Tennessee Career Guide | 2026 81 civic organizations, involved in charities, participate in professional groups or support local activities like youth sports. The Independent Agent When shopping for insurance everyone is looking for the best rate with the most coverage at the lowest cost possible. Insurance agents know that the best price does not always equal the best coverage. In the marketplace there are two types of agents–Those that write directly for one carrier, and those that are “Independent” agents. There is one key difference between independent and direct writing insurance agents. Independent insurance agents have access to multiple companies so they can compare pricing and find clients the best insurance fit. Direct writing agents only have one carrier, their corporate partner, which usually has only one option for coverage and price. Agents sell a variety of insurance to individuals, small businesses and even large corporations. Some of the products they sell include coverage for property, casualty, life, health, disability and long- term care insurance. Property and Casualty insurance is the most common, which includes coverage that protects individuals and businesses from loss resulting from auto accidents, fire, theft, storms and other events that can damage property. Some property and casualty policies for businesses covers workers’ compensation, liability and malpractice. What is A Typical Day Like? As an agent, your day varies depending on your clients and your desired schedule. Typically, you spend time building relationships, quoting, finding prospective clients and taking care of claims. Depending on the size of the agency, this could all be one person’s responsibility, or it may be divided into departments. What Kind of Person Is Best Suited To Be An Insurance Agent? The insurance industry has a variety of positions supporting many personality types. For insurance sales, communication skills are important. They are able to take complicated contracts and terms and simplify it for their clients. Many agents have an entrepreneur side that pushes them to sell in combination with an analytical side that breaks down policies and quotes. Other roles in the agency are just as important. These roles include Customer Service Representatives (CSR) who offer support to sales producers and clients. CSRs play an important role in placing coverage and handling the day-to-day tasks of an agency. Many agents also make their own schedule allowing for flexibility. What is the Greatest Challenge and Greatest Reward in this Career? Most agents would tell you that the biggest challenge would be conveying the value of the insurance coverage in a quote when it is compared to a cheaper quote with inad- equate coverage for the client’s needs. Some people want the lowest price possi- ble and don’t realize the risks of shopping for insurance only based on price. The greatest reward is realizing you have matched your client with the best plan for them – and if a loss does occur and they have a claim – they are covered. Helping people avoid a potentially devastating fi- nancial situation is very rewarding. Additional Information Choosing to be an independent insurance agent allows you to have a variety of opportunities for your career. Agents can focus more heavily on sales, operations, claims or marketing within an agency. A profession where you don't need a 4-year degree to do well and most agencies within this industry will financially assist you with continuing education. The average independent agent salary in Tennessee is around $80,949 and can have unlimited growth depending on your goals. Many agents go on to partner or own their own agency, and often have opportunities in interesting niches such as entertainment, sports, events and hospitality insurance. 1https://iowains.org/how-the-insurance-industry- helps-stimulate-the-economy/ Tennessee’s Top Careers Who We Are: For 132 years, Insurors of Tennessee has served as a professional association of independent insurance agents. Our mission is to be unrelenting advocates for agents and brokers, helping them fulfill their political, educational, and business needs while serving the public's best interest. Our Core Services: We empower our members through lobbying efforts, unique insurance products, continuing education, and essential publications and resources. Launch Your Career in Insurance To support the next generation of agents, The Insurors of TN will offer Pre- Licensing courses for those looking to break into the industry. Upcoming sessions will be held in January 2026 and August 2026. The Information on this career is submitted and sponsored by
