Is it hard to learn to be an insurance agent?

Asked by: Alexis Purdy  |  Last update: December 29, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (21 votes)

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.

Is becoming an insurance agent hard?

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.

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).

How long does it take to learn insurance?

Depending on your pace, the process can take between 2 and 8 weeks before your insurance license gets released. You will be spending the bulk of this time completing your pre-licensing course, which requires attending 20 to 40 hours of classes, and studying for the licensure exam.

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 To Expect Your First 90 Days As An Insurance Agent!

26 related questions found

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.

Is the insurance exam hard?

The pass rate for the Property and Casualty Insurance Exam typically ranges around 50-60%. This percentage can fluctuate based on the testing year and location. The right preparation can make all the difference: ExamFX candidates report a 93% overall licensing exam pass rate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do insurance agents get paid good?

As of early 2023, the average annual pay for a Life insurance agent in the United States was $83,442 a year. The top four paying states for Life insurance agents are New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Life agents in these states earn higher salaries than the national average.

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.

How much do insurance agents make per home 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.

How much money do you need to start a home insurance company?

Depending on the size and structure of the business, industry experts estimate startup capital of between $50,000 and $500,000, possibly even more.

Which insurance license is the hardest?

Which insurance test is the toughest? 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.

How to study for an insurance license?

Keep reading for tried-and-tested tips on how to study for the insurance exam.
  1. Enroll in an exam prep course. ...
  2. Map out a study plan. ...
  3. Test your knowledge with practice quizzes (but don't overly rely on them). ...
  4. Know what to expect on exam day. ...
  5. Get Ready for Your Life and Health Insurance Exam with America's Professor.

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.

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.

Does selling insurance pay well?

How much does a Selling Insurance make? As of Jan 17, 2025, the average annual pay for a Selling Insurance in the United States is $78,517 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $37.75 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,509/week or $6,543/month.