Becoming a broker: a complete guide to getting started

Becoming a broker: a complete guide to launching your career in this field.

The brokerage profession is attracting more and more professionals, whether they are changing careers or starting out. This intermediary profession offers great independence and attractive remuneration prospects, particularly in the field of P&C (Property and Casualty) insurance. But how do you become an insurance broker? What training is required, and what are the realities on the ground?

The Daily Missions of a Broker

The work of an insurance broker begins with listening and analyzing needs. The broker identifies insurance requirements: auto protection, home coverage, or securing professional activities. They evaluate risks and expectations to guide their research.

The broker then performs a comparison of the insurance market. They must be a market expert, capable of analyzing trends and developments in their sector. Specifically, they are responsible for finding the best solution at the best price for their clients, whose needs they must first understand thoroughly to provide relevant advice.

They reach out to partners, analyze offers, and select those that match their client's profile. The broker also manages negotiations with banks and insurance companies to reach the signing of a contract or loan. Once the selection is made, the broker presents their recommendations and supports the decision-making process. Missions include building files, issuing contracts (with delegations), managing modifications, tracking renewals, and providing support in the event of a claim. This role represents true added value for clients.

Essential Skills for the Broker Profession

Beyond diplomas, becoming a broker requires developing specific skills:

• Interpersonal Skills and Listening: These are paramount. The broker must precisely understand their clients' needs and establish a relationship of trust.
• Communication and Analysis: The broker must communicate effectively with clients and providers while demonstrating excellent analytical skills.
• Negotiation: This is the heart of the profession. Whether with insurance companies or financial institutions, the broker must obtain the best conditions for their clients.
• Organization and IT Mastery: Managing multiple files simultaneously requires rigor. In an increasingly digital market, using high-performance solutions is essential for handling a large volume of contracts while maintaining quality service.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: For an independent broker, one must add business management, commercial prospecting (B2C and B2B), and partnership development.

How to Become an Independent Broker?

Many professionals aspire to become independent brokers to benefit from greater autonomy. The independent broker has the freedom to organize their schedule and missions as they wish, even if it involves balancing professional and private life. This option requires creating a company, generally as a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (SARL).

To practice as an independent insurance broker, you must be registered with the ORIAS. This registration requires proof of professional capacity in insurance, professional civil liability insurance, and a financial guarantee. An independent broker must also take out mandatory insurance to operate legally. They must also develop a network of partnerships with insurance companies, which will determine the quality and diversity of the offers they can provide. Working as a freelancer also means managing your own commercial development.

Obtaining and Managing Delegations: A Strategic Stake

For insurance brokers looking to scale up, obtaining delegations from companies represents a real turning point. A delegation allows the broker to directly manage certain operations without systematically going through the carrier: issuing contracts, managing amendments, cancellations, and premium collection. This autonomy speeds up file processing.

Obtaining delegations is not automatic. Insurance companies evaluate several criteria:

1. The volume of business brought in.
2. The quality of the files.
3. The loss ratio.
4. The broker's training and ability to follow processes.

Managing delegations requires rigor. The delegated broker must master underwriting conditions and have powerful tools to manage the volume. This is where digitalization makes a difference. Platforms like Korint, for example, are designed to meet the needs of wholesale and delegated brokers by optimizing daily management.

Digitalizing Your Activity for Better Performance

In a competitive market, digitalization is a key success factor. Digital tools save precious time on time-consuming administrative tasks, allowing brokers to focus on high-value missions: client advice, negotiation, and business development.

A broker equipped with high-performance tools can process two to three times more files with the same team. Dedicated management platforms offer several concrete advantages:

• Centralization of all contracts and client relationships in one system.
• Automation of repetitive tasks (issuing certificates, renewal reminders).
• Precise tracking of deadlines and commissions.
• Direct interfacing with partner companies' systems.
• Dashboards to monitor activity in real-time.

On average, a broker saves 5 to 10 hours per week through automation—time that can be reinvested into commercial growth.

Essential Tools for a Starting Broker

Even when starting out, it is crucial to lay solid foundations:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): To centralize contacts, track interactions, and plan follow-ups.
• Rate and Guarantee Simulators: To quickly create comparative quotes.
• Accounting Software: To track commissions, billing, and tax obligations.
• Professional Communication Tools: Electronic signature solutions, video conferencing, and secure document storage.

Training to Become an Insurance Broker

The minimum level required is generally a 2-year degree (Bac +2). Common pathways include:

• BTS Insurance or BTS Bank and Insurance.
• BTS NDRC (Negotiation and Digitalization of Customer Relations).
• For higher responsibilities or wholesale brokerage: A Master's degree (Bac +5) from a business school specializing in finance.

Continuing professional education is also vital due to evolving regulations and risks. Additionally, brokers must justify professional experience or a professional internship of at least 150 hours to open their own brokerage firm.

Succeeding in the Brokerage Profession

Once launched, commercial development becomes the priority. This involves:

• Networking and Partnerships: Working with accountants, mechanics, or prescribers.
• Online Presence: A professional website, Google Business Profile with reviews, and activity on LinkedIn.
• Transparency and Reputation: Investing in ongoing training and maintaining high service standards.

Becoming an insurance broker is a demanding but rewarding adventure. Whether as an employee or independent, the market remains dynamic with sustainable opportunities for motivated brokers who differentiate themselves through their advice and ability to support clients in their financing and protection projects.