CAREER GUIDE MANUAL - Inseta

15natural disasters, fire and theft. Insurance brokers have to analyse the needsof their clients and assist them to acquire the protection that best meets theidentified needs. Insurance protection covers houses and property, vehicles,personal accident and trauma, disability, income protection, personal andfamily health to cover hospital and medical costs, life cover for breadwinners,product liability and professional indemnity.Insurance brokers or agents who are employed by one insurance companyare called “tied agents“ because they promote only the products of the onecompany. Independent brokers market the products of several companiesand place insurance policies for their clients with the company that offers thebest rates, coverage and benefits. Brokers also provide clients withinformation on investment instruments such as mutual funds, annuities andlong-term savings plans.Insurance brokers use their marketing, organisational and public relationsskills to meet with people who require insurance, secure quotations onproducts, advise clients on risks and benefits, sell policies, help clients tocomplete application forms and submit relevant information, answer queriesand assist with the submission of insurance claims against the particularpolicies. The work of an insurance broker often overlaps with that of afinancial advisor. Insurance companies are increasingly placing insuranceagents in call centres to market their products and services.2.4.2 Personal requirementsInsurance brokers should havegood people skills to interview and listen to clients and identify theirinsurance needs;patience to offer help and respond to queries;the ability to gain the trust of other persons;the ability to do calculations and compare rates and product benefits;the ability to plan and organisecomputer skills.