South Carolina Life Insurance Practice Exam

What type of license is required to sell annuities?

1. A health insurance license

2. A life insurance license and a securities license

3. A business license

4. A property and casualty insurance license

The correct answer is: A life insurance license and a securities license

To sell annuities, an individual must possess a life insurance license because annuities are considered life insurance products. Additionally, if the annuities being sold are variable annuities, a securities license is also required. This regulatory requirement ensures that agents are qualified to inform customers about the complexities and risks associated with these financial instruments. This combination of licenses ensures that consumers are adequately protected and that agents have the necessary knowledge to provide sound financial advice related to annuities. The other options do not meet the requirements for selling annuities. A health insurance license is specific to health insurance policies and does not cover life insurance products. A business license refers to a general permission to operate a business in a specific jurisdiction and does not pertain to the nuances of selling insurance products. A property and casualty insurance license is necessary for selling property and casualty insurance products and would not authorize an individual to sell life insurance or annuities.