For many professionals, the code of ethics they follow is set forth by the company they represent and/or the professional organizations to which they belong. Yet any “formal” code of ethics can be—and should be—supplemented by the professional's own personal code of professional ethics: a guidepost that directs one’s business practices and conduct in tandem with one’s personal beliefs and values.

This course explains the importance of developing a professional code of ethics and the elements that should be considered to ensure that both producer and client are best served. 

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

• understand why acts that are legal are not always ethical
• describe the various practices prohibited by unfair trade practice laws
• understand agency relationships and the required standard of care that producers must follow when working with insurers
• explain the purpose and benefits of a code of ethics
• describe the ethical principles commonly identified in a code of ethics
• recognize the rights and expectations of insurance consumers with respect to producers