Becoming An Auto Insurance Agent: Ohio Requirements

If you're looking to become an auto insurance agent in Ohio, you'll need to obtain an Ohio insurance license. The requirements to obtain this license include being at least 18 years old, having no felony convictions, and completing a pre-licensing education course. This course will cover topics such as insurance basics, policies, and regulations, and you'll need to pass a final exam to receive your certificate of completion. Following this, you'll need to register for and pass the state licensing exam, after which you can submit your license application.

Eligibility requirements: Be 18+, pass a background check, and meet other criteria

To become an auto insurance agent in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old. You must also pass a fingerprint-based background check. This process costs no more than $72.25 and will initiate a background check into your past conduct to confirm you meet the state's insurance agent regulations. To organise a fingerprinting appointment, you will need to get in contact with one of Ohio's Webcheck Locations. Be sure to select a vendor that offers both state and federal background checks, as not all do.

In addition, to be eligible for an insurance agent licence in Ohio, you must satisfy the following criteria:

• Have not committed any act that is grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation (e.g. providing misleading or untrue information on your application or being convicted of a felony)
• Consent to and pass a criminal records check
• Have proof of your legal authorisation to work in the US
• Be honest, trustworthy, and otherwise suitable to be licensed

Pre-licensing education: Complete a 40-hour course

To become an auto insurance agent in Ohio, you must complete a pre-licensing education course as part of the process. This is a requirement for all major lines of insurance, including Property & Casualty, which is the type of license you would need to sell auto insurance.

The pre-licensing course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to sell insurance products and services to the public. It will cover a range of topics relevant to the insurance industry, ensuring you are well-prepared for the role of an insurance agent. The course can be taken either in a classroom or online, offering flexibility to suit your needs.

The duration of the course is 40 hours, which is a requirement to obtain a Property & Casualty license. This extensive curriculum will ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the field. During this time, you will delve into various aspects of the insurance industry, gaining valuable insights and expertise.

The cost of the course can vary, but it is important to remember that cheaper options may not provide the same level of quality and resources. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a reputable course provider to ensure you receive a comprehensive education. The course's flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments, and its reputation are also important factors to consider when making your decision.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Course Completion Certificate. This certificate is a requirement to sit for the state licensing exam and marks a crucial step towards becoming a licensed auto insurance agent in Ohio.

State exam: Pass the test to get your license

To become an auto insurance agent in Ohio, you will need to pass the state exam to get your license. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Complete the Required Education

Before taking the state exam, you must complete the necessary education. This involves undertaking 40 hours of insurance education, which can be done either in a classroom or online. You will need to choose between different types of insurance licenses, such as Property & Casualty, Life & Health, Life only, Health only, or personal lines.

Step 2: Course Completion Certificate

Once you have fulfilled the pre-licensing education requirements, you will receive a course completion certificate. This certificate is valid for 180 days from the date of completion, and you must present the original copy at the test location when taking the state exam.

Step 3: Register for the State Exam

You can register for the state exam by visiting www.psiexams.com or calling 855.807.3995. The exam costs $49 to apply for, and you will need to bring your course completion certificate and a photo ID to the test location.

Step 4: Prepare for the Exam

To increase your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt, it is recommended to take a pre-licensing education course. These courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and understanding needed to pass the exam and become a successful insurance agent. Some providers offer exam prep software or other resources to assist in your preparation.

Step 5: Take and Pass the State Exam

The state exam will cover the material from your pre-licensing education. In Ohio, the insurance license exams are multiple-choice and are administered by PSI. To pass the exam, you will need a minimum grade of 70%. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the exam if you don't pass on your first attempt. However, once you pass, you must submit your license application within 180 days to avoid having to retake the exam.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Immediately after passing the state exam, you can apply for your insurance sales license. You can apply at the test center or online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) website. The filing fee for most insurance lines is $10, but there may be additional costs for specific license types.

By following these steps and successfully passing the state exam, you will be well on your way to obtaining your license and starting your career as an auto insurance agent in Ohio.

Fingerprinting: Submit fingerprints for a background check

To become an auto insurance agent in Ohio, you'll need to submit to fingerprinting for a background check. This is a mandatory step to obtaining your license. The background check will confirm that you meet the state's insurance agent regulations.

To organise a fingerprinting appointment, you'll need to get in touch with one of Ohio's Webcheck Locations. You can find a list of these locations on the Ohio Attorney General's website. It's important to select a Webcheck vendor that offers both state and federal background checks, as not all of them do.

The Ohio State Office of Human Resources, located at 1590 N. High Street, Suite 300, Columbus, Ohio 43201, also provides fingerprinting services. These services are available by appointment only, and appointments must be made in advance by emailing [email protected].

The cost of the fingerprinting and background check process is a maximum of $72.25.

You can also get your fingerprints taken at any Hondros College location through FastFingerprints. FastFingerprints offers rapid results, enhanced security measures, and a wide range of background check services.

Submit application: Apply for your insurance sales license

To apply for your insurance sales license in Ohio, you must first complete a pre-licensing education course. This is mandatory for all major lines (e.g. Life, Accident & Health, and Property) and the Surety Bail Bond line. You must complete a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensing education for each line of authority you intend to pursue. For example, you will need to complete at least 40 hours of pre-licensing education if you want to obtain a Property and Casualty license.

After completing your pre-licensing education course, you will need to take and pass the relevant Ohio insurance license exam. All insurance exams in Ohio are multiple-choice, administered by PSI, and cost $49 to apply for. To schedule your exam, you can submit an application online or call the Candidate Service Center on (855) 807 3995.

On the day of your exam, you will need to bring the following to the test centre:

• A paper copy of your Course Completion Certificate
• A valid government-issued ID (e.g. your driver's license or passport)
• A supplementary form of ID (e.g. credit card or birth certificate)

Once you have passed your exam, you are ready to apply for your insurance sales license. In Ohio, this is done online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) website. For most insurance lines, the filing fee is $10, but there are some exceptions:

• Surety Bail Bond: $150
• Managing General Agent: $20
• Limited Lines – Portable Electronics: $3000 (10 or fewer locations) or $5000 (11 or more locations)

If you have passed the licensing exams for multiple lines of authority, you will need to submit an application (and pay the relevant filing fee) for each one.

Frequently asked questions