The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has expressed disappointment at the exclusion of the sale of travel insurance from FSA regulation.
The CII is concerned that consumers could be buying products from people with poor insurance knowledge.
CII director general Dr Sandy Scott said: "This is a missed opportunity to improve the public perception of the insurance industry.
"The public should be confident that when buying any form of insurance - especially travel insurance and extended warranties from high street outlets - the person selling that product has the appropriate level of competence to do.
"Regulated insurance firms will have to demonstrate a competence and training regime, and individuals will have to prove they are maintaining and enhancing their insurance knowledge and understanding. Why should it be different for anyone else selling insurance products?"
