Become a Life Insurance Broker in Illinois: A Step-by-Step Guide

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To become a life insurance broker in Illinois, you'll need to obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Insurance.

The first step is to meet the basic requirements, which include being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent.

You'll also need to complete a pre-licensing education course, which covers topics such as life insurance laws, ethics, and product knowledge.

This course typically takes 20-40 hours to complete and must be approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance.

Qualifications and Education

To become a life insurance broker in Illinois, you'll need to earn the proper qualifications and education. A bachelor's or associate's degree in finance, economics, or business administration will make you more competitive in the job market. Most brokerage firms require a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or business administration.

You'll also need to choose the type of producer's license you want to gain, which is called a "Line of Authority" and specifies what type of insurance you'll be allowed to sell. You can have multiple lines of authority, but you'll have to take separate pre-licensing courses and exams for each.

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To get started, enroll in your pre-licensing courses, which are required for each line of authority. You'll need at least 20 hours of pre-licensing courses, with at least 7.5 hours taking place in a classroom setting. You can find local pre-licensing courses through the Illinois Department of Insurance.

After completing your pre-licensing courses, you'll receive a signed certificate, which you'll need to present before your producer's exam. Keep this document safe, as it will be required to sit the licensing examination.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a pre-licensing education course:

  • Flexibility: Look for courses that allow flexible learning and don't require completing within a short time-window.
  • Price: Don't go too low, as you tend to get what you pay for.
  • Reputation: Choose a reliable provider with sufficient and complete resources.

Some popular pre-license education courses include Kaplan's online courses, which come with a 93% pass rate.

Here's an interesting read: Fund Administration Courses

Licensing Process

To become a life insurance broker in Illinois, you'll need to go through the licensing process. The first step is to determine which insurance licenses you need, as Illinois offers several licenses, including life, health, property, casualty, and personal lines. You can choose to pursue one or multiple licenses based on your interests and career goals.

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The Illinois insurance pre-license education requirement must be completed before taking the insurance license exam. The number of hours required varies depending on the license type, with a life insurance license requiring 20 hours of pre-license instruction. You can complete this requirement through a prep course, such as Kaplan Education Company, which costs $149+.

Once you've completed the pre-license education, you can schedule your exam with the Illinois Department of Insurance. The exam includes multiple-choice questions, and a passing score of 70% is required. You'll have 135 minutes to complete the exam, which costs $92 each for the general and state-specific sections, totaling $184.

After passing the exam, you can submit your Illinois insurance license application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or the Illinois Department of Insurance website. You'll need to provide personal information, education and exam history, and relevant background information, along with a $215 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the licensing process:

  • Complete an Illinois Insurance Pre-license Course (Kaplan Education Company - $149+)
  • Take the Illinois Life Insurance Licensing Exam (Pearson VUE - $92 each for the general and state-specific sections of the exam with a total of $184)
  • Complete an Illinois Life Insurance License Application (National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) - $215 application fee + $5.60 transaction fee)
  • Wait for your application to be reviewed and approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance.

Application and Review

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After passing the life insurance exam, you must wait five days to apply for your Illinois life insurance license. The application fee is $215, plus a $5.60 transaction fee, totaling $220.60.

You can apply for your license electronically, and the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) will issue a license to individuals who are at least 18 years old and have passed the proper licensing exam.

The application process is straightforward, and you can complete it through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Once you submit your application, you'll receive an email from the NIPR confirming that it's been sent to the IDOI.

The IDOI will review your application and background check, which typically takes two to five weeks. However, if there are any issues with your background check, the state may take a bit longer to process your application.

You'll receive an email from the IDOI once the review is complete, so keep an eye out for that!

Certification and Post-Certification

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After getting your Illinois insurance license, you'll need to take a few more steps to become a licensed life insurance broker. To sell advanced life insurance products, you'll need to pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and obtain relevant securities licenses, such as Series 6, 7, and 63.

You'll also need to choose how you want to sell insurance - as a captive agent employed by one company or as an independent agent running your own business. This decision will impact your marketing approach and overall business strategy.

Developing a marketing approach is crucial to success as an insurance agent. Finding and sticking to a niche, and organizing client appointments for the start of your week, are two great ways to do this.

To keep your license valid, you'll need to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years in Illinois. Three of these hours must be on ethics courses.

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Exam and Licensing Details

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To become a life insurance broker in Illinois, you'll need to pass the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Exam with at least a 70% score. This exam tests your knowledge of various insurance products, state laws, and ethical guidelines.

The exam includes multiple-choice questions, and you'll have 135 minutes to complete it. The Illinois life insurance exam fee is $92 each for the general and state-specific sections, and you must pay the $184 total at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, or voucher.

You can retake the exam if you fail one or both sections, but you must pass both sections within 90 days of your first attempt. To prepare for the exam, it's recommended to study for one at a time, averaging between two to six weeks of study time per exam.

