Continuing Education and License Maintenance

Maintaining an active Idaho P&C insurance license requires ongoing education and timely renewal. Understanding these requirements helps ensure uninterrupted ability to conduct insurance business.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Required Hours

Idaho requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years:

CE Timing and Deadlines

• Due Date: Last day of your birth month in renewal year
• Cycle: 2-year periods based on license issue date
• Completion: CE must be completed BEFORE renewal deadline
• Carryover: Idaho does NOT allow carryover of excess hours

New Licensee Exemption

If you are newly licensed:

• Exempt from CE until your first full renewal period
• First CE period begins after initial 2-year license term
• Must complete full 24 hours before first renewal

Approved CE Providers

CE courses must be:

• Approved by the Idaho Department of Insurance
• Completed at approved providers (online or classroom)
• Documented with certificates of completion
• Focused on relevant insurance topics

CE Topic Examples

Acceptable CE Topics:

• Property insurance coverages and forms
• Casualty and liability insurance
• Auto insurance and Idaho motor vehicle law
• Commercial lines insurance
• Ethics and professional conduct
• Idaho Insurance Code updates
• Claims handling procedures
• Risk management and loss control
• Insurance fraud prevention
• Emerging topics (cyber, climate risks)

Special Training Requirements

One-Time Training (if applicable):

Exam Tip: Remember the key numbers: 24 hours CE, 3 hours ethics, every 2 years. This is frequently tested.

License Renewal Process

Renewal Timeline

How to Renew

1. Complete CE before expiration date
2. Log into NIPR (nipr.com) or IDOI online portal
3. Verify CE credits reported to IDOI
4. Submit renewal application
5. Pay renewal fees
6. Receive confirmation of renewed license

Renewal Fees

• Check current IDOI fee schedule at doi.idaho.gov
• Fees payable via credit/debit card or electronic check
• Late renewals may incur additional fees

Failure to Renew

If license expires:

• Cannot conduct insurance business
• May reinstate within grace period (with fees)
• After extended period: may need to re-exam
• Continuous lapse affects appointment status

Reporting Requirements

Idaho producers must notify IDOI of changes within 30 days:

Required Notifications

How to Report Changes

• Update through NIPR online portal
• Submit written notification to IDOI
• Include supporting documentation as needed

Appointments and Company Relationships

Understanding Appointments

An appointment is the authorization from an insurance company to represent and sell their products.

Key Points:

• Producers must be appointed by each insurer they represent
• Appointments filed with IDOI by the insurance company
• Multiple appointments allowed (can represent multiple insurers)
• Terminations also reported to IDOI

Appointment Process

1. Producer obtains license from IDOI
2. Insurer contracts with producer
3. Insurer files appointment with IDOI
4. Producer can sell that insurer's products
5. Ongoing relationship maintained

Appointment Termination

When an appointment ends:

• Insurer notifies IDOI within 30 days
• For-cause terminations must include reason
• IDOI may investigate for-cause terminations
• Producer may be contacted for response

Disciplinary Actions and Enforcement

Grounds for Discipline

IDOI can discipline producers for:

Types of Disciplinary Actions

Due Process Rights

Producers have rights when facing discipline:

• Written notice of allegations
• Opportunity to respond
• Administrative hearing if contested
• Appeal rights to district court
• Representation by counsel

Record Keeping Requirements

What to Maintain

Idaho producers should maintain records for at least 5 years:

• Policy applications and related documents
• Client communication records
• Premium receipts and payment records
• Claims submissions and correspondence
• CE certificates and transcripts
• Appointment letters and contracts
• Correspondence with insurers and IDOI

Electronic Records

Electronic record keeping is acceptable if:

• Records are accessible and readable
• Backup copies maintained
• Available for regulatory examination
• Can be printed if requested

Errors and Omissions Insurance

E&O Insurance Overview

While Idaho does NOT require E&O insurance, it is strongly recommended:

Why Carry E&O Insurance:

• Protects against professional liability claims
• Covers legal defense costs
• Many insurers require for appointment
• Demonstrates professionalism
• Protects personal assets

Typical Coverage:

• Claims of negligence or errors
• Failure to procure coverage
• Improper advice allegations
• Coverage gaps and misunderstandings

Recommended Limits