Jane Dotson
Getting an auto insurance license in Alberta involves several steps and requirements. Firstly, aspiring auto insurance agents or brokers need to register for and pass the General Insurance Level 1 exam, which is administered by the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC). Before taking this provincial licensing exam, candidates must complete a course with an Approved Education Provider. Once individuals have passed the exam and obtained their license, they are qualified to sell car insurance in Alberta, along with other types of general insurance such as home, business, and liability insurance. In addition to the educational prerequisites, there are also specific qualifications for selling different types of insurance, as outlined by the AIC. These qualifications include submitting a security clearance document, obtaining recommendations from authorized persons, and carrying Errors and Omissions Insurance.
What You'll Learn
Pass the General Insurance Level 1 exam
Passing the General Insurance Level 1 exam is a requirement to obtain a license to sell property and casualty insurance in Alberta. The exam is administered by the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC), which is responsible for licensing and regulating insurance agents, brokers, and independent adjusters in the province.
The Level 1 exam covers a range of topics, including technical skills, risk management, property insurance, liability insurance, auto insurance, travel insurance, ethics, and professionalism. To prepare for the exam, you can enrol in a Level 1 General Insurance course offered by an approved course provider. These courses are designed to help you understand the complex concepts covered in the exam and provide you with study materials and practice questions.
- Enrol in a Reputable Course: Enrolling in a Level 1 General Insurance course offered by an AIC-approved provider can significantly increase your chances of passing the exam. These courses are designed to cover all the relevant topics and provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Reputable course providers, such as PNC Learning, ILScorp, and Royal Alberta College, offer comprehensive study materials, experienced instructors, and practice exams.
- Study the Right Materials: Ensure that you are studying from the most up-to-date and approved textbooks and resources. The AIC has published the "Alberta Level 1 General Insurance Broker/Agent Licensing Textbook, First Edition 2020", which serves as a key resource for the exam. This textbook is often included in the course materials provided by approved course providers. Additionally, some course providers offer supplementary materials, such as downloadable notes, online lectures, glossaries, and practice questions.
- Understand the Exam Format: Familiarise yourself with the structure and format of the Level 1 exam. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions, true or false statements, and case scenarios. Knowing what to expect on the exam can help you prepare more effectively and reduce anxiety on exam day.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Take advantage of practice questions and mock exams provided by your course provider. The more you practise, the more comfortable you will become with the exam format and the types of questions asked. Practising can also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your studies more effectively.
- Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Many course providers offer dedicated course tutors or instructor support. They can provide guidance, clarify complex concepts, and offer exam tips to improve your chances of success.
- Manage Your Time: The Level 1 exam has a time limit, so it's important to manage your time effectively during the exam. Practising with timed mock exams can help you improve your time management skills and ensure that you are able to complete the exam within the allotted time.
- Start Preparing Early: Give yourself ample time to prepare for the Level 1 exam. Enrol in a course or start self-studying well in advance of the exam date. This will help reduce cramming and allow you to absorb the information more effectively.
By following these suggestions and committing to your studies, you can increase your chances of passing the General Insurance Level 1 exam and obtaining your insurance license in Alberta.
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Study with an Approved Education Provider
To get your auto insurance license in Alberta, you must pass the General Insurance Level 1 exam administered by the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC). Before you can take the provincial licensing exam, you need to study with an Approved Education Provider.
Advance Insurance Educational Services Inc.
They offer the General Level 1 – GLQP course. You can contact them by phone at (403) 620-7169 or by email at [email protected].
Insurance Brokers Associations of Alberta (IBAA)
IBBA also offers the General Level 1 – GLQP course, as well as General Level 2 and 3. Their phone number is (780) 424-3320, and they can be reached toll-free at 1-800-318-0197.
ILS Learning Corporation
ILS offers the General Level 1 – GLQP course. Their phone number is 1-800-404-2211.
LJB Training Solutions Inc.
In addition to the General Level 1 – GLQP course, LJB Training Solutions Inc. also provides the General Level 2 and 3 courses. They can be contacted by phone at (403) 896-5523 or by email at [email protected].
The Royal Alberta College
The Royal Alberta College is another option for the General Level 1 – GLQP course. Their phone number is (780) 887-4973.
Business Career College
Business Career College offers the General Level 1 – GLQP course. They can be reached by phone at 1-877-934-5577 or by email at [email protected].
PDTC Inc (Professional Development Training Center) / Jane Davis
PDTC Inc. provides the General Level 1 – GLQP, General Level 2, and General Level 3 courses. Their phone number is (780) 906-7656, and their email address is [email protected].
