As a convicted felon, it may feel overwhelming when trying to decide on a career path.
You may be wondering what jobs would hire convicted felons. A position such as a life insurance agent requires schooling or courses and it may seem unattainable.
Though it may be a lot of work, you might wonder, can a felon become a life insurance agent?
You’re about to learn all about what a life insurance agent is and if a felon can get a job as an agent.
If you are interested in finding a career path that suits you best check out https://jobsforfelonsnow.com/. There are plenty of opportunities out there!
What is a Life Insurance Agent?
A life insurance agent has a job that is very important. Overall, the agent helps a person to prepare for the unexpected.
The agent sells insurance policies to pay beneficiaries when the policyholder passes away. Life insurance agents can also sell annuities to ensure retirement income.
A life insurance agent has to get to know their potential client. Some things that an agent has to know is information regarding the client’s personal life. Marital status, occupation, and annual income are just a few examples of information that would have to be known.
The agent will then analyze all of the information that has been given. Expenses, savings, and income are analyzed in order for the agent to give an appropriate quote.
A percentage of the life insurance policy purchased is then paid to the agent.
A typical day for an agent includes actively pursuing potential clients. It also includes discussing options regarding the future with clients.
How Do You Become a Life Insurance Agent?
There are many qualifications that must be met in order to become an agent.
An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have at the least a high school diploma. The person must also be a U.S citizen and reside in the state in which they are attempting to be an agent.
There is no specific degree that is needed in order to be an agent. There is a life insurance pre-licensing education course that needs to be completed. The course varies from state to state. A completed and passed license exam is also a requirement of an agent.
Some employers in the industry do prefer a college degree. A degree in business or management can be beneficial. This provides experience in marketing, economics, and finance.
An agent must also stay up-to-date on changes in regulations as well as industry updates throughout their career.
If a life insurance agent does not interest you, there are plenty of jobs available that might! Check out https://jobsforfelonsnow.com/ for more opportunities!
Is a Background Check Required?
The job of a life insurance agent is very important. As an agent you would be dealing with your customers finances. The customer’s financial status realistically gets put into the hands of their agent.
Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness are some of the most important traits to have. This is because of how close the agent works with the customer. The customer deserves someone who they can fully trust.
A background check is a requirement in most states. In a majority of states a fingerprint is even required as a part of the background check. This is to look for felony convictions.
Each state does have its own licensing requirements. Though there are only a few, some states do not require a fingerprint. Essentially, each state wants to ensure that an applicant is honest and can be trusted.
There are some felonies that will automatically disqualify someone from becoming a life insurance agent.
Can a Felon Become a Life Insurance Agent?
There are certain felonies that will permanently bar someone from applying for an insurance license.
Felonies that will permanately bar someone from obtaining an insurance license include:
- Money laundering
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Murder
- Treason
These crimes are barred because they show a person’s blatant disregard for others. As previously stated, trustworthiness and honesty are a must when it comes to the industry.
There is a ban for 15 years regarding all other felonies involving moral turpitude. Moral turpitude is a term that describes actions done that lack honesty and good morals. There is a ban for seven years on all other felonies.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to prove that their crime does not define them. If you are a convicted felon you must prove that you are not a risk to the customers and that you are trustworthy.
Felons convicted of an offense involving financial dishonesty or a breach of trust will require a 1033 waiver after an offer of employment. This is even after the required time has passed and the ban has been lifted.
A state insurance commission will determine if an applicant is suitable for a waiver. There are a few things that will have to go into review.
A few aspects that will be looked over are as follows:
- Documents regarding the felony
- The severity of the felony
- The amount of time since the felony
- Number of felonies or other incidents
If you are a convicted felon, your crime does not have to define you. It is important to stay positive throughout the process. Positive changes since the felony conviction will be taken into consideration as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the job of a life insurance agent is a very important position. Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness are crucial aspects of someone trying to obtain an insurance license.
There are a few felonies that are barred from obtaining a license. There are also a few felonies that require a disqualification period before being able to apply for a license.
If you are a felon and on the search for a job check out https://jobsforfelonsnow.com/. There are many opportunities out there.