Who should attend InsurAcademy?

InsurAcademy was developed to train individuals to be insurance agency Customer Service Representatives.

What will it cost me?

The tuition for InsurAcademy is valued at $1,500 but scholarships are available to applicants who are not affiliated with an insurance agency in SC.  The IIABSC Education Foundation provides scholarship to qualified applicants to attend InsurAcademy FOR FREE. (We believe in investing in the future of our industry by investing in future insurance agents!) 

Current IIABSC agency member employees may attend InsurAcademy for a discounted fee of $1,350.

The only expenses incurred by students on scholarship will be the course material fee of $45 and the South Carolina licensing application/fingerprint/exam fees. 

*Course materials - $45
*SC licensing fee is currently $25
* Fingerprint fee is $51
* Exam fee is $59 (SC Property, Casualty, Surety & Marine Insurance Producer - InsSC-PCSM04). 

However, upon successfully passing of the licensing exam, InsurAcademy will reimburse students for the exam fee, fingerprinting fee and licensing fee. The course material fee will be reimbursed once the student takes the exam. 

What is the registration process?

There are two steps to the InsurAcademy application/registration process:

1. All students must complete an initial application/registration and take a verbal and math assessment online.
2. If student is not currently employed in the insurance industry, and are applying for a scholarship, their assessments are reviewed and selected candidates will be contacted via phone for a short verbal interview.  If the student is currently employed in the insurance industry, they will be contacted via email with class information. 
   

How long will it take me?

InsurAcademy training is in two phases: Phase 1 is two week of pre-licensing training and Phase II is two weeks of skills training. In between Phase 1 and Phase II training is a two to three week "break" with no training to allow students to take and pass their licensing exam.

Do I have to attend in person?

No, InsurAcademy uses a virtual learning platform featuring a combination of live and on-demand training which means as long as you have a computer and Internet access, you can attend from anywhere! However, you must be able to attend with your camera ON! 

What does the curriculum cover?

InsurAcademy has designed a curriculum that will provide all of the necessary licensing education and hands-on career training to be “job ready” to work as a CSR in an independent insurance agency.  After the pre-licensing phase, skills training will include:

• Business and professional skills
• E&O training
• Compliance and Regulatory training 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training
• Agency Workflows
• Client relationship building/sales skills
• Agency Technology and rating
  
• Ethics
• Flood
• Claims Processing
• Forms training
  
• The role of a CSR/Account Manager
  

Learn more about curriculum

Can I find a job after graduation if I am not currently employed by an independent agency?

YES! Now is a great time to find a position in an independent insurance agency due to the large number of CSRs retiring and many agencies being in growth mode and adding positions to their staff. In fact, over the next five years, more than 400,000 job openings are expected in the insurance industry across the country. IIABSC will guide you through the process and help you secure interviews with independent agencies in South Carolina. Starting salaries usually range from $40,000 - $50,000.* 

Am I a good candidate for InsurAcademy?

If you are looking for a career in an industry that is stable and offers flexibility, strong income potential, great work culture and more, then pursuing a job in an independent insurance agency through InsurAcademy may be a good fit for you. Ideal students will have a passion for learning, great customer service skills, and qualities such as:

• Analytical
• People-oriented and enjoys interacting with others
  
• Diligent, strong follow-through
  
• Organized
  
• Consistent
  
• Multi-tasker
  
• Decisive and strong sense of urgency when working
  
  

What is an insurance CSR?

An insurance CSR is a Customer Service Representative or may sometimes also be known as an "Account Manager." This integral role in an insurance agency is on the front lines with helping customers by providing support for insurance questions, policy changes, renewals and billing questions. The CSR works from within the agency to help clients with existing accounts and also works directly with the insurance carriers to quote and bind insurance policies.

What makes a great CSR?

Successful Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) possess a unique combination of traits that help them provide great service, be empathetic when a customer is dealing with a crisis, and also juggle many deadlines and tasks.

• Great social and communication skills
• Ability to organize lots of details
• Influences customers' buying decisions
  
• Assists clients and resolve conflicts
  
• Enjoys helping others
  

What is an independent insurance agency?

Independent insurance agencies are different from other types of insurance agencies (commonly known as captive agencies) because they are not tied to only one insurance carrier and can represent many companies. This means that they can explore more coverage options for their customers to match them with the best insurance company, coverage and price. Independent insurance agencies come in all sizes and are located in communities across South Carolina.  Find  location near you.