for several years and now more than ever there
is a demand for licensed life insurance agents. But there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

Here are the 4 steps to becoming an insurance agent in Ontario:

1. First register for the LLQP qualifying course with a certified provider
2. Study and pass the course
3. Write and pass the Provincial licensing exam
4. Apply for licensing through a sponsoring company

It sounds easy, but be warned that the process can be challenging.
You will need to study hard to pass the tests and put effort into finding the right
company to work for. But if you have what it takes to persevere and get licensed
you can enjoy a great career.

To learn more about How to be an Insurance Agent in Ontario
visit the following link and you can download my FREE report that will show you how to
get a job as a life insurance agent. Visit this site now at www.ontarioinsurancecareers.com

Monday, 12 December 2011

How to Be an Insurance Agent In Ontario

Are you thinking of becoming an insurance agent in Ontario?

If you are, then there are a few things you need to know so you can get started on the right track. When I first thought of becoming an insurance agent I didn't have a clue what to do first. In fact, it wasn't until I spoke to a friend in the industry and did some research that I really got an idea of the steps I needed to take.

Did you know that you can't sell or recommend any insurance product until you are licensed
by the province?

Licensed life insurance agents can sell products such as life insurance, accident and sickness insurance and segregated funds. As well, they can offer annuities, disability insurance and critical illness insurance.

However, in order to obtain a license to sell these products you must:

-be sponsored by a licensed insurer for your first two years as an agent
-pay the required fees
-be at least 18 years old
-complete a course and pass the examination for the Life License Qualification Program (LLQP)

These are the basic requirements to becoming a life insurance agent in Ontario.But be aware that the most challenging part is passing the licensing exams.Many potential agents find this the to be the biggest hurdle to getting into the insurance industry.

But if you put some time and effort into studying and can meet the provincial regulators requirements, you will have a great opportunity to start a lucrative career.

To learn more about how to be an Insurance Agent in Ontario
visit the following link and you can download my FREE report that will show you how to
get a job as a life insurance agent. Visit this site now at www.ontarioinsurancecareers.com