Becoming An Auto Insurance Agent In Bc: A Guide

If you're looking to become an auto insurance agent in British Columbia, there are a few steps you need to follow. First, you'll need to complete a general insurance essentials program, which you can do through home study, distance learning, or in-class education at colleges like Douglas College or Vancouver Island University. Next, you'll have to pass the licensing exams, which will qualify you for a general insurance salesperson's licence. You can then start applying for jobs, and once you've found an employer, they will sponsor your licence. Finally, with your employer's help, you can apply for your insurance agent licence and choose the type of insurance licence that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Study for and pass the Fundamentals of Insurance or CAIB 1 exam

To become an auto insurance agent in BC, you must pass either the Fundamentals of Insurance exam or the CAIB 1 exam. The Fundamentals of Insurance exam is recommended for new brokers. Both exams qualify you for a Level 1 General Insurance Salesperson's Licence, which allows you to sell all types of insurance except life and health insurance.

The Fundamentals of Insurance exam is an online test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. You will have two and a half hours to complete it and will need a minimum grade of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $195 and is valid for one year from the purchase date. No refunds will be issued after 6 months.

The CAIB 1 exam is part of the Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) program, which consists of four online exams. The CAIB 1 exam focuses on general insurance and covers habitational coverages, personal liability insurance, farming insurance, personal auto insurance, and travel insurance. It also emphasises professionalism and exceptional customer service. The CAIB 1 exam includes 12 definition questions, 10 multiple-choice questions, and 26 short-answer questions. You will need a minimum grade of 60% to pass.

To prepare for the Fundamentals of Insurance exam, you can choose from the following options:

• Textbook Only: You can order the Fundamentals of Insurance textbook for $165 and register for the exam when you're ready.
• Online Courses: In partnership with Ensure Training and Education Ltd., IBABC offers instructor-led online courses for the Fundamentals of Insurance. These courses include intensive classroom instruction, in-class polls, quizzes, study notes, online flashcards, practice exams, and recorded classes. The fees for the Fundamentals Course are $759 for IBABC members and $859 for non-members.

Register for the licensing exam

To register for the licensing exam to become an auto insurance agent in BC, you must first complete a general insurance essentials program. The Insurance Institute offers multiple versions of this program, including a home study and a distance learning course. You can also pursue in-class education with multiple colleges in British Columbia, including Douglas College, Langara College, Camosun College, and Vancouver Island University.

Once you have completed the program, you can register for the Fundamentals of Insurance exam or the Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) exam. Both exams are offered by the Insurance Brokers Association of British Columbia (IBABC). The Fundamentals of Insurance exam is offered online five days a week, while the CAIB exam is offered online five days a week or in person three times a year.

The Fundamentals of Insurance exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and you will have two and a half hours to complete it. To pass, you will need a minimum grade of 70%. The CAIB exam includes short answer, definition, and multiple-choice questions, and you will have three and a half hours to complete it. For this exam, you will need a minimum grade of 60% to pass.

Instructions on how to register for the exam are included in the study program.

Prepare your resume and cover letter

To prepare your resume and cover letter for an auto insurance agent role in BC, there are several key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure you have the necessary qualifications and experience. A degree is not always required, but prior work experience in insurance sales is often preferred. If you're just starting out, consider completing a general insurance essentials program, which will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to sell insurance. This can include understanding insurance types, policy forms, insurance practices, and liability exposures.

Once you have the required education and training, it's time to start crafting your resume. Highlight any relevant work experience, especially in customer service or sales, as these roles develop essential communication and interpersonal skills. If you don't have much work experience, consider creating a functional resume that showcases your transferable skills first. Emphasize your strengths in areas such as communication, customer service, computer literacy, problem-solving, and decision-making.

When detailing your work experience, include specific examples of how you've utilized these skills. For instance, mention your ability to manage customer relations, maintain organized records, and resolve customer issues efficiently. If you have experience in insurance, highlight your knowledge of insurance laws, proactivity, and research skills.

As for your cover letter, begin by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the position, aligning your goals and values with those of the company. Highlight your qualifications and achievements, especially those related to sales, client account management, and record-keeping.

Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job description. Review the job posting thoroughly and identify the skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Use similar language in your application to increase your chances of being noticed.

Finally, don't forget to proofread your resume and cover letter for consistency and formatting. Use a professional font and ensure your contact information is accurate and consistent across all documents.

Find a sponsor and apply for jobs

To become an auto insurance agent in BC, you'll need to find an employer to act as your licence sponsor. This means that you can start applying for insurance agent jobs before you've completed the licensing registration process.

To find a sponsor and apply for jobs, you'll need an up-to-date resume that showcases your best skills, experience, and knowledge. At the top of your resume, be sure to list your full name, contact details, and certificate, so employers can see that you've completed the necessary training to be an insurance agent in BC. Follow this with a professional summary—a sentence or two explaining why you're the best person for the job.

If you have relevant work experience, include this next. If you've worked in customer service, for example, explain how the role helped you develop the communication and interpersonal skills that will be valuable to you as an insurance agent. If you don't have much work experience, you can create a functional resume instead by listing your skills first. Choose five to ten skills that the employer is looking for and be sure to review the job posting thoroughly so you know exactly what they want.

You can search for insurance agent jobs on sites like WorkBC, Indeed, and Glassdoor.

Apply for your insurance agent licence

Once you've passed your chosen exam, you'll need to apply for your insurance agent licence. This is a crucial step to becoming an insurance agent in BC. Here are the key things you need to know about the process:

• Choose your licence type: In BC, you can choose from six types of insurance licences: general insurance, life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, insurance adjusting, travel insurance, and forms. Select the one that aligns with your interests and career goals.
• Find a sponsor: To obtain your licence, you'll need a sponsor, who is typically your employer. So, before applying for your licence, start applying for insurance agent jobs. Your employer will then sponsor you and help you complete the licensing registration process.
• Prepare your application: Ensure you have all the necessary information and documents, including a copy of your government-issued photo ID, your qualifying course results, and a clean criminal record check.
• Submit your application: You can submit your application online or via email. The processing time is typically 10 to 15 business days, and you'll receive a confirmation email if your application is approved.
• Understand the regulations: Keep in mind that you must have your licence in place before you can start conducting any insurance activities, even if you already have a job offer.

Frequently asked questions