Do You Need a Carrier Appointment to Sell Insurance in Washington?
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Quick Answer:
- Your insurance license authorizes you to sell, but carrier appointments authorize which products you can sell
- Appointments are typically arranged through your agency or employer rather than pursued individually by new agents
- Washington requires appointments within 15 days of submitting your first application with a carrier
Getting your Washington insurance license is a major accomplishment, but you might be wondering: now that I'm licensed, can I actually start selling? The answer involves understanding the difference between licensing and appointments.
License vs. Appointment: What's the Difference?
Your Washington insurance license, issued by the Office of the Insurance CommissionerLicensing Producers Adjusters, grants you legal authority to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance in the state. It confirms you've demonstrated required knowledge and passed background checks.
A carrier appointment, issued by an insurance company, authorizes you to represent that specific company and sell their products. Insurance companies only pay commissions to producers they've officially appointed.
Think of it this way: your license is like a driver's license—it proves you can legally drive. An appointment is like having keys to a specific car—it gives you access to use that particular vehicle.
When Appointments Are Required
Washington requires producer appointments when you represent an insurer and submit insurance applications on their behalf. Under Washington law, appointments must be made within 15 days of the acceptance of the first insurance application you execute with that insurer.
The appointment fee is $20 per appointment, typically paid by the insurance company rather than the producer.
How Appointments Work in Practice
For most new agents, the appointment process happens through their employer:
Captive agents working for a single company (like State Farm or Allstate) receive their appointments automatically as part of their employment. The company handles all paperwork and fees.
Independent agents working through agencies are typically appointed to multiple carriers through the agency's existing relationships. The agency facilitates appointments for their producers.
Truly independent producers must pursue appointments directly with carriers, which typically requires demonstrating production capabilities and may involve background reviews by each company.
Understanding how captive and independent modelsPre License Captive Vs. Independent Insurance Agent Resources differ helps you navigate appointment requirements based on your career path.
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Getting Appointed as a New Agent
If you're joining an established agency or captive carrier position, appointments are typically arranged for you. Discuss which carriers you'll be appointed with during the hiring process.
If you're pursuing independent appointments, be aware that many carriers have minimum production requirements or prefer working with producers who have established track records. Building experience with an employer before pursuing independent appointments is a common path.
Appointment Information and Records
Your appointment status can be verified through NIPR or the OIC's producer lookup tool. Active appointments appear on your license record and are publicly accessible.
Carriers are responsible for maintaining accurate appointment records with the state. If you leave a position, the carrier should terminate your appointment. You can request termination directly if needed.
Affiliations vs. Appointments
Washington also uses "affiliations" for producers who represent business entities (agencies) rather than directly representing insurers. If you're sharing commissions with an agency, you'll need an affiliation with that agency's business entity license.
Affiliation fees are also $20. Like appointments, affiliations are typically handled through your employer.
Focus on Getting Licensed First
While understanding appointments is important, don't let it distract from your immediate goal: getting licensed. Appointments become relevant after you have your license and are starting your career.
Most career opportunities for new agents include appointment handling as part of the package. Focus on passing your exam and getting licensed; the appointment details will follow based on the position you pursue.
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