AboutKristen Mulcahy, CIC Expertise My specialty is commercial insurance for business owners. I can answer questions regarding
liability, property, auto, workers compensation, directors and officers, umbrellas and
risk management for all types of businesses. Risk management or loss control, is taking
measures to reduce the chances of a loss in the first place or, helping you prevent it
from happening again. Insurance can be complicated and confusing and there are no stupid
questions! I own a Risk Management company in New England that provides insurance consultations
to business owners and sight inspections for insurance companies.
Question I am currently licensed in Life and Health, have not really been doing it very long (under 6 months).
Although I really feel that I would be more interested in CPCU, and don't want to waste time with just health and life if it is not what I want. Would like to see what steps I need/should take for that. I currently reside in Missouri and and advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Answer Todd;
I too started my insurance carrier in life and health and just couldn't stand it. I got a great opportunity to become a risk consultant/loss control rep for a national carrier and that is where I learned a lot about P&C. After that I went to an agency and got my license. But you don't need to take that route. I'm not sure where you're currently employed but if it's with an agency that offers both, speak to your manager and tell them that you really think you'd prefer P&C and would like to get your license, see if they'll support your choice. If not, find an agency that will. Most agencies, if you're a good sales person, will take a chance on you. Whatever you do, don't let your L&H license go, if you make a referral for some L or H business later on down the road, you can get compensated, you can't if you're not licensed. Plus, you can't discuss L&H if you're not licensed either and surprisingly, the issues do come up, especially if you're talking to someone about workers compensation and the owners decide to be excluded, then you'll want to ask them if they are protected otherwise by a disability policy, short term, long term, etc... Once you're licensed for P&C I highly recommend the designation opportunities through the National Alliance (www.scic.com). Their instructors are top notch, the information is so valuable and you'll always learn something new and helpful, plus, it's a well respected organization within the insurance industry. Obviously I'm partial to them as I am a CIC. In short, no matter what side of the business you decide to hang your hat, the key will be your selling skills. If you can sell, an agency will hire you no matter which you decide to sell.
I hope this has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me again. Good luck!!
