Question 1

What do I need to know about Insurance Licensing?

Accepted Answer

You are eligible to apply for an insurance license within the state of New York if you are 18 years or older. Any person wishing to obtain an insurance license can do so by registering and scheduling an exam date with the New York State Department of Financial Services. Examination services are available at various testing centers located across the New York State. You can find more information about the status of your license application on the New York State Department of Financial Services website: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/agbrok/ab_exam_vendor.htm(http://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/agbrok/ab_exam_vendor.htm)

Question 2

Why do I need my license?

Accepted Answer

You must have an insurance license if you wish to conduct any form of business involving the trade of insurance in which you accept commission. However, you can only consult, sell, negotiate, or solicit business in the name in which you are licensed.

Question 3

What is the difference between an Agent and a Broker?

Accepted Answer

Insurance agents are insurance professionals that serve as an intermediary between the insurance company and the insured. They are responsible for all the busy paperwork. Insurance brokers, on the other hand, play the role of a kind of super-independent agent. Brokers are required to have a broker’s license issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, which means that they will have the technical and professional expertise that an insurance agent lacks.

Question 4

Is it possible to have both an Agent and a Broker license?

Accepted Answer

As of now, the state of New York gives permission for any person that is licensed to sell to have both an agent and a broker license at the same time.

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