Starting a career as a farm insurance agent is nearly identical to the way you would become any other type of insurance agent. However, as a farm insurance agent, the products you sell and the clients you work with will be exclusively related to farmers or the agricultural industry. According to AgMax Insurance, "you are offering coverage for their operations' most vital exposures, including processing, retail, agritainment, repair and service-related functions." You must become familiar with every aspect of how a farm is run, the potential liabilities faced by today's farmers, and the future needs of the agricultural industry as they relate to individual farmers in your geographic area.
Instructions
1. Obtain an insurance producer license. To sell insurance, you must be properly licensed in the states where you will conduct business. All states require insurance producers to get licensed. You can do this by attending a state-approved insurance educational class, then successfully completing the state's licensing exam. This demonstrates to your state's insurance department that you are familiar with your local rules and regulations regarding the sale of insurance.
2. Get appointed with farm insurance carriers. You must register yourself as a new agent with those companies that sell the products. Determine which insurance companies you would be comfortable representing to the public, then contact the agent services departments at those carriers and request an appointment kit. The kit will contain the paperwork necessary to register yourself as a new agent, that company's specific processes, and some generic information about available products.
3. Familiarize yourself with farm insurance products. Contact the insurance companies with which you are appointed and request marketing material for their farm insurance products. The carriers will mail you the relevant brochures, pamphlets, folders and application forms. Study these materials carefully so you can discuss them in an informed manner with potential customers.
4. Familiarize yourself with the farming industry. You will have better chances of success when you are able to closely relate to your prospects. Selling farm insurance requires an understanding of the psychology of the farmer as well as the potential financial difficulties and challenges he faces. By understanding the processes involved in a farmer's daily life, you can focus on addressing a new client's biggest fears.
5. Begin prospecting. Once you are comfortable with your carrier's products, and you have a solid comprehension of both the farming industry and the priorities of farmers, you are ready to start searching for new clients. Consider the resources and marketing budget that is available to you, then choose the most appropriate and cost-effective prospecting techniques.
