What is the hardest part of selling life insurance?

Asked by: Griffin Bashirian  |  Last update: July 30, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (57 votes)

Building trust with potential clients is perhaps the most demanding part of selling insurance. It requires more than just pitching policies and presenting numbers; it's about establishing a personal connection, actively listening to their concerns, and providing them with comprehensive solutions.

Why is life insurance so hard to sell?

Selling insurance is difficult for a number of reasons. Most of the time when people buy something it is tangible and they can see it in front of them where with insurance it is not. The buyer is purchasing something that covers risk which many do not believe they need to pay for until something goes wrong.

Why do most life insurance agents fail?

New life agents fail because of how life insurance commissions are paid. Life agents can receive up to 110% of a policies first year commission. This can lead to a high income but once you run out of your natural market it is hard to maintain that level of activity.

Is life insurance sales stressful?

Insurance sales jobs are highly stressful with little pay guarantee and is an industry with a high quit rate. To be successful in the industry, new agents should understand the skills and attributes that are common among top producers.

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 Hard Is It In A Career Selling Life Insurance?

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Is selling life insurance worth it?

Is Selling Life Insurance a Good Way to Make Money? You can make a good living selling life insurance, especially if you continue to earn commissions on policies you have already sold. However, it is not an easy career, as it requires constantly working to find leads, build relationships, and make sales.

Why did I quit being a life insurance agent?

There's two big reasons why insurance agents quit: they don't feel valued, and they aren't given the technology they need to do their jobs well. In addition, managing commissions while hitting performance goals is a stressful part of the job for many insurance agents.

How fast can you make money selling life insurance?

Most businesses don't make any profit in their first year of operating. It could take anywhere from 18 to 24 months for your insurance sales to actually provide profit. Don't feel discouraged. Every small business owner has to clear this hurdle.

What is the most lucrative 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 much do life insurance salesman make per sale?

Commission structures vary by policy and company. But typically, life insurance agents receive as commission 60% to 80% of the premiums you pay in the first year. They collect smaller commissions in subsequent years. Added up, 5% to 10% of all the premiums you pay over the life of the policy could go to commissions.

How many people quit selling insurance?

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.

Which life insurance agents make the most money?

Top paying companies in Insurance for Life Insurance Agent are National Agents Alliance, New York Life, and National Income Life.

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.

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.

Can you become rich selling life insurance?

If you have a great work ethic and are willing to place yourself out there to establish relationships with clients, you will get more opportunities to earn a higher income. Selling insurance may even make you a millionaire.

How to successfully sell life insurance?

12 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL LIFE INSURANCE SALES PRESENTATION
  1. GET TO KNOW YOUR CLIENT. ...
  2. PERSONALIZE YOUR PRESENTATION. ...
  3. TURN OBJECTIONS INTO SELLING OPPORTUNITIES. ...
  4. USE VISUALS. ...
  5. ASK YOUR CLIENT QUESTIONS. ...
  6. HELP THEM SOLVE A PROBLEM. ...
  7. INCLUDE COMPETITORS. ...
  8. CREATE A REPORT YOUR CLIENT CAN KEEP.

What type of insurance pays the most commission?

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.

Can you make a good living selling life insurance?

Earning Potential in Life Insurance Sales

Life insurance agents have the potential to make a good living especially when they are successful and have a passion for their work. Compensation from life insurance sales usually comes from commissions and bonuses as a result of the policies sold.

Which insurance is most profitable?

An analysis of financial statements of insurance companies shows that LIC India, SBI Life and HDFC Life are the most profitable life insurance companies in FY 2024.

Can selling life insurance be a side hustle?

Earn Supplemental Income

Looking to make some extra cash on the side? Now's the perfect time to start selling insurance! While we would never recommend going into any profession solely for the money, some people do enjoy earning something a little extra on top of their primary income.

What is the average commission for life insurance?

The most common way life insurance agents make money is through commissions. Generally, agents receive front-loaded commissions of 40% to up to 115% of the policy's first-year premiums, although the figure for renewals falls steeply to about 1% or 2%.

Why did I quit being an insurance agent?

#1 Low Motivation

To be a thriving insurance agent, you have to want to succeed. Failure to work hard is one of the top reasons people in this industry want to call it quits. While it's true that this job isn't easy, it's also true that it can be very rewarding when you allow it to be.

How many hours does the average life insurance agent work?

New agents do not have set hours, you plan your own schedule and you will be working 40+ a week. Depends on how well you manage your time.

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.

What is the average age of a life insurance agent?

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