This article covers all the steps you’ll need to follow for your insurance license renewal in Michigan. We’re confident that the BetterCE straightforward process can help you renew your license quickly and without fuss.
Every two years, you need to complete 24 credit hours of Approved Continuing Education prior to the Continuing Education Renewal Date or “CERD”. Your CERD occurs on the first day of your birth month – every 2 years. Of the 24 credits required, at least three of the 24 credit hours must be in the category of ethics. Your remaining credits can be taken in any subject matter as long as the courses are approved by the Michigan Department of Financial Services.
It’s important to note that there are no “renewal requirements” for Michigan insurance agents. There is no renewal application or renewal fees. All agents need to do is complete their required CE prior to their CERD. The license will remain active for another two years if the CE requirements are completed on time.
What are the CE Requirements for Michigan Insurance Agents?
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services requires that all major lines licensed agents complete 24 credit hours of state-approved continuing education every two years. Major lines are those agents who are licensed to sell: Life, Accident, Health, Property, Casualty, and Solicitors. Of the 24 credits required, at least 3 credits must be approved for ethics. The remaining courses can be taken in any subject matter as long as they are approved by the Michigan Department of Financial Services.
Remember that no matter how many licenses you hold, you only need to do a maximum of 24 credits total. For example, if you are licensed in Life, Accident, Health, and Property, you only need to do 24 credits total, 3 of which need to be in ethics.
Insurance License Renewal Michigan — Special Training Requirements
Special training requirements exist for agents selling long-term care, annuity, or flood insurance.
- Agents licensed for Accident and Health or Life who sell long-term care policies must complete an initial 8-hour long-term care course prior to selling and then a 4-hour long-term care training every renewal period following.
- Any producer who sells Annuity products must complete a one-time 4-hour annuity suitability training prior to selling.
- Property Line of Authority Agents who sell flood insurance must complete a one-time 3-hour continuing education course related to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) prior to selling.
Other than the ethics course and any special training requirements, you can take courses in any subject matter as long as they are approved by the Michigan insurance department.
Michigan License Renewal Exemptions
Licensed agents who are currently on active military duty or deployments may be granted a waiver from continuing education requirements. A CE requirement waiver may also be requested due to illness of self or spouse that requires an inordinate amount of time for care. You can find more information at the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Insurance Licensee Continuing Education FAQ.
Failure to Complete Michigan License Renewal Requirements
If you fail to complete the continuing education requirements, your license will be suspended for CE noncompliance. The suspension will last for 90 days or until your continuing education requirement is met. During this time you can service your existing book of business but not transact any new insurance business. If your CE is not completed within 90 days from your CERD, your license will be terminated and you will not be able to transact any insurance business. Plus, all carriers for which you’re appointed will be notified that you are suspended.
Beyond 90 days you still have up to 12 months from your missed CERD to reinstate your license, but you must submit a license application and pay a fee of $10. Now is the Time to Start Your Continuing Education for Michigan License Renewal
Even with a full two years to accumulate your 24 hours of continuing education, there’s no reason to wait to get started. BetterCE has you covered with all the courses you need. You can find the complete listing in our Michigan Insurance Continuing Education Course Catalog.
The online training is self-paced and delivered to your computer, tablet, and smartphone. The quizzes and exams are scored instantly, and you can take them as many times as necessary to pass. Plus, you can return to the training whenever it is convenient. The course progress bar tells you exactly where you left off.
Our webinar courses are instructor-led and delivered live using video conferencing. You’re required to be in attendance for the entire class time, with check-ins at random times throughout the webinar to confirm your attendance. Students can interact and ask questions. The advantages of webinars include no required reading and no quizzes or final exams. You can view a listing of our webinars here: Michigan Webinar Catalog. Find out more about the advantages of webinars in our article The Power of Webinars for Insurance Continuing Education.
Completions Reported the Same Day
Note that our office will report your continuing education course credits to the Michigan Department of Insurance the same day you complete the training. So, if you’re in a rush to complete your continuing education, we’ve got you covered.
Summary of Steps to Keep Your License Active
Even though we’ve mapped it out above, it’s still a great deal to digest. Here’s a quick summary to get you started on the path to renewal.
- Determine your Michigan Continuing Education Renewal Date (CERD).
- Determine your continuing education requirements.
- Enroll in courses well in advance of your renewal date.
- Complete your courses – we submit your credits the same day you complete them.
We’re confident that everything you need to keep your license active is easily accessible through our website. If not, simply call our office, and we’ll happily assist you.
There’s no time to be lost if you’re near your renewal date. Sign up now for the most trusted and convenient solution for keeping your license active.
We’re Here to Help
At BetterCE, we provide more than the most convenient and affordable solution for insurance continuing education. Our agent support services are provided by experienced insurance licensing professionals who have helped thousands of agents navigate the renewal process easily.
Have a question or need assistance? Phone 1-888-501-7330 for our customer care team. We also respond to email as well as via our Contact Form. You can also sign up for convenient license renewal reminders on our contact page.
