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Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner

How do I know if I need a license?

The following activities do require a producer license:
  • Dealing directly with consumers in taking applications for insurance or giving advice and counsel relative to coverage
  • Solicitation
  • Negotiating with underwriters
  • Binding
The following activities do not require a producer license:
  • Taking premium payments on existing policies, provided the unlicensed person does not give advice on coverage or policy issues
  • Gathering information so that a licensed individual can finish an insurance transaction
  • Taking claims information but not interpreting or commenting on coverage
  • Reception and/or clerical activities that do not involve offering advice or counsel to consumers about insurance

Generally speaking, RCW 48.01.060 defines "insurance transaction" as including any:

    1. Solicitation
    2. Negotiations preliminary to execution
    3. Execution of an insurance contract
    4. Transaction of matters subsequent to execution of the contract and arising out of it
    5. Insurance

"Insurance producer" means a person required to be licensed under the laws of this state to sell, solicit or negotiate insurance.  See RCW 48.17.010 for specific definitions.

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Updated 05/07/2012

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