How hard is it to become an insurance salesman?

Asked by: Teresa Rodriguez  |  Last update: June 22, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (36 votes)

Insurance agent requirements Licensing requirements vary from state to stay but you are generally required to take a course and pass your state's licensing exam. You will need a license for each type of license you sell, so you may need to obtain multiple licenses if you want to sell many different kinds of insurance.

Is it hard to become an insurance sales agent?

A lot goes into working as an insurance agent, starting with paying for and completing a state-approved insurance course and passing a licensing exam. In some states, you'll need an employer to sponsor you. And to maintain your license, you'll have to complete continuing education and periodically renew it.

Is it hard to work in insurance sales?

However, it can also be stressful, as sales targets and client expectations can sometimes be demanding. The job requires patience, persistence, and empathy, as you navigate through various policies and ensure clients understand their options.

Do insurance salesmen make a lot of money?

As per ZipRecruiter, as of Oct 17, 2024, the average annual pay for a Licensed Insurance Agent in the United States is $71,292 a year. Generally, an insurance agent makes money via commissions. It's the most common form of compensation for insurance agents.

Is insurance selling hard?

There are many challenges facing new life insurance agents. The pay is usually straight commission. Finding qualified customers yourself is notoriously difficult, and the few leads that your company may give you have usually been contacted by dozens of agents already.

How Hard Is It In A Career Selling Life Insurance?

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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.

Is selling insurance a side hustle?

Selling insurance as a side hustle offers a flexible and potentially lucrative opportunity to earn extra income. Whether you're a stay-at-home parent, a college student, or a full-time employee looking to boost your earnings, becoming an insurance agent can provide a rewarding way to achieve your financial goals.

How many hours 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.

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.

What kind of insurance agent gets paid the most?

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.

What are the cons of being an insurance agent?

Cons of a career selling insurance
  • 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.

How stressful is insurance sales?

High-stress levels

The insurance industry can be a demanding and highly competitive field. Insurance agents often face pressure to achieve their goals while simultaneously providing exceptional customer service, meeting sales quotas, and staying abreast of industry regulations.

What is the most lucrative 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.

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.

Do insurance agents get a base salary?

Insurance agents usually make money through commissions, with the commission amount often depending on the type and number of insurance policies they have sold and whether these policies are new or renewals.

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.

How many policies does an insurance agent sell per month?

About on average 25 to 40 per month. 2.5 policies per month is the Official Number from the financial reports. But many people do it part time. 10 on average.

Who is the richest insurance agents?

Insurance Billionaires
  • Berkshire Hathaway's, Warren Buffet. ...
  • Patrick Ryan of the Ryan Specialty Group. ...
  • Erie Indemnity Chairman, Thomas Hagen. ...
  • W.R. Berkley's William R. ...
  • Mark and Robyn Jones of Goosehead Insurance. ...
  • Brown & Brown's, J. ...
  • Mercury General's, George Joseph. ...
  • Henry Engelhardt of the Admiral Group.

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.

Can you make a living as an insurance agent?

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median income for insurance sales agents (all types) in the US is $49,840 per year, or $23.96 per hour. This is 37% more than the national median income ($31,133) for workers in all other industries.

What skills do insurance agents need?

Important Qualities
  • Analytical skills. Insurance sales agents must evaluate the needs of each client to determine the appropriate insurance policy.
  • Communication skills. Insurance sales agents must listen to clients and be able to clearly explain suitable policies.
  • Initiative. ...
  • Interpersonal skills. ...
  • Self-confidence.

Do insurance agents get paid good?

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that insurance agents earn a mean annual salary of $79,650 or an hourly rate of $37. While wages for entry-level professionals can be significantly lower, industry veterans with an established customer network can earn salaries that can reach six-figures.

How do insurance salesmen get paid?

Agents typically get paid through commissions, which are a percentage of the insurance premium or on a federally regulated standard. This doesn't mean you should always try and sell the most expensive policy.

Do introverts make good insurance agents?

Introverts possess a range of strengths that are often overlooked in the insurance industry. These professionals excel in areas that require deep thinking, focused work, and the ability to build strong, trust-based relationships.

What is the best side hustle income?

Some of the most profitable side hustle ideas to make extra money include:
  • Starting a dropshipping business.
  • Selling your own handcrafted products.
  • Creating and selling your own designs.
  • Selling digital marketing services through freelance work.
  • Teaching an online course.
  • Starting an affiliate marketing business.