Why is it so hard to be an insurance agent?
Asked by: Dr. Micheal Gorczany | Last update: July 18, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (14 votes)
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).
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.
What percent of insurance agents fail?
A more accurate statement is that 93% of agents choose to leave within three years.
My First 90 Days To Six Figures As An Insurance Agent
Why is selling insurance so hard?
Selling insurance can be stressful. It requires long work hours. You can also experience constant pressure to meet different quotas and targets. The highly competitive nature of the profession can create a work environment that often leads to stress and burnout.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
Why is insurance so hard to learn?
Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for using complicated verbiage that is nearly impossible for policyholders to understand what is covered and excluded. Insurance companies are aware that policyholders don't understand the complex and lengthy legal text packed into policy pages.
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.
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%.
What skills do insurance agents need?
- Analytical skills. Insurance sales agents must evaluate the needs of each client to determine the appropriate insurance policy.
- Communication skills. Insurance sales agents must listen to clients and be able to clearly explain suitable policies.
- Initiative. ...
- Interpersonal skills. ...
- Self-confidence.
What is passive income for insurance agents?
Residual income is also called passive or recurring income. These are commissions tied to premium payments. The insurance company receives a commission by the time of the sale, then the agent receives an additional payment every time the policy holder renews the policy.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 do Allstate agents get paid?
Insurance Agents get paid a commission (percentage of your premium) from your insurance carrier. You do not pay insurance agents directly. Instead, every time you make a premium payment, the insurance carrier pays the set commission rate to the agent or agency.