Getting Your Auto Insurance License In Arizona: A Guide

If you're looking to become an insurance agent in Arizona, you'll need to obtain an Arizona insurance license. The process involves several steps, including enrolling in a pre-licensing course, taking the state licensing exam, getting fingerprinted, and applying for your license. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of success.

Ensure you qualify for licensure

To ensure that you qualify for an insurance license in Arizona, there are a few key requirements you need to meet. These include:

Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for an insurance license in Arizona.

Criminal Background: The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions can deny licensure if you have prior felony convictions or a history of fraudulent behaviour. To assess this, you will need to complete a fingerprinting and background check process, submitting your fingerprints electronically through the state-approved vendor, Fieldprint. This step is crucial for ensuring that you do not have a disqualifying criminal history that would prevent you from becoming a licensed insurance agent.

Lawful Presence in the US: If applicable, you will need to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. This typically involves submitting Form L-152 with the necessary identification documents to the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. However, this step may be exempted if you chose to submit your fingerprints electronically.

Examination Requirements: While pre-licensing education is not mandatory in Arizona, you must pass a licensing exam for the specific line of authority you wish to pursue. This could include exams such as the Life, Accident, and Health (13-33) insurance exam, which consists of 150 scored questions to be completed within 2.5 hours. It is worth noting that Arizona law limits you to four attempts to pass a particular exam within a one-year period. Therefore, preparing for the exam with a reputable exam prep course is highly recommended to increase your chances of passing on the first try.

Choose the right insurance license

The type of insurance policies you want to sell will determine the type of license you need. For example, to sell auto, home, or business insurance, you'll need a Property & Casualty (P&C) license.

• Life, Accident and Health
• Property and Casualty

Most insurance agents will obtain either a Property and Casualty (P&C) or Life and Health license. Many agents opt for both licenses to offer clients a wider range of products. However, if you want to specialize in a particular type of policy, you only need to focus on the specific license for that insurance type.

If you want to work as an insurance adjuster, you'll need to obtain a separate license.

Complete a pre-licensing course

To get your auto insurance license in Arizona, you'll need to complete a pre-licensing course. While this isn't a requirement, it's highly recommended as it will significantly increase your chances of passing your licensing exam.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a pre-licensing course. Firstly, consider whether you prefer an online course or a live course. Online courses offer flexibility and are usually more affordable, while live courses offer in-person interaction with an instructor. Another important factor is the course material and how it will be taught. Most courses nowadays use a combination of textbooks, online videos, and interactive activities like quizzes. It's also essential to look into the reputation of the course provider and check reviews to ensure you're making the right choice.

The cost of pre-licensing courses varies depending on the format. Live courses can cost several hundred dollars, plus additional transportation costs. In contrast, online courses typically range from $75 to $225. It's worth noting that failing the exam can be a significant setback, so investing in a good prep course can save you time and money in the long run.

When it comes to the course content, make sure the course covers all the relevant topics for the Arizona state insurance exam. This includes insurance concepts, definitions, and Arizona-specific insurance laws and regulations. Additionally, look for a course that provides practice exams, as this will help you gauge your readiness for the state exam.

By choosing the right pre-licensing course and dedicating time to studying, you'll be well-prepared to pass your Arizona insurance licensing exam on the first try.

Pass the Arizona insurance exam

Passing the Arizona insurance exam is a mandatory step to obtaining your insurance license and working as a licensed insurance agent in Arizona. Here are some tips to help you pass the exam:

Pre-Licensing Course

Although not a requirement in Arizona, enrolling in a pre-licensing course will significantly improve your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt. These courses help you get accustomed to the extensive content and the style of questions asked in the exam. Pre-licensing courses are offered by various providers, including America's Professor, ExamFX, and Kaplan Financial Education. These courses are designed to help you understand complex insurance terminology and concepts, and they provide comprehensive reviews, practice tests, and study guides.

Study Effectively

Allocate sufficient time, usually around one to two weeks, to prepare for your exam. Go through the material multiple times and focus on memorizing the content. Remember, the questions in the exam are purely factual and based on the information provided in the study guides. There are no critical thinking or common-sense questions. The Arizona exam has two parts: a national section and a state-specific section, so ensure your preparation covers both.

Manage Test Anxiety

To reduce test anxiety, establish a consistent pre-test routine by acclimating yourself to exam conditions through practice exams. Get plenty of sleep in the week leading up to the exam, as lack of sleep can increase anxiety and self-doubt. Arriving early at the test center can also help you feel more relaxed and familiar with the surroundings.

Exam Structure and Registration

The Arizona insurance exam is administered by Prometric, and you can register and schedule your exam through their website. The exam is computerized and consists of multiple-choice questions. The number of questions varies depending on the exam, ranging from 60 to 150. The passing score required is 70% for each section. You will have between 1 to 2.5 hours to complete the exam, depending on the specific exam you are taking.

Submit fingerprints and pass background check

To get an auto insurance license in Arizona, you'll need to submit your fingerprints to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. This will involve a two-part process, requiring you to establish accounts on two separate websites: the Arizona Department of Public Safety Public Service Portal and the Fieldprint website.

First, log in or create an account on the Arizona Department of Public Safety Public Service Portal as an "Individual". Next, enter the appropriate fingerprinting code. For auto insurance, this code is INS-055.A. Follow the prompts and pay the $22.44 processing fee. During this process, you'll be given a reference number beginning with the letter "A", which you should keep for the next steps.

Next, head to the Fieldprint Arizona site and click "Schedule Appointment". Select the "Don't have a Fieldprint Code" and "Continue with this Reason" options, and enter the reference number from the previous step. Follow the prompts and pay the $8.25 processing fee.

Your fingerprints will be submitted to and checked against Arizona's and the FBI's criminal history databases. You have the right to review your criminal history records and, if necessary, challenge them within 60 days. You can obtain a copy of your Arizona criminal history record by contacting the Arizona Department of Public Safety's Criminal History Records Unit at (602) 223-2222. For your federal criminal history record, submit a written request to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services Division by mail.

Frequently asked questions