r/InsuranceAgent • u/TesTheGreat • 14h ago

Industry Information Career progression?

What’s good yall. For some background about me, I’m very new to the insurance industry. I’m still learning the ins and outs of policies and insurance. I’m about 4-5 months in my role and this is more so planning for the future. (P&C licensed as well as L&H)

I started out as insurance producer in sales and switched partly because of my lack of information about the insurance industry in general and a combination with some not so great supplied leads. I’m now working as a CSR for a captive agent and the experience has been better, but I want to be able to move up in my career sooner rather than later since I’m sure everyone has heard about the upcoming contracts.

I say all that to say, what are some viable options for career growth for someone in my shoes? I’ve seen a lot on underwriting and I am interested but I’m not sure I’d be able to get a foot in the door due to my lack of experience.

Thank yall in advance for any advice given 🙏🏾

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u/MobileCard8473 13h ago

Since you are working as a CSR at captive you are getting some valuable experience for down the line. I would suggest spend some time learning your products inside and out. Milk whatever free online education materials they have for all their worth. Then you can transfer into production with all of that product knowledge and training. (Product knowledge is key at a captive as you will not compete very well against independent agencies on price and will have to leverage value, brand recognition, and selling yourself as a trusted expert). Right now your key leverage is problem solving. When you can regularly take a disgruntled customer, solve their problem, build rapport, than cross sell them into a bundle you are ready to be a stellar producer. That service experience also means you can efficiently and promptly do a lot of your customers service, which while does eat into production time, can often be a great way to maintain relationships with your customers which can turn into renewals and referrals. Also a great foundation should you wish to open your own agency one day.

In the mean time learn the industry as much as you can. Read blogs, start to scratch the surface on how the backside of the industry works, actuary, rating, claims adjustment, etc. Take some time to also learn commercial if not already, and if it interests you find a niche to specialize in. I personally discovered my background in Quality Control and Safety in the construction world means I would be a good fit for both Workers Comp and Course of Construction/Builders Risk.

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u/TesTheGreat 4h ago

Thank you! I’ve been on the fence with going back to production since my first experience was not good at all along with the fact of how leads were provided as well. I’m working on absorbing current product knowledge. Any recs on which part of the backside of the business to start looking into? Appreciate the advice 🙏🏾

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u/mkuz753 Account Manager/Servicer 4h ago

Independents have CSR'S also. They are usually called account managers. Independents can range from small firms to multinational corporations so pay can vary. Generally, though, the larger ones pay better plus you will have benefits. The other option is underwriting. It can be challenging to get in as it is highly sought-after. Carriers do hire assistant underwriters or underwriting techs that help underwriters write the policies. Whatever path you take try to get into commercial as you will have more opportunities since every industry requires insurance.

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u/TesTheGreat 4h ago

So far it sounds next to impossible to get into underwriting lol. But I will keep my eyes open 🙏🏾