Do independent insurance agents make money?
Asked by: Jeff Collins | Last update: September 25, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (17 votes)
What do most independent insurance agents make?
The estimated total pay for a Independent Insurance Agent is $264,009 per year, with an average salary of $128,304 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
Is an independent insurance agent worth it?
There are no extra costs when working with an independent agent, and it can save the customer time by allowing the agency to shop for quotes from multiple insurance companies. An independent agent may be able to find a better deal for your insurance needs than you can.
Is it hard to make money as an insurance agent?
While it is possible to earn a significant income by selling insurance, becoming ``rich'' solely from insurance sales is not guaranteed. Insurance agents earn commissions on policies they sell, and building a strong client base and specialization can contribute to higher income potential.
How do independent life insurance agents get paid?
Independent Agents Get Paid via Commission
Since the agent has no allegiance to the carrier(s) they represent, they are not paid an hourly wage to market and sell the insurance products they carry contracts for. However, when the agent does make a sale, the commissions can be much more lucrative than salary alone.
If I Wanted to Become a Millionaire In 2025, I'd Do This
Can selling life insurance be a side hustle?
Looking to make some extra cash on the side? Now's the perfect time to start selling insurance! While we would never recommend going into any profession solely for the money, some people do enjoy earning something a little extra on top of their primary income.
Do independent insurance agents charge a fee?
Fees and taxes are set by the insurance company, and in CA, agents selling admitted insurance policies are not allowed to add any additional agent/broker fees.
What are the cons of being an insurance agent?
- Unpredictable income. Working in a commission-based role has its drawbacks. ...
- High-pressure work environment. Selling insurance can be stressful. ...
- Finding new leads can be challenging. ...
- Limited paid time off. ...
- Experiencing a lot of rejection.
What type of insurance sales makes the most money?
While there are many kinds of insurance (ranging from auto insurance to health insurance), the most lucrative career in the insurance field is for those selling life insurance.
How many policies does an insurance agent sell per month?
How many policies does an insurance agent sell? According to the financial reports, the Official Number is 2.5 policies per month. However, many people just do it part-time.
Is it better to be a captive or independent insurance agent?
Becoming an independent agent offers numerous advantages over a captive agent, including the ability to represent multiple carriers, support when needed, being your own boss, and the potential for higher commission rates and earning potential.
How much do home insurance agents make per policy?
For auto and home policies, captive insurance agents earn about 5% to 10% of the entire premiums paid for the first year, while independent agents receive about 15%. Commission rates for renewals range between 2% and 15%, averaging around 2% to 5%, regardless of the type of agent.
Is it stressful to be an insurance agent?
Insurance agents often face pressure to achieve their goals while simultaneously providing exceptional customer service, meeting sales quotas, and staying abreast of industry regulations. This, combined with the responsibility of safeguarding clients' financial well-being, can make for a stressful work environment.
Do insurance agents make passive income?
Best of all, life insurance agents get paid commission renewals for as long as a sold policy is in force. This creates a passive income stream.
Why did I quit being an insurance agent?
There's two big reasons why insurance agents quit: they don't feel valued, and they aren't given the technology they need to do their jobs well. In addition, managing commissions while hitting performance goals is a stressful part of the job for many insurance agents.
What is the hardest insurance to sell?
Life insurance is the most profitable—and the hardest—type of insurance to sell.
Why are insurance agents so rich?
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.
How to become an independent life insurance agent?
- Decide what types of insurance you want to sell. ...
- Check with your state's licensing requirements. ...
- Take the appropriate insurance exams. ...
- Submit your application and complete a background check. ...
- Apply with insurance companies to represent them.
What is the hardest part of being an insurance agent?
What is the hardest part of being an insurance agent? The hardest part of being an insurance agent often revolves around the constant need for lead generation and sales. Many agents struggle with the cold calling aspect, where rejection is frequent, and maintaining a steady stream of new clients can be challenging.
Why do most life insurance agents fail?
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. Agents who bring the right solutions to customers build trust, and that helps them build a book of loyal customers.
Why is selling insurance so hard?
There is a very high turnover rate in insurance sales & you have to constantly keep up with rules changing, plan changes, etc. Being a broker means you can offer people the plan that works best for their needs, not just shove the one company you're contracted with in their face knowing better is actually out there.
Why do insurance companies use independent agents?
An independent agent is licensed and authorized to sell multiple insurance companies' products. Because they're not bound to one insurance company, they're able to do the shopping for you and provide a variety of quotes to find you the perfect blend of coverage, price and service.
What is the commission rate for independent agents?
Commissions can vary widely, but it's common for independent carriers to pay 12% to 15% on new business and 10% to 12% on renewals. So, being independent and working with more insurance carriers will almost always mean you'll make more money.
Are independent insurance agents self employed?
Self-employed individuals (including self-employed independent insurance agents) don't have payroll withholdings, so they are generally required to pay estimated taxes every quarter.