What Is an Insurance Solicitor Authorized to Do? Key Roles

In the complex world of insurance, you will encounter a range of professionals, including agents, brokers, consultants, and insurance solicitors. 

Like many, you might be wondering, ‘What is an insurance solicitor authorized to do exactly?’ 

While not as infamous as insurance agents or brokers, insurance solicitors have a crucial role in the distribution of insurance products. Their authority, however, is more limited and specific than you might think. 

This article will help you explore the insurance solicitor definition, what exactly they do, and tips to learn how to consult them. 

What is an insurance solicitor?

An insurance solicitor is a licensed professional who helps insurance agents by finding potential clients and collecting insurance applications. However, solicitors don’t have the authority to issue or sell a policy. 

Their job is to generate leads, explain the basics of insurance policies, and send completed applications to a licensed insurance agent for review and processing. 

While insurance agents may work for one or more carriers, solicitors in the insurance sector always work under the supervision of an agent. Solicitors can be paid through commissions or receive a fixed monthly salary.

Even though solicitors can’t sell insurance, some states still require them to pass a licensing exam and hold a valid license. These states include:

• Michigan
• New Mexico
• Puerto Rico
• Virginia

Is an insurance solicitor the same as an insurance consultant?

Insurance solicitors and insurance consultants are both part of the insurance process. However, neither of them actually sells insurance. Instead, they help connect people or businesses with the right insurance policy.

Let’s delve into how the two differentiate:

Insurance solicitors help identify the needs of individuals or businesses and then refer them to licensed agents who can sell them a policy. They act as a link between the customer and the insurance agent.

On the other hand, insurance consultants take a broader, more corporate approach. They work directly with companies to understand their insurance needs, assess risks, and recommend the types of policies the business should carry, both required and optional.

For example, a construction company owner might hire an insurance consultant to determine what types of coverage are legally required and what extra coverage would help protect the business.

The main difference is who they represent:

• Insurance solicitors work for agents and insurance companies.
• Insurance consultants work for the client and offer unbiased advice.

If you’re an insurance agent looking to streamline your operations and scale your client offerings, First Connect provides easy access to over 100+ carriers without hidden fees or production requirements. Explore how First Connect can support your agency’s growth today.

What is an insurance solicitor authorized to do?

While the powers of insurance solicitors are limited compared to those of an agent or broker, they still provide essential services within the insurance sales process. 

Listed below are the key responsibilities insurance solicitors are authorized to handle.

Lead generation

One of the primary tasks of an insurance solicitor is to find potential clients. They reach out to individuals or businesses to talk about different insurance options. 

Their goal is to spark interest, explain the basics, and encourage people to fill out application forms for coverage.

Support for insurance agents

Insurance solicitors work under licensed insurance agents. They don’t issue policies (as we mentioned), but they help agents attract more clients and boost the number of applications. Their efforts allow agents to focus on finalizing and issuing policies.

Application collection

Once a potential client decides to apply for insurance, the solicitor collects the completed application and any required documents. They then pass this information to the insurance agent, who oversees the policy approval and final steps.

Follow-Up Communication

After a client shows interest or submits an application, the solicitor may follow up to confirm details, collect missing information, or keep the client engaged until the agent takes over. This helps ensure a smooth and timely insurance process.

Legal licensing requirements

Even though they don’t issue policy, insurance solicitors must still be legally licensed. 

This means they have to pass an exam and meet state-specific requirements to ensure they understand insurance laws, regulations, and ethical practices.

Compensation structure

Insurance solicitors are typically paid through commissions, meaning they earn money based on how many successful applications they bring in. 

In some cases, they may also receive a regular monthly salary or a combination of both.

Misconceptions about insurance solicitors

Insurance solicitors often work behind the scenes, so it’s no surprise that people are sometimes confused about what they actually do. 

Because their role isn’t as widely recognized as that of insurance agents or brokers, several misunderstandings have developed over time. 

Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions:

• Insurance solicitors can sell policies directly: This is one of the biggest misunderstandings. Insurance solicitors are not allowed to sell or issue policies on their own. They can communicate with customers, explain coverage options, and help fill out application forms, but the final step of selling or binding a policy must be done by a licensed insurance agent or broker. Think of them as helpful assistants in the process, not the ones closing the deal.
• Insurance solicitors work independently: Insurance solicitors must work under the supervision of a licensed agent or broker. They are not independent contractors or business owners and can’t operate solo. Their license is tied to the sponsoring professional overseeing and taking responsibility for their actions.
• They provide legal or financial advice: While insurance solicitors can explain policies and answer basic questions, they are not qualified to give legal or financial advice. For detailed financial planning or legal help, it’s best to speak with a certified financial advisor or attorney.
• They are the same as insurance consultants: Although the titles sound similar, insurance solicitors and consultants differ. A solicitor helps collect client information and supports the sales process. A consultant, on the contrary, is usually hired to give independent advice, often to businesses, on what types of insurance coverage to get, and they’re usually paid a fee for their guidance. Consultants don’t work under agents or brokers and typically don’t help sell policies.
• They don’t need a license: While many states require insurance solicitors to be licensed—just like agents and brokers—not all do. Licensing requirements vary by state, so it’s important to check local regulations. In states where a license is required, solicitors must pass state exams and follow the same rules and ethical guidelines as others in the industry.

Tips on consulting an insurance solicitor

If you’re an insurance agent looking to expand your reach or streamline operations, working with an insurance solicitor can be a strategic move. At First Connect, we’ve identified key best practices to help agents make the most of this professional relationship. 

Here are First Connect’s top tips for agents who want to consult or collaborate with an insurance solicitor.

Define the scope of responsibilities clearly

Before onboarding a solicitor, clearly outline what tasks they are authorized to handle. Define their day-to-day responsibilities, such as prospect outreach, document collection, or client follow-up. 

Be sure to agree on the terms of engagement in writing – this helps both parties stay within legal limits and avoid misunderstandings.

Ensure proper licensing and registration

Only collaborate with solicitors who are licensed in your state and properly registered under your supervision. 

It’s the agent’s responsibility to file the necessary documentation with your state’s Department of Insurance to legally authorize the solicitor’s activities.

Provide comprehensive training

Don’t assume that a licensed solicitor automatically understands your agency’s systems, client expectations, or product lines. 

Ensure that you offer structured onboarding and continuous training to ensure they are knowledgeable, confident, and aligned with your sales approach and compliance standards.

Maintain open lines of communication

Regular communication is essential for success. Hold weekly check-ins, use CRM tools for task assignments, and keep a clear record of client interactions. 

This ensures you’re always informed about what the solicitor is working on and can step in when your authority is needed.

Monitor compliance and ethical conduct

As the supervising agent, you are legally and ethically responsible for the solicitor’s conduct. 

Perform regular audits of their work, monitor their communication with clients, and stay informed about any complaints or red flags. 

Also, don’t forget to regularly reinforce ethical standards and compliance.

Use solicitors strategically to scale operations

Leverage solicitors to handle time-consuming but essential tasks, like qualifying leads, collecting documents, and scheduling meetings. 

This frees you up to focus on higher-value activities such as closing sales and building long-term client relationships.

Set performance goals and provide feedback

Establish measurable performance goals such as client follow-up rates, document accuracy, and lead conversion support. Provide regular, constructive feedback and recognize high performance. 

A motivated solicitor can significantly enhance your productivity and client satisfaction, especially when expectations and terms of success are transparent from the start.