Working from home is the dream of many Americans. One step to reaching that goal is determining what type of business to run from home. If you have excellent customer service skills and sales experience, consider selling health or dental insurance as a home-based business. The setup process, from receiving your producer’s license to setting up a home office, can be completed in as little as six months. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, carriers are depending on independent agents to keep up with the rising level of insurance sales.

Complete the educational requirements to get your license as a health insurance agent in the state where you live. Use the state National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) website to view your state’s requirements. Generally, the pre-licensing course is 20 hours for each line of insurance you plan to sell.

Pass the health insurance agent licensing examination in your home state to be qualified as an insurance salesperson. Visit the NAIC website and click the drop-down menu to visit your state’s website. Locate the testing sites available in your area.

Receive your health and dental sales agent license by paying the required fee and submitting a copy of your examination score to your state insurance department. Locate a company to appoint you to sell health or dental insurance by contacting several companies and comparing the products and commission offered. Complete the process required by the company to become a salesperson for the products it offers.

Set up a home office in an area dedicated to your insurance sales business. Purchase the equipment needed, such as a computer, fax machine, telephone with additional line and office supplies.

Name your business and determine the legal structure of your business, such as sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC). Use this information to purchase your local business license. Also, register with your state tax agency and file for the required permits to sell health or dental insurance.

Advertise your business and the health or dental products offered. Create a website for your insurance business that provides potential clients with the name of your company, description of services offered and your contact information. Use the local newspaper to run ads and place a business ad in the local telephone book.