How do you get a job selling life insurance?

Asked by: Elton Nitzsche  |  Last update: October 2, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (48 votes)

You'll need to complete your state's pre-licensing education requirements, pass an insurance licensing exam, apply for a license with your state, receive a National Producer Number (NPN), and then either find a job with a life insurance company or start your own.

Is it hard to get into selling life insurance?

It is a very difficult occupation but, if you can do it, it can be extremely rewarding. I am not just talking about income. Every year, in virtually every state, 100s or 1000s of people take the insurance license exam. Of the ones that pass, a small % are eventually successful.

What are the qualifications to sell your life insurance policy?

The life insurance policy must have a face value of $100,000 or more. The life insurance policy must be transferable. Most types of life insurance policies can qualify if the sale is allowed by the original contract of the insurance carrier.

What do you need to work in life insurance?

How to become a life insurance agent
  • Earn a high school diploma or GED. Life insurance agents need to have a high school diploma or a GED in order to earn their insurance license. ...
  • Research licensing requirements. ...
  • Complete licensing requirements. ...
  • Pass licensing exam. ...
  • Consider additional licenses.

How much do you make on a life insurance sale?

For every policy sold, the insurance agent earns a large upfront commission. This rate can range from 40% to 100% of the first-year premium, the amount the policyholder pays for the policy. The rate is set by the insurance company, and each state has its own commission limits.

How to start selling life insurance: The complete beginners guide.

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Is selling life insurance a good hustle?

In our opinion, it doesn't hurt that insurance is a lucrative business. You can gain commissions on the plans that you sell, so it's entirely up to you how much you want to hustle. You can also make more money with consistent renewals, so it pays in the long run to have loyal clients.

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.

How to become an insurance agent from home?

How to Become an Online Insurance Agent. The minimum qualifications to become an online insurance agent include a high school diploma and strong interpersonal communication skills. You also need a state license to sell insurance, which entails completing coursework and taking exams.

Does life insurance require an exam?

Yes, there are life insurance policies that do not require a medical exam, typically called "no-exam life insurance" or "simplified-issue life insurance." These policies are designed to offer a more convenient and streamlined application process for individuals who prefer to avoid medical exams or have specific health ...

Are life insurance agents in demand?

Job Outlook

Employment of insurance sales agents is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 47,100 openings for insurance sales agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

How do I learn to sell life insurance?

You'll need to complete your state's pre-licensing education requirements, pass an insurance licensing exam, apply for a license with your state, receive a National Producer Number (NPN), and then either find a job with a life insurance company or start your own.

What is the downside of selling your life insurance policy?

Not all proceeds received from the sale of your life insurance policy are tax-free. It is important to know that the proceeds you receive from a life settlement may be accessible by your creditors.

Can you sell life insurance at home?

Yes, you can sell life insurance from home. You'll need a state license to sell life insurance, and you may need a business license from your state or municipality as well. 51 A computer, high-speed internet connection, printer, and phone will allow you to work productively and meet virtually with clients.

How fast can you make money selling life insurance?

In the first year, a life insurance agent can earn anywhere from 30% to 90% of this premium, along with 5% to 10% of premiums paid in later years.

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.

What's the best insurance to sell?

Life insurance is the most profitable—and the hardest—type of insurance to sell. With the highest premiums and the longest-running contract, it brings in cash over a long period of time. In the first year, agents make the largest annual sum on a policy, bringing in anywhere from 40–120% of the policy premium.

How many people pass the insurance exam?

The pass rate for the Property and Casualty Insurance Exam typically ranges around 50-60%.

What are they looking for in a life insurance urine test?

Blood and urine samples: These tests check for various health indicators, including cholesterol levels, blood sugar, nicotine use, and potential diseases. Medical history review: The examiner will ask basic health questions about your personal and family history, lifestyle habits, and current prescriptions.

What is a rate class?

Rate Class is the risk category assigned to an individual when they purchase life insurance, based on factors like health, age, lifestyle, and family history. This class affects the premium amount, with healthier individuals generally receiving better rate classes and lower premiums.

Can I be an insurance agent as a side hustle?

You may find that the insurance industry can be a very profitable way to work for yourself, have a flexible schedule, and help the people you work with! A part-time insurance business is a great way to dip your toes in the water and find out if it's right for you.

Do insurance agents get paid a lot?

Insurance agents earn a mean annual salary of $79,650 or an hourly rate of $37, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While starting wages can be significantly lower than this number, industry veterans with an established client network can easily earn a six-figure salary.

Can you work remotely as a life insurance agent?

As a remote insurance agent, you work from home to increase the sales of insurance policies. This often includes auto, life, home, health, travel, and other forms of insurance.

Why do most life insurance agents quit?

Research shows (opens in a new window) that 80% of finance and insurance agents feel they aren't valued at work; they feel they are “only evaluated on what went wrong or could have been done better.” This is a major issue for finding and retaining top talent, which is more important than ever (opens in a new window).

Which insurance license makes the most money?

The Top Five Highest-Paying Insurance Career Jobs In 2024
  • Insurance Agent.
  • Insurance Underwriter.
  • Actuary.
  • Personal Finance Advisors.
  • Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators.

How many hours a day do insurance agents work?

Insurance Agents generally work between 40 to 50 hours per week, but this can fluctuate depending on client needs, policy renewals, and sales goals. Many agents have the flexibility to set their own schedules, which can lead to working evenings or weekends to accommodate clients.