Is it hard to be an insurance sales agent?

Asked by: Pietro Stanton  |  Last update: June 20, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes)

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. America's Professor is a leading national provider of comprehensive insurance pre-licensing courses.

Is being an insurance sales agent hard?

The profession is not easy. One must be wiling to have thick skin, make phone calls, network, run quotes, fill out applications, follow-up, collect money and provide exceptional customer service even when no money is made. An insurance agent must under stand that the income can be wonderful but also inconsistent.

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 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.

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 To Expect Your First 90 Days As An Insurance Agent!

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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.

Is life insurance the hardest thing to sell?

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.

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 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.

How many hours do insurance sales 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.

What is 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 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.

Is insurance sales high paying?

The best Insurance jobs can pay up to $188,000 per year.

You could be an insurance salesperson, who is responsible for getting clients to sign up for policies.

Do you have to be good at math to be an insurance agent?

Math. Because insurance relies on many financial principles, it's essential for insurance agents to possess competency with numbers. The ability to make error-free calculations and analyze numerical data about insurance trends can help agents perform their work more effectively.

Why do insurance agents earn so much?

Most professionals who sell insurance are paid largely on a commission basis. In fact, most agents aren't even employees of the carrier. More often than not, they're independent contractors who are compensated based on how much they sell, with higher commissions for certain types of products.

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.

Are insurance agents in high 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.

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.

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.

What is the disadvantages of being 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.

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.

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 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.

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.