Overview
Insurance agents and brokers sell life, automobile, property, health and other types of insurance to individuals, businesses and public institutions. Insurance agents are employed by individual insurance companies or are independent representatives of specific insurance companies. Insurance brokers are employed by brokerage firms, or may work in partnerships or hold sole proprietorship. Supervisors of insurance agents are included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Sell automobile, fire, health, life, property, marine, aircraft and other types of insurance to clients
Establish client insurance coverage, calculate premiums and establish method of payment
Provide information concerning group and individual insurance packages, the range of risk coverage, benefits paid and other policy features
Ensure appropriate forms, medical examinations and other policy requirements are completed
Monitor insurance claims and respond to clients' enquiries
Identify and solicit potential clientele.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$43,798
$62,088
$91,683
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
2,493expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
On-the-job training and insurance industry courses and training programs are provided and are required for employment.
Licensure by the insurance governing body in the province or territory of employment is required.
Additional information
Progression to insurance management positions is possible through experience.
Completion of educational programs through the Insurance Institute of Canada entitles agents to professional recognition as a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) or a Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP).
Completion of educational courses through the Financial Advisors Association of Canada (Advocis) allows for various levels of professional designations for insurance and financial advisors.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Insurance agents and brokers in B.C.
- Insurance Council of British Columbia - Insurance Brokers
Insurance Council of British Columbia - Insurance Brokers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as an insurance agent, salesperson, or broker in B.C., you must be licensed by the Insurance Council of B.C. Eligibility is achieved by meeting education and licensing requirements.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.