Is it stressful to be an insurance agent?
Asked by: Hal Koss | Last update: October 2, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (11 votes)
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 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).
What are the disadvantages 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.
My First 90 Days To Six Figures As An Insurance Agent
Why is selling insurance so 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.
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.
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 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 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.
Is the insurance exam hard?
An insurance licensure exam is one of the most difficult tests to take because of the range of topics covered. Data gathered by professional licensing resource website State Requirement shows the passing rate to be around 60%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What are the cons of being an insurance agent?
Cons of working in insurance sales
For some people, the thought of earning commissions is appealing. For others, it can cause stress and worry about their future financial situation. New insurance agents often work long hours to build and strengthen relationships and get their names out in the industry.
How many hours a day 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.
What is the average age for insurance agent?
Insurance agents make on average $51,936 per year. The average age of an Employed insurance agent is 45.9 years old.
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.
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.
Who is the richest insurance agents?
- 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.
Is selling insurance a stressful job?
Being an insurance agent can be a rewarding career, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its share of frustrations. Like any job, selling insurance comes with pressure to perform and job related stress.
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.
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.