New Agent Looking to Get Additional Education to Shorten the Learning Curve

[djs]

The classes are always a good idea.
Book knowledge is good in the industry, so absolutely go for it.

Problem is, in P&C (and most of insurance) the real lessons come from going through claims with your clients and suddenly understanding how the policy is really applied at the time of loss. You can accelerate this by knowing the industry, taking classes and taking a claims adjuster out to lunch a few times to better understand their job and what they have seen.

The other part is knowing people and learning how to sell. This is more of a challenge then it sounds. Some people are naturally good at it, most have to really work at it. You can accelerate this part by adopting someone elses selling system, learning it, living it and only then, adapting it to fit you.

Bottom line though, to be successful, you always have to be learning. Taking classes provide structure to that learning, so its a wonderful thing. Go for it.

Dan

 

[tyjones]

Unless you have a working knowledge of insurance and the construction industry don't take cris yet. I have my CRIS cert and all I do is large contractors. It's going to take time for you to learn the industry and some of the more advance courses (gl and contractual liability) will e hard. In construction you need to learn bonding before you get CRIS, if you can't get them bonded or speak the bonding lingo you are screwed from the get go. A good book to read also is consultative brokerage when dealing with contractors.

 

[Zinsurance]

Going through the CGL portion of the certification.
It is challenging but not imposable, The examples help a ton. I finally understand what a "additional insured" is and why the companies are so insistent to have the exact wording they want on there.

 

[rbadoux]

Take the leap and get your license first. Upon passing the test you will have basic knowledge of the industry. From there I would advise to pursue a designation.

There are no shortcuts in knowledge of the industry. It takes hands on experience and academics to grasp a better understanding. It does not happen overnight. With the proper dedication, you can do it!