Can anyone help me with starting as an insurance agent? What do I expect?

Like any other business, the Insurance business is tough to start, requires a lot of work, and has the potential to be one of the most lucrative careers out there. I have been a Life Insurance Agent / Financial Planner since graduating from College in 1994. I wouldn't trade it for anything. My first year in the business, I made less than $20,000 - now I average more than that every month! Find a good company, Find a good agency to work through, and study study study. Don't ever let yourself become stagnant in your knowledge and always strive to grow your practice vertically - find wealthier and wealthier clients to work with. You don't want to spend your entire career sitting at kitchen tables at 8:00 at night, but that's where you have to start. As in any other sales career, the more success you have, the more you find yourself separated from some of the other sales people around you because of their jealousy, but then the more success you will have. Don't learn their bad habits and you'll be one of the great ones.

I can't think of another career that I would find as rewarding - there is no other feeling on earth like being there for someone at the death of a loved one - one of the worst times in their life - and being the only person there who can deliver solutions - everybody else, the attorney, the funeral director, the business partners are all looking for money - I'm delivering it. I'm allowing families to rebuild their lives without the added stress of financial problems. That's worth more to me than I could ever earn. I'm making a tangible difference in peoples lives - how many other businesses can actually say that?

I have been an agent since I got out of college, about 20 years. The industry has changed a lot. The public is tough and the money is about average. You have to like people, good or bad and sales are always involved in greater recognition. You should be someone who can study a lot of information because liability is a concern for employers if you misinform a client or customer. Insurance is borderline studying law and add into it, customer service and sales! It is a hard business. I wouldn't do it again!

Do you like being pushy, cold calling, and working all hours? You also need to go to "school" and afterwards pass an exam. That costs hundreds of dollars so hopefully you have extra cash. Those are some of the things you can expect.

I assume you are interested in selling for American Family or State Farm? They are always looking for new agents as many don't make it in the business. Check out various company websites and inquire with the sales manager for your area.

What state are you in? Check out Prosource for course and exam information.

I think it varies from state to state. I got appointed two years ago in Alabama for life and health. I sat for a 40 hours class then took my exam [3 hrs]. They highest cost is Errors and Omission insurance

Lots of hours & hard work. Working for straight commission eventually is the most lucrative way to go, but it takes a few years of cold calls & pounding the pavement to establish a firm base.

Insurance is a tough industry!!

Big on lay offs but worth the money while it lasts!