It’s important to understand whether you need a Washington state insurance license so you avoid possible fines and enforcement actions.
You can contact our producer licensing team if you have any questions or are unsure if you need a license.
When you need a license
You need an insurance license if you are involved in transacting insurance, including soliciting, selling or negotiating insurance contracts.
Soliciting (advertising)
You will need to be licensed if you:
- Attempt to get someone to purchase an insurance policy with a company
- Initiate sales over the phone, internet or social media
- Advertise insurance companies or their policies
Selling
Without a license you cannot:
- Distribute information about coverages or rates in general or for any particular policy, unless that information is publicly available
- Complete or sign applications for insurance
- Make or propose an insurance contract
- Authorize the issuance or delivery of certificates of insurance, endorsements, binders or insurance policies
Negotiating
Examples of negotiating include:
- Discussing or describing the coverages or terms of a proposed insurance contract, as well as advising what coverages to purchase
- Discussing the impact of age, health or other risk-related conditions of the prospective policyholder
- Collecting premiums in person anywhere other than a place of business
- Providing advice or counsel about policy provisions or coverage
When you don’t need a license
You can work for an insurance company and not need an insurance license as long as you:
- Do not receive a commission on policies written or sold
- Your activities are executive, administrative, managerial, clerical or a combination of these
- You are only indirectly related to the sale, solicitation or negotiation of insurance