Is an insurance agent's job stressful?

Asked by: Alejandra Russel  |  Last update: November 4, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (50 votes)

Life as an insurance agent often requires long work hours to meet different quotas and targets. This high-pressure work environment can result in stress and burnout, especially for those just learning the ropes.

Is being an insurance agent stressful?

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.

How difficult is an insurance agent?

Being an insurance agent isn't the easiest job in the world—stress and rejection come with the territory—but if you thrive in high-octane environments and enjoy working with people, you just might love it.

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).

Is working in insurance stressful?

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.

PROS & CONS OF BEING AN INSURANCE AGENT

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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.

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 percent of insurance agents fail?

A more accurate statement is that 93% of agents choose to leave within three years.

What is the daily life of an insurance agent?

A typical day in the life of an insurance agent begins with reviewing their daily schedule and planning out their day. They will be making phone calls to possible customers, setting appointments, meeting with clients, and following up with existing and new clients.

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.

What is the hardest insurance licensing exam?

Each insurance licensing exam presents its own challenge. Between Life and Health, students say that the Health insurance exam is the more difficult. Health insurance policies are simply more complicated than life insurance policies. The Property insurance exam is easier than the Casualty insurance exam.

Why is insurance so hard to learn?

Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for using complicated verbiage that is nearly impossible for policyholders to understand what is covered and excluded. Insurance companies are aware that policyholders don't understand the complex and lengthy legal text packed into policy pages.

What are the disadvantages 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.

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.

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.

Do insurance agents make 6 figures?

A life insurance agent's income potential is uncapped. Some of the highest earners make well over six figures each year, while others choose to work as part-time insurance agents to earn some extra cash.

What is the average age of insurance agents?

Insurance agents make on average $51,936 per year. The average age of an Employed insurance agent is 45.9 years old.

How long do most insurance agents last?

The burnout rate for life insurance sales agents is high. More than 90% of new agents quit the business within the first year. The rate increases to greater than 95% when extended to five years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What's a typical day like for an insurance agent?

The day of a captive insurance agent begins with arriving at the office, reviewing the schedule, and checking emails with important updates from clients or the company. Later, the agents usually review the insurance policies and products offered by their company, so they can be well-prepared for client inquiries.