At Farm Bureau, we get asked a lot about the steps required to become an insurance agent. As you decide whether insurance is the right move, you probably have some questions that you’d like answered before you make the switch to becoming an agent. We’re here to help.
1. Does Farm Bureau Provide Training for New Agents?
Absolutely. Farm Bureau has an award-winning training program because we understand that jumping into a new business opportunity can be daunting. Anyone considering joining the insurance industry can go through our Developing Agent Program. With this program, not only do you get an insider’s peek at a day in the life of an insurance agent, you can also begin developing the skills you need to build an insurance business without leaving your current job.
During this three-month period when you’re getting started at Farm Bureau, you will begin building relationships with potential clients and selling auto, home and life insurance by arranging sales appointments around your current schedule. This training program helps you understand what it takes to be a Farm Bureau agent first-hand — and it gives you the comfort of testing this new path before you leave your current job.
2. Do I Need to Have Insurance Licenses to join Farm Bureau?
Yes. In order to be a Farm Bureau Financial Services agent, a person must be licensed. Getting your state licensing is a required step to becoming an insurance agent. You will be responsible for covering your own licensing fees, though we do assist with study materials for those getting their license before joining the Developing Agent Program.
3. Will I Be on My Own as a Farm Bureau Insurance Agent?
At Farm Bureau, you never have to go at it alone. You’ll have access to a full support team that wants to see you succeed. Here’s a snapshot of the team behind your success
District Managers
When you start as a new full-time insurance agent, you’ll work with a District Manager to provide you with additional guidance. Your District Manager can teach you everything you need to know about how to become a successful insurance agent and will be the person you turn to if you have any questions. Think of your District Manager as your built-in professional mentor who will share industry trends and tips, provide advice on how to grow your business and more.
Just in Time Team
If you’re feeling stuck and can’t find the best insurance plan for a client, the Just in Time team will have the solution you’re looking for. Their goal is to shorten the learning curve of our new agents. These individuals are experienced in the insurance industry, and they specialize in knowing the ins-and-outs of the different coverages we offer. When you give the Just in Time sales support team a call, they can talk through a situation and give you advice on how to proceed with the client.
Marketing Coaches
Once you’ve hit the ground running, you can join the coaching program. Based on the skills you already have and areas where you could use improvement, your coach will set up a customizable plan to help you build your business and become a better salesperson. A Marketing Coach helps agents by:
- Managing their social media profiles
- Providing branded marketing materials and recommendations
- Training on our Customer Relations Management (CRM) system
- Sharing best practices to connect with customers
Financial Advisors
Farm Bureau offers a unique opportunity to grow your business by working with local Farm Bureau financial advisors. By taking advantage of this extension of our Farm Bureau team, you can provide your existing client base with financial planning services in addition to insurance coverage. This makes the process of finding quality financial advice much simpler for our customers, and it builds their trust in you for helping them find a solution to their future financial needs.
Ag Marketing Underwriters
Farm Bureau’s history is rooted in the agriculture sector, but we understand that not all insurance agents are familiar with this industry. We have a team of ag marketing underwriters to accompany local agents when they have sales meetings with their farm/ranch clientele. This team is focused on knowing what our agriculture clients’ needs are and how we can help cover their assets. Your marketing underwriter will be there to help in any unique ag situation.
Regional Financial Consultants
As a Farm Bureau agent you'll have the opportunity to partner with a Regional Financial Consultant for client/members with more complex needs. Together you and a Regional Financial Consultant can go to appointments and discuss customized strategies for your client/members' more complicated needs.
4. What Kind of Ongoing Training and Support Does Farm Bureau Offer?
To stay on top of industry trends, changing technology and remain competitive, we offer continuing training and education to our insurance agents. This can include:
- Online learning
- Classroom training
- Mentoring
5. How are Farm Bureau Agents Paid?
Farm Bureau agents are small business owners who earn commissions from the products and services they sell. An agent who works hard to provide necessary protection to their community has the potential for nearly unlimited earning potential.
6. What Types of Products Do Farm Bureau Agents Sell?
Farm Bureau offers a comprehensive suite of insurance products to meet a wide range of our client/members’ needs. Insurance products include:
- Auto
- Home
- Life
- Farm/Ranch
- Health
- Business
We also have different investment services and wealth services:
- Annuities
- Mutual funds
- College funding
- Retirement funding
- Estate planning
7. Are There Additional Incentives Besides Commission for Sales?
Each year, we offer agents multiple opportunities to qualify for monetary bonuses and incentive travel as a way to thank them for their hard work. Agents who have earned the travel incentive have journeyed to destinations like Spain, England, Italy, Europe, Australia, Mexico and more.
8. What Kind of Financing is Offered to New Agents?
It’s not easy joining a new industry, and we want our agents to succeed. Because of this, we offer additional compensation during an agent’s early years with Farm Bureau.
9. Where are Farm Bureau Agents Located?
Our products and services are built for people in all stages of life, in both rural and metro communities. Today, we do business in eight Midwestern and Western states, specifically:
- Arizona
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- South Dakota
- Utah
10. How Does Being a Farm Bureau Agent Compare to Other Insurance Companies?
Farm Bureau was founded over 80 years ago to serve the needs of farmers and Farm Bureau members. As times have changed, we’ve expanded our coverage to protect people from all walks of life. Our agents are actively involved in their communities. Because of this, they understand that their clients are more than just policies. They’re friends and neighbors with families who need protection.
Join the Farm Bureau Team Today
Don’t be afraid to take the leap towards a new and exciting opportunity with a team that will support you along every step of the way. Connect with your local District Manager to find your new opportunity.