The Benefits of CE Classes for Insurance Agents
Continuing education is not just another requirement to fulfill – it is an opportunity to stay current in your field and to expand your skills. CE classes ultimately make you better at what you do, and more competitive in a crowded marketplace.
Types of Insurance Classes
There are a wide variety of insurance classes available to agents and adjusters, and many states require a certain number of hours in several categories of classes, including ethics.
Before signing up for a CE class just because it meets the state requirements, consider whether it is a good use of your time. Will what you learn in the class help you become more knowledgeable? Will it help you do your job more efficiently? Ultimately, will it help you serve your clients?
Where to Find CE Classes
Many community colleges offer CE classes, but one of the best sources for current and relevant insurance continuing education are the service providers you already work with when your clients file a claim. Restoration professionals like RestorationMaster offer classes on the latest fire and water damage restoration methods. They will teach you how to effectively assess your clients’ damage so their claims can be processed quickly and efficiently.
What to Look for – And What to Avoid – in a CE Class
It isn’t hard to find insurance continuing education courses, especially online. Before you purchase a course, find out the qualifications of the instructor. Do they work in the field? Do they have real-world experience in the subject matter? An online education company may be very good at instruction, but they only know the material academically. They may not be able to give you the benefits of years of experience applying the material in actual claims scenarios. Your clients need you to have the most up-to-date, accurate information that applies to their specific situation. An instructor who uses the information they teach on a daily basis will help you provide your clients with the assistance they need in a disaster.
CE Credits
Every state has different insurance continuing education requirements. Before you sign up for CE classes, check your state’s guidelines to be sure the class you’re interested in meets the requirements. Ask whether the instructor will file the necessary paperwork to verify your CE credits, and how long that process will take. You do not want to face fines or license lapse simply because you miscalculated how long the paperwork would take.