Why do we need insurance agents?

Asked by: Lera Stamm DVM  |  Last update: November 16, 2025
Score: 5/5 (63 votes)

Big changes in your life can happen in the blink of an eye. Sometimes those changes can impact your auto or home insurance needs. Independent insurance agents offer their clients expertise to make sure their insurance coverage matches their specific insurance needs.

What is the point of an insurance agent?

Insurance agents work with clients including business owners and benefits decision-makers to develop the right coverage plans for their needs. They help owners and employees wade through the sometimes intimidating world of insurance.

How do insurance agents help people?

Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. These agents explain various insurance policies and help clients choose the plans that suit them.

What is the goal of an insurance agent?

Client acquisition and retention goals are fundamental for insurance agents as they directly impact revenue and market share. These goals might include strategies for expanding your client base through networking, referrals, and leveraging social media platforms.

What is the role of an insurance agent?

What does an Insurance Agent do? Insurance Agents help insurance companies generate new business by contacting potential customers and selling one or more types of policies. They explain various plans to clients, guiding them in selecting a policy that suits their needs best.

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How do insurance agents make money?

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. When agents sell a new policy, they earn a higher commission rate compared to when that policy is renewed.

What are insurance agents 2 basic duties?

Insurance Agent Duties

Interviewing potential clients who have expressed interest in buying insurance in order to collect relevant data about their financial status and existing coverage. Explaining the ins and outs of various policies to potential new customers and existing clients.

Do insurance agents help with claims?

Agents help by explaining the claims process, answering any questions as well as helping the policyholder complete paperwork. Agents give policyholders a more accurate idea as to what to expect going forward in the claims process.

How much do insurance agents make per policy?

The average commission rate for insurance agents ranges from 10% to 20%, with some agents earn as much as 30% or more. For example, if an agent sells a policy with a $1,200 annual premium, and the commission rate is 15%, the agent would earn $180 per policy.

What is the function of insurance agency?

Agency functions of commercial banks are like collecting interest, dividends, payment of rent or insurance, the conduct of stock exchange, transactions, and acting as executor trustees, and attorneys; these banks also advise their customers about investment.

What do customers want from an insurance agent?

They want accurate information from their agent, available with just a single phone call. Consumers also expect the information they gather from their insurance agent to be tailored to their situation. They want empathy, advice, and meaningful information.

Do insurance agents get benefits?

Independent Agents Pay for Their Benefits

An independent agent has to pay for their own health, life, and retirement policies. They also do not receive paid time off, as they make their own schedules and work on their own time.

How does insurance help people?

Insurance is an important financial tool. It can help you live life with fewer worries knowing you'll receive financial assistance after a disaster or accident, helping you recover faster.

Do you pay more for an insurance agent?

Fact: The insurance company pays the commission. You will pay the same amount for your health plan whether you use an insurance agent or buy it yourself. The difference is an agent can save you hours of time wading through choices.

Do insurance agents work when they want?

You set your own hours, and you're responsible for growing your business how you want. The flexibility and entrepreneurship that come with being an agent are why working in the insurance industry is so fulfilling for many insurance professionals.

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.

Who is the highest paid insurance agent?

Gideon du Plessis failed in the 10th standard and never went to college. He is today the highest earning insurance agent in the world, with annual commissions amounting to Rs 7 crore (Rs 70 million) plus.

Is insurance agent a stressful job?

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.

How many hours 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 purpose of an insurance agent?

Insurance agents are salespeople for insurance providers. Their role is to help find insurance customers and to help those customers find the right types of coverage for their needs.

Is insurance claims a good career?

Demand for insurance adjusters: This is a guaranteed long-term career because of ever-growing insurance claims. You can earn an annual salary in the $45k to $80k range through direct employment. This figure can rise to over $100k if you become an independent claims adjuster.

Can my insurance agent file a claim for me?

Insurance agents are familiar with the claims process, but aren't licensed to assist in it. That is left up to licensed insurance adjusters who work for the claims department of your car insurance company.

What if my insurance agent makes a mistake?

Making mistakes.

An agent owes a duty to use reasonable diligence and care in conducting business with its insurers. An insurer may be held liable for an agent's error in processing an insured's request for coverage, but the insurer may then have a right to seek indemnification from the agent.

What do insurance agents get paid?

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.

What not to do as an insurance agent?

Don't: Sell on Social Media. Insurance and financial services agents are limited to what and how they can advertise their products and services. For example, cold calling and going door-to-door are no-nos, as are soliciting at colleges, clinics, and certain places.