How do you become a pet insurance agent?

Becoming a pet insurance agent is a great choice for those who love animals and want to work in the insurance field. Before starting, those looking to sell pet insurance should know what it takes to become a pet insurance agent. 

While there are no education requirements, you will need a license to sell pet insurance in most states, and it helps to familiarize yourself with insurance before job searching. Read on to learn more about becoming a pet insurance agent. 

How to Become a Pet Insurance Agent 

Unfortunately, you can’t just jump into applying for pet insurance agent jobs. Becoming a pet insurance agent requires a few steps beforehand. We’ve outlined what you need to become an insurance agent below and start selling pet insurance.

Pet Insurance Education Requirements

While some companies may want a degree or experience in business or marketing, this isn’t necessary to become a pet insurance agent. However, anyone wanting to become a pet insurance agent should have at least a high school diploma. 

It can be helpful to take some training courses to give you an edge over other applicants and prepare you to be a pet insurance agent. You can often find courses at a nearby college that apply to a career as a pet insurance agent. There may even be degrees in risk management and insurance offered at your local college, some of which may be online. 

If you aren’t looking to earn a degree, some helpful courses or training programs to consider adding to your resume are: 

• Business management
• Economics
• Finance
• Risk management
• Communication
• Marketing

These classes apply to a pet insurance career, as they can help build your awareness of financial issues and communication with customers. If you choose not to take any courses, gaining experience in the insurance field through internships or selling other insurance types can help you find a job.

Pet Insurance Licensing Requirements

Most hopeful agents want to know if you need a license to sell pet insurance. You will need a pet insurance license to sell pet insurance in many cases. Most states require pet insurance agents to have a property and casualty (P&C) license since pets are property.

If your state requires you to have a P&C license to sell insurance, you’ll need to do the following: 

• Study, schedule, and take the test. Taking a pre-exam course can help you pass on your first attempt. You can sign up for the P&C test once you feel comfortable taking it.
• Pass background checks. Most states require agents to pass a background check and undergo fingerprinting to sell insurance.
• Apply for a license. Once your background check and test are complete, you can apply for your insurance license through your state.

P&C license holders often must continue their education through occasional training sessions as insurance laws and regulations change.

If your state doesn’t require a P&C license, you will most likely need a limited lines license. While a P&C license allows you to sell any insurance, a limited lines license is for one insurance type only, such as auto or pet insurance.

A limited lines license is easier to obtain than a P&C license. In most cases, you only need to apply for the insurance type you want to sell and pay the application fees. Then, you’ll complete the required program training, though you won’t need to take an exam — like the P&C license — in most instances. You also don’t need to continue taking education classes with a limited line license.

Choosing the Pet Insurance Agent Job That Works for You

Once licensed, you have a few options for the type of pet insurance agent you want to be. You can work as an insurance broker or an insurance agent, with the option of being a captive agent or an independent agent.

Insurance brokers often have connections with multiple pet insurance companies to offer comparison pricing and services to customers. Brokers don’t complete insurance deals; they help customers pick the right service for them and let the company complete the insurance application.

On the other hand, insurance agents often work on commission and complete insurance applications for customers. Captive agents work for one company and only sell products offered by their company, whereas independent agents usually sell for more than one insurance company.

Some companies may require experience selling insurance before moving into the niche of pet insurance, or ask you to bring an active business book. If this is the case, you could work as a broker to build up a client base and gain experience before committing to one insurance company.

No matter where you choose to work, it’s important to pick somewhere that fits your needs. When looking for a job with an insurance company, check out the company’s ratings and employee reviews to determine if it’s right for you.

Pet Insurance Company Options 

Once you’re ready to start applying, there are a few different options. You can apply for a company offering pet insurance and other insurance types, such as home or health insurance.

For example, Geico and Nationwide offer pet insurance customers can bundle on their policies or purchase separately.

Other pet insurance companies cater specifically to pets, such as Healthy Paws Pet Insurance or ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. It’s up to you if you want to work at a company that sells just pet insurance or sells additional insurance products.

Read more: The Ohio Casualty Insurance Company Review

Characteristics of Pet Insurance Agents

Not every job is suited for everyone. Some of the qualities and skills you’ll need as a pet insurance agent are:

• Knowledge of insurance policies and the industry
• Great communication skills
• Great sales skills
• Ability to learn databases to process and renew applications

In addition, knowing common pet ailments and medications can help you assist customers with choosing the right product. For example, a terminally ill senior dog will need a higher coverage amount than a middle-aged, healthy dog. If you have experience working or volunteering in an animal-related setting, you may already have some knowledge of how to choose the best pet insurance for various medical needs. 

Since some insurance companies allow their employees to sell pet insurance from home, it is also important to have the ability to self-direct and motivate yourself.

Case Studies: Becoming a Pet Insurance Agent

Case Study 1: Sarah Thompson – Transitioning from Veterinary Medicine

Sarah Thompson, a passionate animal lover, initially pursued a career in veterinary medicine. After working for several years in a veterinary clinic, she developed a keen interest in ensuring pets receive the best care possible. Recognizing the growing importance of pet insurance, Sarah decided to transition into the field of pet insurance as an agent.

She leveraged her extensive knowledge of animal health and wellness to educate pet owners about the benefits of insurance coverage, establishing herself as a trusted advisor within the industry.

Case Study 2: Michael Rodriguez – Combining Sales Expertise with Love for Pets

Michael Rodriguez, with a background in sales and customer service, had always been drawn to roles that allowed him to connect with people and make a difference. Being an avid pet enthusiast, Michael realized that becoming a pet insurance agent would be an ideal way to combine his sales expertise with his love for animals.

He focused on building relationships with pet owners, understanding their concerns, and tailoring insurance solutions to meet their specific needs. Through his dedication and personalized approach, Michael successfully forged a rewarding career in the pet insurance industry.

Case Study 3: Emily Chen – Entrepreneurial Spirit and Pet Advocacy

Emily Chen, an animal welfare advocate, saw the untapped potential in pet insurance. She started her own agency to assist pets and owners. She researched the industry, formed partnerships with insurers, and implemented unique marketing tactics to promote her services.

By combining her entrepreneurial spirit with a strong commitment to pet advocacy, Emily created a thriving business that not only provided insurance coverage but also contributed to charitable causes related to animal welfare.

Case Study 4: David Patel – Career Transition and Continuous Learning

David Patel, after spending over a decade in the finance industry, decided it was time for a career change that aligned with his personal values. Inspired by his own pet’s health scare, he became passionate about helping other pet owners mitigate the financial burden of unexpected veterinary expenses. Despite lacking prior experience in insurance, David was determined to succeed.

He enrolled in industry-specific courses, obtained relevant certifications, and networked with established pet insurance agents. Through his perseverance and commitment to continuous learning, David successfully made the transition and became a knowledgeable and trusted pet insurance agent.

The Bottom Line: Becoming a Pet Insurance Agent 

The most time-consuming part of becoming a pet insurance agent is getting licensed. The requirements for becoming licensed depend on what state you live in, but it is vital to have a license to sell insurance.

Once licensed, you can begin applying for jobs in your area. If you want to familiarize yourself with companies in your area that sell pet insurance, using a rate comparison tool can show you who sells insurance and give you an idea of where to begin your job search.