Becoming An Auto Insurance Agent: Nevada Requirements

If you're looking to become an auto insurance agent in Nevada, there are a few key steps you need to follow. Firstly, you'll need to obtain a Nevada insurance license, which involves completing a pre-licensing education course and passing the relevant Nevada insurance license exam. The type of license you'll need depends on the type of insurance policies you want to sell. For auto insurance, you'll need a Property & Casualty (P&C) license. It's important to note that Nevada has one of the highest passing score requirements in the country, so investing in a high-quality pre-licensing course is crucial. Once you've passed your exam, you'll need to complete a fingerprint and background check and submit your license application. After receiving your license, you can start selling auto insurance policies in the state of Nevada.

Complete a pre-licensing course

To become an auto insurance agent in Nevada, you must complete a pre-licensing course. This is an optional but highly recommended step in the process. A pre-licensing course will dramatically increase your chances of passing your exam on the first attempt, saving you time and money in the long run.

When choosing a pre-licensing course, consider the course's flexibility, price, and reputation. For example, does the course allow for flexible learning, or does it need to be completed within a short time frame? Also, be wary of courses that are too cheap, as you often get what you pay for. Lastly, how reliable is the course provider? You want to ensure you have sufficient and complete resources before your exam.

Kaplan Education Company is one provider that offers pre-licensing courses. Other providers include America's Professor and AdjusterPro, the latter of which offers a course specifically for the Nevada P&C Adjuster Exam.

Pre-licensing courses will include features such as live tutoring, study calendars, and practice exams to enhance your understanding of the material and make you feel more confident on exam day.

After completing your pre-licensing course, you will need to register for and take your state exam. In Nevada, this is administered by Pearson VUE.

Pass the relevant Nevada Insurance License Exam

Passing the relevant Nevada Insurance License Exam is a crucial step in becoming an auto insurance agent in Nevada. Here's a detailed guide to help you prepare for and pass the exam:

Understand the Exam Structure:

The Nevada Insurance License Exam consists of two parts: a national portion and a state-specific section. Both parts will be combined into one score, and you will need a passing score of 80, which is higher than in most other states. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, a leading assessment service provider.

Familiarize Yourself with the Content:

The exam covers a range of topics, including insurance concepts, terminology, state regulations, and specific insurance types such as property, casualty, life, and health. It's important to review the Nevada test content outlines and pay special attention to the content outlines on the Pearson VUE website. Understanding the material is crucial, as the exam deals with tricky insurance concepts and terminology that aren't common knowledge.

Enroll in a Prep Course:

Consider enrolling in a reputable exam prep course, such as those offered by America's Professor or Kaplan Financial Education. These courses can help you make sense of complex insurance concepts and terminology. They provide study materials, lectures, and practice exams to improve your understanding and increase your chances of passing on the first try.

Study Diligently:

Create a study plan and dedicate sufficient time to preparing for the exam. Review the course materials, highlight key concepts, and practice with test banks. Focus on understanding the material rather than simply memorizing it. If you have any questions or doubts, don't hesitate to reach out to the course providers for clarification.

Make Exam Reservations:

Once you feel prepared, make your exam reservations through the Pearson VUE website or by calling their reservation number. You will need to pay the examination fee, which is $37 for single-line exams and $47 for combo exams (e.g., Property and Casualty).

Take the Exam:

On the day of the exam, arrive at the test center in Las Vegas, Reno, or Elko with proper identification and any other required documents. You will have between 1 and 3.35 hours to complete the exam, depending on the type of exam you're taking. The exam is computerized, and your results will be available immediately after finishing.

Retake the Exam if Necessary:

If you don't pass the exam on your first attempt, don't be discouraged. You can register to retake the exam 24 hours after your previous attempt. It is highly recommended to enroll in an exam prep course if you haven't already, as it will significantly improve your chances of passing.

Complete a fingerprint and background check

To become an auto insurance agent in Nevada, you must complete a fingerprinting and background check as part of the licensing process. This is a mandatory step to ensure that you meet the state's requirements for insurance agents. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete the fingerprinting and background check process:

• Choose an Approved Fingerprinting Vendor: Visit the Nevada Division of Insurance website to select an approved fingerprinting vendor. It is important to choose a vendor that is authorised by the state to ensure the process is valid.
• Get Your Fingerprints Taken: Schedule an appointment with your chosen fingerprinting vendor. They will capture your fingerprints electronically using a live scan machine or a standard fingerprint card. Make sure to bring any necessary identification and the required fees for the service.
• Submit Fingerprints for Background Check: Your fingerprints will be sent directly to the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS) for processing. The DPS will generate a background report based on your fingerprints. This report will be used to assess your eligibility for an insurance agent license.
• Receive Confirmation Receipt: After your fingerprints have been taken, obtain a confirmation receipt from the fingerprint vendor. This receipt is crucial, as you will need to submit it along with your insurance license application later on.
• Complete the Background Check: The background check will involve a review of your criminal history, if any. Any misdemeanours or felonies on your record may impact your ability to obtain an insurance agent license. If you have concerns about your criminal history, you can contact the Nevada Division of Insurance for guidance.
• Upload Required Documents: After applying for your insurance license, upload the confirmation receipt of your fingerprinting and the Fingerprint Background Waiver form to your application. These documents are necessary to demonstrate that you have completed the fingerprinting and background check process.

Remember to retain all relevant documentation and follow the specific instructions provided by the Nevada Division of Insurance. The background check and licensing process may take several weeks, so it is beneficial to complete the fingerprinting process promptly and provide all the required information accurately.

Submit your insurance license application

With your exams and fingerprinting out of the way, you can start the process of applying for your license. You will have one year after passing your exam to submit your application via Sircon, for which a $185 processing fee will need to be paid.

Along with your application, you will need to attach the following documents:

• A signed Fingerprint Background Waiver form
• The receipt of your fingerprints
• Any additional supporting documentation requested (if applicable)

All communication regarding your license must be conducted electronically. Once your application is approved, the Division will issue your license, certifying your eligibility to operate within the lines of authority for which you have applied.

If your application is found to be incomplete or is denied, you will be notified in writing with detailed reasons for the decision.

After satisfying all the other requirements and submitting a license application to the Nevada Division of Insurance, all that's left to do is wait. If everything on your application has been filled out correctly, your license should be issued within three to five weeks. This is the typical amount of time it takes for a license application and background check to be reviewed.

It's important to be aware that the issuance of your insurance license can take longer than this if there are any items from your background check that need to be looked over. However, the state will likely get in touch with you to give some context if they run into any issues.

In any case, the state will send you an email regarding the status of your license once this review has been completed, so keep an eye out for that!

Plan to complete required insurance continuing education credits

To maintain your insurance license in Nevada, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years. Three of these hours must cover ethics training, and the remaining hours must cover the relevant lines of authority.

For example, if you are a resident producer, you must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of Nevada-approved continuing education subjects each triennial (3-year) license term. At least three of these hours must be dedicated to ethics-related subjects. Your CE coursework should cover the lines of authority listed on your license.

If you are a resident adjuster, you must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of approved adjuster-specific coursework each renewal period, with three of these hours dedicated to ethics subjects. This requirement also applies to public adjusters and workers' compensation adjusters.

You can complete your CE coursework in a classroom, online, or through self-study.

If you are a non-resident, you are exempt from completing Nevada CE provided that your home state's requirements are similar to those set by Nevada law. However, if your state does not have a CE requirement, you may need to comply with the standards set for your line of work by Nevada.

Frequently asked questions