Insurance Broker License Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

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To get your insurance broker license in Texas, you'll need to meet the Texas Department of Insurance's (TDI) requirements.

The first step is to complete a pre-licensing education course approved by the TDI, which covers topics such as insurance law, ethics, and life and health insurance.

You'll need to complete 105 hours of coursework to qualify for the licensing exam.

The licensing exam itself consists of a national portion and a state portion, with a total of 150 questions.

Pre-Licensing Requirements

In Texas, you don't actually need to complete a certain number of pre-licensing education hours to sit for your insurance licensing exam, but it's highly recommended. Completing a course can help you pass on your first attempt, saving you time and money in the long run.

The course's flexibility is a key factor to consider, as some may require you to complete the course within a short time-window. You want to choose a course that fits your schedule and learning style.

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A good pre-licensing education course will come with features like live tutoring, study calendars, and hundreds of practice exams to enhance your understanding of the material. These features can make you more comfortable and confident on the day of the exam.

The price of the course is also an important consideration, but be wary of going too low, as you tend to get what you pay for. Kaplan's online courses have a 93% pass rate, which is a great indicator of their effectiveness.

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

  • The course's flexibility
  • The course's price
  • The course's reputation

Over 81% of readers use Kaplan's online courses, which is a testament to their quality. StateRequirement recommends Kaplan's comprehensive study packages for a thorough preparation.

License Types

There are several types of insurance agent licenses available in Texas. To obtain a Texas Life Agency License, you'll need to file online and pay a fee of $75, which is due biennially by the registration anniversary date.

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The type of license you need will depend on the type of insurance policies you want to sell. You can choose from a list of different licenses, including Property & Casualty (P&C), Life, and General Lines.

Here's a list of some of the different types of insurance agent licenses available in Texas:

  • County mutual
  • Escrow officer
  • Funeral pre-arrangement life
  • General lines – life, accident, health and HMO
  • General lines – property and casualty
  • Life agent
  • Life insurance not exceeding $25,000
  • Limited lines
  • Managing general agent
  • Personal lines property and casualty
  • Risk manager
  • Surplus lines
  • Title insurance

The vast majority of insurance agents will either obtain a Property and Casualty (P&C) or Health and Life license, and many agents opt to go for both.

Life Agent Resident

The Life Agent Resident license is a crucial one to have in Texas. Earning this license qualifies you to explain, sell, and write life and health insurance products in the state of Texas.

To become a Life Agent Resident, you'll need to pass an exam, which is required by the Texas Department of Insurance.

The Texas Department of Insurance is the agency responsible for overseeing this license type.

You'll be qualified to sell a variety of life and health insurance products directly to consumers in Texas once you've earned this license.

Decide What You Need

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You'll need to decide which type of insurance license you need to apply for in Texas. This will depend on the type of insurance policies you want to sell.

The type of license you need will dictate the type of insurance policies you can sell. For example, you'd need a Property & Casualty (P&C) license to sell auto, home, or business insurance.

There are many different types of insurance agent licenses available in Texas, but most agents will opt for a Property and Casualty (P&C) or Health and Life license. Many agents choose to get both of these licenses, as it allows them to offer clients a wider range of common insurance products.

You can find a list of all the different types of insurance agent licenses available in Texas below:

  • County mutual
  • Escrow officer
  • Funeral pre-arrangement life
  • General lines – life, accident, health and HMO
  • General lines – property and casualty
  • Life agent
  • Life insurance not exceeding $25,000
  • Limited lines
  • Managing general agent
  • Personal lines property and casualty
  • Risk manager
  • Surplus lines
  • Title insurance

Keep in mind that if you want to work as an insurance adjuster, you'll need to obtain a separate license.

Agency Licenses

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To obtain an insurance broker license in Texas, you'll need to get an agency license first. You can file for this license online.

The Texas Life Agency License - Resident requires a $75 agency fee, which is due biennially by the registration anniversary date.

This license qualifies you to explain, sell, and write life and health insurance products in the state of Texas.

Adjuster

The Adjuster license is a crucial one to have in the insurance industry. Earning this license qualifies you to investigate and adjust any claim in connection with an insurance policy in the state of Texas.

Having this license opens up a range of opportunities to work with various insurance companies and help policyholders navigate the claims process.

Agency

The Texas Department of Insurance is the agency responsible for issuing and renewing insurance licenses in the state. They offer a variety of licenses for insurance firms and agents.

You can find more information on the Texas Department of Insurance's website, which can be accessed through their online forms, such as the one found at http://www.tdi.texas.gov/forms/form11apps.html.

The agency fee for a Texas insurance license varies by insurance type, with a baseline of $50.

Certification and Agency

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To become an insurance broker in Texas, you'll need to understand the certification and agency requirements. You'll need to obtain certification or registration with the Texas Department of Insurance to conduct utilization review.

