How Hard is it to Earn a Living as an Insurance Agent? (2024)

FAQs

How Hard is it to Earn a Living as an Insurance Agent? ›

It is not easy to make a living in insurance, but it is not as hard as you might think. As with any type of sales, becoming an insurance agent can be one of the best paying hard jobs or a terrible paying easy job. Dedicated agents will become successful at insurance sales, just like at any other job.

You can make a good living selling life insurance, especially if you continue to earn commissions on policies you have already sold. However, it is not an easy career, as it requires constantly working to find leads, build relationships, and make sales.

Life insurance agents might be given a small salary to get started but are otherwise primarily dependent on commissions to make a living. Finding potential customers is difficult and time-consuming; getting those customers to make a purchase once you track them down is even harder.

Commission structures vary by policy and company. But typically, life insurance agents receive as commission 60% to 80% of the premiums you pay in the first year. They collect smaller commissions in subsequent years. Added up, 5% to 10% of all the premiums you pay over the life of the policy could go to commissions.

An agent who is only out to earn a commission, regardless of the needs of the client, is not likely to last long in the business. Agents and brokers who listen carefully to what their clients and prospects say will be able to earn their trust, which is the hardest part of their job.

Most businesses don't make any profit in their first year of operating. It could take anywhere from 18 to 24 months for your insurance sales to actually provide profit. Don't feel discouraged. Every small business owner has to clear this hurdle.

#1 Low Motivation

To be a thriving insurance agent, you have to want to succeed. Failure to work hard is one of the top reasons people in this industry want to call it quits. While it's true that this job isn't easy, it's also true that it can be very rewarding when you allow it to be.

It isn't the most glamorous profession, and it often gets associated with pushy salespeople that force their products down your throat. But here is the reality: there is a lot of money in the money business! The financial services industry has created more millionaires than any other industry.

Why do most life insurance agents fail? ›

Insurance agents succeed when they prioritize their customers' needs over their own profits. The most commonly cited reason insurance agents fail is that they fail to listen to their customers and take the time to find the best product to suit their needs.

One of the primary reasons insurance agents can accumulate wealth is their commission-based income structure. Unlike salaried employees, agents earn a percentage of the premiums they sell to clients. As they build a client base and generate more sales, their income potential increases.

Becoming an insurance agent can be a great side hustle for those looking to earn extra income while helping others and growing personally. With a bit of training and networking, you can start building your client base and earning commissions in no time.

Yes, selling insurance can be a good career for independent workers with strong sales skills. Sales agents often earn bonuses and commission, so their income potential depends on their talent.

Remember, it's not just about selling policies; it's about building meaningful relationships with your clients. By implementing these strategies and consistently improving your skills and knowledge, you can become a top-performing insurance agent and achieve great success in the industry.