In my profession, I get asked A LOT of questions. All types of questions, from how much their deductible is to if I can add their teenager to their auto policy (and of course, how much?!). So, I thought to myself, do people truly understand what an insurance agent does?

Let’s first consult the definitions, to be exact. According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of insurance is, “the act of insuring, or assuring, against loss or damage by a contingent event; a contract whereby, for a stipulated consideration, called premium, one party undertakes to indemnify or guarantee another against loss by certain specified risks.” Okay, so we protect your stuff against damage through a contract (and your payment). Let’s move on to the definition of an agent, “One who acts for, or in the place of, another, by authority from him; one intrusted with the business of another; a substitute; a deputy; a factor.” Whew, that’s quite a mouthful. To be more clear, a client allows an agent to discuss, advise, and process changes on the client's policies.

So what are these contracts for? What are we insuring? Well, in my line of business, I have an active North Carolina Property and Casualty Insurance license. I am licensed to sell Personal Lines and Commercial Lines. Personal Lines include, but are not limited to, homeowners, condominium, umbrella, automobile, and boat owners insurance. Commercial Lines include, but are not limited to, General Liability, Commercial Property, Inland Marine, and Workers Compensation insurance.

Some agents are licensed in life and health Insurance, and offer coverage such as short term health, disability, short term life insurance, and accident insurance.

But is that all we do? Take money and send documents for signature? I would say absolutely not! We are also the person who talks you through your first hurricane, explains why those trees need to be trimmed away from the house, and helps you find a carrier to insure your precious pitty. I love seeing that light bulb go off when someone finally understands that hard to read “declarations page” or when we are able to save them $800 per year on their renewal.

My job isn’t glamorous, but I get a lot of smiles through the day. Insurance isn’t for everyone, I will tell you that. But if you love the chase, and understand that you are there to help, you can definitely be an insurance agent.
 
Alexandra Lysik is a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent in North Carolina and South Carolina. Her independent insurance agency, Cavik Insurance, helps people save money and receive free insurance reviews to make sure they have the right coverage for auto, home, condo, umbrella, boat and all lines of commercial insurance. For more information visit www.cavikinsurance.com.