Is it hard to be a successful insurance agent?
Asked by: Rhoda Powlowski | Last update: December 5, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (53 votes)
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.
What is the hardest part of being an insurance agent?
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.
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.
What is the success rate of insurance agents?
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 To Expect Your First 90 Days As An Insurance Agent!
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).
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?
- 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.
Which insurance license is hardest to get?
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.
How many insurance agents quit?
You Don't Get Fired As A Life Insurance Agent... You Quit. We often hear about the statistic that 93% of agents leave this business within the first three years, but one thing that struck me during the live session is that agents don't actually fail out of this business.
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 many insurance agents fail in the first year?
In fact, many agents new to insurance are fearful, knowing they face a high risk of failure. How many agents quit selling insurance? There isn't an exact number. But we figure somewhere between 90% and 95% of agents quit in their first 12 months of receiving their license.
Why is being an insurance agent so hard?
Being an insurance agent can be quite stressful due to the high-pressure environment of sales jobs and the need to meet quotas. The uncertainty of income and the hard work required to build and maintain client relationships add to the stress levels.
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 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 hard to learn to be an insurance agent?
Truth #1: Being an insurance agent is hard work.
“You don't have to be extremely experienced in insurance, but you do need a solid work ethic along with the ability to learn.” For a heavily regulated industry like insurance, this advice is vital.
Why are insurance exams so hard?
The state insurance license exam covers a lot of information: types of policies; policy riders, provisions, options, and exclusions; completing the application, underwriting, and delivering the policies; and taxes, retirement, and other insurance concepts. Preparation is the key to passing the insurance licensing exam.
What's the hardest license to get?
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) takes the top spot as the most challenging exam in the US, with an average preparation time ranging from 200 to 400 hours for each of its three steps.
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.
How hard is it to sell insurance?
Life insurance is a very difficult product to sell. Simply getting your prospect to acknowledge and discuss the fact they are going to die is a hard first step. When and if you clear that hurdle, your next task is creating urgency so they buy right away.
Is there a demand for insurance agents?
Job Outlook
Employment of insurance sales agents is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
What is the best insurance to sell to make money?
Life Insurance Policies
Financial Rewards: Selling life insurance can be highly lucrative, often offering substantial commissions. Emotional Fulfillment: Life insurance agents provide crucial support during clients' major life events, building meaningful relationships.
What is the best insurance company to work for as an agent?
Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance Group is another American insurance company that sales agents and employees find best to work for. It offers a comprehensive range of insurance products and financial services, including auto, home, renters, life, and business insurance among others.
Which state pays insurance agents the most?
Best-Paying States for Insurance Sales Agents
The states and districts that pay Insurance Sales Agents the highest mean salary are New York ($108,960), New Jersey ($106,910), Illinois ($105,150), Minnesota ($100,750), and Massachusetts ($100,590).