Is anyone an Insurance sales agent?

Question

I am taking a class for property and casualty this coming weekend for a license and have an offer with a well known and respected company-I just really don't have clue what to expect salary wise and how many hours are required to make a decent salary? thanks!!

Answer 1

Samson,

First you need to understand there really is no such thing as a salary for a new insurance sales agent. Oh you might get a paycheck for a while but that "salary" is ultimately a function of your premium sales volume. Little or no sales results and it won't be long before you will be seeking another job.

As for hours it is not a 9 to 5 job where you put in the hours and go home. If you are selling personal lines you will probably have appointments at night and spend a fair amount of time seeking prospects after normal work hours. If you are going to be selling commercial lines you probably have a better chance at 9 to 5 business hours but may be competing for smaller premium accounts while you get your feet wet.

That being said if you are dedicated, willing to work and have the opportunity to work with an agency that will support you financially while you are learning and service the accounts you bring in it can be a great career.

Answer 2

Well, if it's SALARY, they should tell you, if you have an offer.  If they don't say "We'll pay you XYZ dollars" it's not a JOB offer.  But 95% of the jobs out there are straight commission.

And if you want to make $50,000 your first year, you'd better be prepared to work 80 hour weeks.

Answer 3

Just like with ANY career - that differs GREATLY by region. For a beginner....

When I worked in coastal NC,  I started at an agency -indoor office, of course at $10/hour - and that was an hourly wage with NO commission - the agent who owns the agency got all the commission....

When I worked in Michigan - near Detroit - they had proofreaders making $12/hour and the licensed agents made $20/hour + some commission.

Life & Health agents are typically the "on the road commisioned agents" you hear about that are commission only...I've never worked in a property&casualty environment & made commission only - until you own the agency, or course.

But I don't know what region you're in