The Texas Department of Insurance offers certification for entities that conduct utilization review for a health benefit plan or health insurance policy. This certification is required for payors or administrators holding a certificate of authority under TX Ins Code ch. 4201.

To obtain certification, you'll need to fill out the URA Application Form and pay a fee of $2,150. Notarization is also required. You'll need to attach required documents to your application.

Certification is valid for a specific period and must be renewed biennially by the date of issuance. The renewal fee is $545, and notarization is still required.

Application and Licensing

To get your insurance broker license in Texas, you'll need to submit your application online through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry. The filing fee is $50, plus a small transaction charge.

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You'll need to include your fingerprint receipt from IdentoGo with your application. If you've passed exams for multiple lines of authority, you'll need to submit an application and pay a filing fee for each.

Here's a quick rundown of the application process:

Pass Relevant Exams

You'll need to pass the relevant Texas insurance license exam(s) after completing your pre-licensing education course. The exam you'll need to take depends on the line you wish to specialize in.

To pass the exam, you'll need to study for one at a time, averaging between two to six weeks of study time per exam. This will help you avoid confusing separate line material and increase your chances of passing.

You can sit for more than one exam at a time, but we recommend against it. Instead, focus on passing one exam at a time.

To register for the exam, you'll need to go to the Pearson Vue website or call (888) 754-7667 at least 24 hours in advance of the date you intend to sit for the exam.

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Here are the details you'll need to know about the exam:

Keep in mind that you can take the exam more than once per year, but you'll need to apply for your license within 12 months of passing.

Application and Licensing

To apply for your insurance license, you'll need to submit an application online through Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry for a fee of $50 (plus a small transaction charge) in Texas.

You'll be required to submit an application and pay a filing fee for each line of authority you've passed the licensing exams for.

Make sure to include the fingerprint receipt given to you by IdentoGo for the Texas Department of Insurance to accept your application.

You can apply for an insurance license through the Vertafore website, where you'll need to complete an online application and pay a fee of $50.

Here's a step-by-step guide to applying through Vertafore:

  1. Click 'Apply for a license' from the menu on the left
  2. Click the New Insurance License button within the 'New Insurance Licenses' section
  3. Choose 'Resident,' then choose 'Individual,' and click the Continue button
  4. Enter your email address
  5. Enter your information and choose the state you wish to apply for a license, then click continue
  6. Select 'Resident Agent' as your license type and continue
  7. Select the types of license(s) you wish to apply for and continue
  8. Enter all requested information and submit payment

In Texas, all insurance exams are multiple-choice and administered by either Pearson VUE or the insurance company you plan to work for.

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You can sit for more than one exam at a time, but it's recommended to study for one at a time to avoid confusing separate line material.

Note that there is no limit on the number of times you can sit an exam per year in Texas, but you'll need to apply for your license within 12 months of passing.

After submitting your license application, you'll need to wait for the Texas Department of Insurance to review it, which typically takes three to five weeks.

If there are any issues with your background check, the state will likely get in touch with you to give some context.

Guide to Becoming a Broker

To become a broker in Texas, you'll need to meet the state's licensing requirements, which include completing a pre-licensing education course and passing a licensing exam.

You'll need to complete a 30-hour pre-licensing education course, which covers topics such as insurance law, contracts, and ethics.

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The licensing exam is administered by the Texas Department of Insurance and consists of a multiple-choice test that covers insurance principles and practices.

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

You'll also need to pay a licensing fee, which is currently $50 for a resident broker license.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an insurance agent and a broker in Texas?

In Texas, insurance agents represent insurance carriers, while brokers work on behalf of their clients, advocating for their best interests. This key difference makes brokers a valuable resource for individuals seeking personalized insurance solutions.

How long does it take to get an insurance broker license?

Obtaining an insurance broker license typically takes 2-8 weeks, depending on your pace. Learn more about the licensing process and requirements

What is a requirement for obtaining a Texas insurance agent's license?

To obtain a Texas insurance agent's license, you must meet three basic requirements: be at least 18 years old and a Texas resident, and pass the state licensure exam for your desired insurance lines. Meeting these requirements is the first step to starting a successful insurance career in Texas.

How hard is the Texas Life and health insurance exam?

The Texas Life and Health insurance exam is challenging, requiring a strict study schedule and disciplined prep work to pass. Prepare to dedicate time and effort to achieve success in this exam.

Abraham Lebsack

Lead Writer

Abraham Lebsack is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and insurance. With a focus on educating readers, he has crafted informative articles on critical illness insurance, providing valuable insights and guidance for those navigating complex financial decisions. Abraham's expertise in the field of critical illness insurance has allowed him to develop comprehensive guides, breaking down intricate topics into accessible and actionable advice.

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