You'll need to complete the Illinois insurance pre-license education requirement before taking the insurance license exam. The number of hours required varies depending on the license type, with a life insurance license requiring 20 hours of pre-license instruction.

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You'll need to submit your Illinois insurance license application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or the Illinois Department of Insurance website after passing the exam. You must provide personal information, education and exam history, and relevant background information.

The Illinois Department of Insurance will review your application and supporting documents, and you'll be notified if there are any issues or missing information. Once your application is approved, you'll receive your license and can begin selling insurance in Illinois.

Cost and Requirements

To become a life insurance broker in Illinois, you'll need to meet the state's licensing requirements.

To get licensed, you'll need to complete a pre-licensing course, which typically costs around $200-$500.

You'll also need to pass a licensing exam, which will test your knowledge of life insurance products and Illinois insurance laws.

To be eligible for the exam, you'll need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The licensing exam fee is around $75-$100, and you'll need to pay for any additional study materials or prep courses you choose to use.

The state of Illinois requires life insurance brokers to have a minimum of 4 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain their licenses.

Getting Started

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To become a life insurance broker in Illinois, you need to meet the state's licensing requirements, which include being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent.

Illinois requires a minimum of 40 hours of pre-licensing education to sit for the life insurance licensing exam.

You can choose from various insurance schools and online courses to complete your pre-licensing education, such as Kaplan Financial Education or The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research.

The licensing exam consists of a multiple-choice test that covers life insurance principles and state-specific laws.

You can prepare for the exam by studying the Illinois Insurance Code and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) Model Laws.

After passing the exam, you'll be issued a life insurance license, which is valid for two years.

To maintain your license, you'll need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

As a licensed life insurance broker, you'll have the opportunity to work with clients, sell policies, and earn a competitive income.

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Sales and Marketing

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To succeed as a life insurance broker in Illinois, you'll need to develop a solid sales and marketing strategy. Finding and sticking to a niche is key to effective marketing.

Organizing all client appointments for the start of your week can improve your overall client conversions, as recommended.

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Choose a Sales Channel

Choosing a sales channel is a crucial decision that can impact your success in sales and marketing. You'll have to decide which channel is best for you and your business.

Working with a captive agent can be a good starting point, especially if you're new to the field, as it can provide a sense of security and stability.

As a captive agent, you'll be employed by one company, which can limit your opportunities but also provide a steady income.

On the other hand, running your own business as an independent agent can offer more freedom and potential for growth, but it also comes with more risks and responsibilities.

Ultimately, the choice between being a captive or independent agent will depend on your personal aspirations and opportunities.

If this caught your attention, see: Captive Insurer

Develop Marketing Approach

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Developing a strong marketing approach is crucial for success as an insurance agent. Finding and sticking to a niche can improve your overall client conversions.

Organizing client appointments for the start of your week is also a good idea, as it can help you stay on top of your schedule and ensure that you're giving each client the attention they deserve.

Background Check and Issuance

To become a life insurance broker in Illinois, you'll need to complete a background check and obtain a license. The Illinois Department of Insurance requires a thorough background check to ensure applicants are trustworthy and fit to represent insurance companies.

You'll need to provide fingerprints and undergo a review of your credit history, employment history, and other personal information. This process typically takes a few weeks to complete.

In Illinois, a life insurance broker license is issued after passing the licensing exam and completing any required continuing education courses. The licensing exam covers topics such as insurance laws, ethics, and financial products.

Background Check:

A Woman holding Insurance Policy
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To get your insurance license in Illinois, you'll need to submit your fingerprints for a background check as part of the licensing process. This is a crucial step to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of insurance professionals in the state. The background check will help identify any potential issues that could impact your ability to work in the industry.

Issuance:

After passing the exam, you'll receive your insurance license. This license is a significant milestone in your career.

You'll also have to complete a background check before receiving your license. This is a standard procedure to ensure you're eligible to work in the industry.

Your insurance license not only marks the beginning of your career but also mandates ongoing education. This means you'll need to stay updated with the latest industry practices and regulations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do life insurance agents make in Illinois?

Life insurance agents in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $75,125. Their hourly wage is approximately $36.12.

How much do life insurance brokers make per policy?

Life insurance brokers typically earn 5-10% of total premiums paid over the policy's lifetime, with a higher commission (60-80%) in the first year. This commission structure can vary by policy and company.

How much does it cost to get a life insurance license in Illinois?

To get a life insurance license in Illinois, you'll need to pay a total of $220.60, which includes a $215 application fee and a $5.60 transaction fee.

Joan Corwin

Lead Writer

Joan Corwin is a seasoned writer with a passion for covering the intricacies of finance and entrepreneurship. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of business journalism. Her articles have been featured in various publications, providing insightful analysis on topics such as angel investing, equity securities, and corporate finance.

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