What is the primary responsibility of an insurance agent?

The primary responsibility of an insurance agent is to sell insurance policies on behalf of an insurance company. Agents act as intermediaries between clients and insurers, guiding potential customers through the various insurance options available, explaining terms and conditions, and ultimately facilitating the purchase of insurance coverage that meets the needs of their clients. By doing so, they play a crucial role in helping individuals and businesses understand their insurance needs and secure the appropriate protection.

In contrast to the primary role of agents, managing financial assets of insurance companies involves functions typically associated with finance or investment specialists within the company. Overseeing vendor contracts does not fall within the typical duties of an insurance agent, as this role is more aligned with operational or legal departments. Processing claims is also not the responsibility of agents, as that task is usually managed by claims adjusters or claims departments, who evaluate and settle claims made by policyholders after an incident occurs. Thus, the specific focus on selling insurance policies highlights the agent's essential role in the insurance distribution process.