The Insurance Institute of Northern Alberta
This institute offers the General Level 1 – GLQP, General Level 2, and General Level 3 courses. Their phone number is (780) 424-1268.
The Insurance Institute of Southern Alberta
Similarly, The Insurance Institute of Southern Alberta offers the General Level 1 – GLQP, General Level 2, and General Level 3 courses. You can reach them by phone at (403) 266-3427.
Stellar Training and Consulting Inc. o/a Stellar Business Career Institute (SBCI)
Stellar Training and Consulting Inc. provides the General Level 1 – GLQP, General Level 2, and General Level 3 courses. Their phone number is (403) 971-3789, and their email address is [email protected].
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Submit a security clearance document
To obtain an insurance agent or adjuster's license in Alberta, you must submit a security clearance document as part of the requirements set out in the Insurance Agents and Adjusters Regulation. This entails providing a criminal record check or security clearance that is no older than three months.
If you are a resident of the United States, you must obtain a criminal record check from the FBI or First Advantage. If you are a resident of Canada, you can obtain a criminal record check from MyBackCheck or your local police or RCMP detachment.
Once you have obtained the criminal record check, remember to "share" the report on MyBackCheck or upload a scanned PDF of the document. This is a crucial step in the process of obtaining your insurance license in Alberta.
It is important to note that even if you have previously provided a criminal record check to obtain a license in another jurisdiction, you will still need to provide one specifically for your application in Alberta. The Alberta Insurance Council must review your convictions to determine your eligibility for a license in the province.
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Be recommended by an authorized person
To get an auto insurance license in Alberta, you must be recommended by an authorized person. This is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a license. The authorized person recommending you could be a person who has been specifically authorized by the Head Office to recommend agents for that insurer. You can apply as either an employee of an insurer or an employee/independent contractor of a business.
If you are applying as an employee of an insurer, you must be recommended by a person who has been authorized by the Head Office to recommend agents for that insurer. This individual will have the authority to recommend agents for a particular insurance company and address the specific needs of its clients.
On the other hand, if you are applying as an employee or independent contractor of a business, your application must be recommended by the licensed Designated Representative of the business. The Designated Representative is responsible for the management and supervision of the business and holds a certificate of authority in the same class as the business.
It is important to note that you cannot be issued an insurance agent's certificate as a direct employee of an insurer and also be issued another insurance agent's certificate to represent a different insurer or business. Therefore, ensure that your application is aligned with the appropriate category and that you meet the specific requirements for each.
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Carry Errors and Omissions Insurance
Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is a type of liability insurance that provides coverage for professionals who provide advice or services to clients. This insurance is also known as professional liability insurance. It protects professionals from claims made by clients for mistakes, negligence, or failure to perform their professional duties.
In Alberta, E&O insurance is not mandatory. However, some professionals may be required by their regulatory bodies to carry this type of insurance. E&O insurance typically covers legal costs and damages that arise from claims made by clients due to errors, omissions, or negligence in the services provided by the insured professional.
The amount of E&O insurance coverage you need depends on the size and nature of your business and the type of services you provide. It is recommended to consult with an insurance broker to determine the appropriate amount of coverage for your specific needs. The cost of E&O insurance varies depending on the type of services provided, the size of the business, and the level of coverage required.
To purchase E&O insurance in Alberta, you can turn to insurance brokers who specialize in professional liability insurance. It is recommended to research and obtain quotes from several providers to ensure you are getting the best coverage at a reasonable price.
To obtain an insurance agent or adjuster's license in Alberta, you must meet certain requirements, including providing proof of E&O insurance that meets the terms and conditions approved by the Alberta Insurance Council. The E&O policy information must be recorded on the online applications, and the coverage must be provided by a licensed insurer in Alberta.
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Frequently asked questions
To become an auto insurance agent or broker in Alberta, you must first pass the General Insurance Level 1 exam administered by the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC). Before taking the exam, you must study with an Approved Education Provider. Once you have passed the exam, you can obtain your license and sell car insurance in Alberta.
A career in auto insurance can offer a lot of variety. If you like the stability of office work, you can do that, or if you like being on the road, you can visit clients at their homes, businesses, or dealerships to sell car insurance.
Under Alberta's Insurance Act and Insurance Agents and Adjusters Regulation, you must be licensed by the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) to sell insurance in Alberta. The AIC issues licenses to sell general insurance, life insurance, and accident and sickness insurance.
To sell auto insurance in Alberta, you must obtain a General Level 1 license. To do this, you must complete a General Licensing Qualification Program (GLQP) course from an approved educator and pass the General Level 1 exam or complete an approved course equivalency within 12 months before applying.
