What does a life insurance agent primarily do on behalf of an insurer?

A life insurance agent primarily sells and services life insurance policies on behalf of an insurer. This role involves actively engaging with clients to assess their insurance needs, explaining different policy options, and assisting with the application process. The agent serves as the intermediary between the insurer and policyholders, ensuring that clients understand their coverage and facilitating any necessary adjustments to their policies over time.

In addition to selling policies, agents also provide ongoing support to their clients, which can include answering questions, providing updates on policy terms, and assisting with renewals. Their focus is primarily on building and maintaining relationships with clients to ensure they have the appropriate coverage for their life circumstances.

Though other roles mentioned in the options, such as administering claims or underwriting risks, are essential functions within the insurance industry, these tasks are typically handled by different professionals within the company. Claims administration and underwriting require specialized training and are not the primary responsibilities of a life insurance agent. Conducting market research, while important for understanding trends and client needs, falls outside the typical duties of an agent as they are more focused on direct sales and client interaction.