In a move to boost the number of insurance agents and make licensing exams easier to pass, life and annuity industry groups are asking states to update licensing rules and remove unnecessary barriers.

To become an insurance "producer," aka a broker or agent, you need a license from your state. If you sell multiple lines of insurance, such as life and auto, you may need multiple insurance licenses.

An insurance agency provides coverage for catastrophic and unintended events. "These [agencies] help individuals, families and businesses select insurance policies that provide the best protection for ...