Being a part-time insurance agent is a great option for those looking to supplement their income or gain experience in the industry as it offers a very flexible schedule. A part-time insurance agent sells insurance policies on a part-time basis, and while it can be great, there are some drawbacks.
As an independent insurance broker, I often tell people who are looking to get into the insurance field to consider being a part-time insurance agent. Selling insurance part-time offers a flexible schedule and is a great way to earn experience in the industry or supplement income.
However, there are some downsides, such as potentially having a lower income and limited opportunities for advancement. In this article, we will discuss the perks, qualifications and requirements needed, income and earnings, and how to find opportunities as a part-time insurance agent. Let’s get started!
13 Perks Of Being A Part-Time Insurance Agent
Starting a career as an insurance agent can be a great opportunity for those looking to work in a flexible and lucrative field. While some agents choose to work full-time, others prefer the flexibility of working part-time. This can be especially appealing for those who have other commitments or would like to supplement their income.
Try It Out: Becoming a part-time insurance agent is a low-risk way to see if the job is right for you. You can learn which insurance products and companies you like and start building relationships with clients. You can also help friends and family who need insurance, which can be a good way to start.
Keep Your Other Job: You don’t have to quit your other job to sell insurance part-time. You can make your own schedule and work around your other commitments. Some clients may even prefer to meet in the evenings or on weekends, so your other job won’t be affected. Just make sure to let clients know when you’re available.
Make Extra Money: Selling insurance can be a way to earn extra cash. You’ll make most of your money from commissions, so the more you work, the more you’ll earn.
Get Support: You don’t have to do it alone, even as a part-time agent. There are organizations that can help you, like SIAA which is a cluster or master insurance agency designed to help new agents in the P&C field. They can help you get appointed with insurance companies and provide you with tools, resources, and training. You can still get support even if you’re not a full-time agent.
When I started in the insurance industry I kept my part-time job as I built my book of business. It took a few years to make enough money consistently to quit my other job and focus full time on insurance. It’s not a bad thing to do insurance sales on the side while you build it up!
Here are a few more tips for success as a part-time insurance agent:
Network: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and network with other agents. This can help you learn from others, build relationships, and find new clients.
Specialize: Consider specializing in a particular type of insurance, such as life insurance or health insurance. This can help you become an expert in a specific area and attract clients who are looking for that type of coverage.
Use Technology: Utilize technology to streamline your business and make it easier to reach clients. For example, use a CRM to manage client information, automate follow-up tasks, and communicate with clients.
Provide Excellent Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service and go above and beyond to meet the needs of your clients. This can help you build a strong reputation and attract new business through referrals.
Stay Organized: Stay organized and keep track of your appointments, client information, and follow-up tasks. Use a planner or a scheduling app to keep yourself on track.
Continuously Educate Yourself: Stay up-to-date with changes in the insurance industry, regulations, and products by taking courses, attending seminars, and reading industry publications.
Offer Added Value: Offer added value to your clients by providing them with information, resources, and tools that can help them make informed decisions about their insurance coverage.
Build A Strong Online Presence: Build a strong online presence by creating a professional website, using social media, and engaging with clients and prospects online.
Focus On Building Relationships: Focus on building strong relationships with your clients by regularly communicating with them, following up with them, and understanding their needs.
Qualifications And Requirements
As an insurance agent, I can tell you that there are qualifications and requirements you must meet to sell insurance–even if it’s only part-time. Typically, a high school diploma or its equivalent is the minimum education required.
However, many insurance companies prefer to hire agents with a college degree, particularly in business or a related field.
In addition to education, experience in the insurance industry or a related field can be beneficial. This can include previous experience as an insurance agent or working in a customer service or sales role. Another key requirement for becoming a part-time insurance agent is obtaining the proper licensing and certification.
Each state has its own regulations and requirements, but in general, a licensing exam must be passed and continuing education courses must be completed on a regular basis to maintain the license.
As for the job responsibilities, a part-time insurance agent’s main role is to sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses. This can include life, health, auto, and homeowners insurance, among others.
The agent must have good knowledge of the products offered by their company and be able to explain them to potential customers. They also need to be able to identify the customer’s needs and provide recommendations on coverage options.
The amount of time required to fulfill these responsibilities can vary, but typically, a part-time insurance agent works 20-30 hours per week.
This can include time spent in the office and meeting with clients.
It’s worth noting that part-time insurance agents may have limited opportunities for advancement within the company, as compared to full-time agents.
However, the flexibility and part-time nature of the job can be a good fit for those who want to balance work and other commitments.
Income And Earnings
I often say that selling insurance can be a lucrative and rewarding career, and while true, it is not as likely to happen if you sell insurance part-time. Part-time insurance agents typically earn less than full-time agents.
This is due to the limited hours worked and the potential for fewer sales. However, the earning potential can vary greatly depending on factors such as the agent’s experience, the company they work for, and their sales performance.
Commission is the primary method of compensation for insurance agents. This means that the agent earns a percentage of the premiums collected on the policies they sell. The commission rate can vary by company and type of policy, but it is usually in the range of 10-20%.
In addition to commission, some companies may offer bonuses or other incentives for meeting sales targets. Some agents may also earn additional income from renewals of policies they have sold. It’s worth noting that income and earnings as a part-time insurance agent can be unpredictable, as it relies heavily on making sales.
However, for those who are successful in building a client base and making sales, the earning potential can be significant.
It’s important to keep in mind that being a part-time insurance agent is not a “get-rich-quick” scheme.
It takes hard work and dedication to be successful in this field, and it may take time to build a steady income.
The earning potential may be lower than other part-time jobs, but the flexibility and the ability to work independently can be a good fit for some people.
Finding Opportunities
As an insurance agent, I still encourage anyone who is interested in the insurance field (or a little extra money) to consider selling insurance part-time. It can be a little difficult finding part-time opportunities though as many companies prefer to hire full-time agents. However, with the right approach, it is possible to find part-time positions.
One way to find opportunities is by reaching out to insurance companies directly.
Many companies have career websites where they post job openings, and some may even have a section specifically for part-time positions.
Contacting the company and inquiring about part-time opportunities can also be effective.
Another option is to work with an insurance agency. These agencies contract with multiple insurance companies and can provide more opportunities for part-time agents. They may also provide additional support such as training and marketing materials.
Networking can also be a valuable tool in finding opportunities as a part-time insurance agent.
Building connections with other agents, industry professionals, and even customers can lead to information about job openings or even referrals.
Having a strong online presence can also help in finding opportunities. Creating a professional website, building a following on social media, and being active on professional networking sites can make you more visible to potential employers.
Lastly, it’s important to be persistent and flexible in your job search. Part-time insurance agent positions may not be as common, but by being willing to consider different types of roles and companies, you may be able to find the right opportunity for you.
Conclusion
As an insurance agent, I recommend considering a part-time insurance agent job if you want to gain experience in the insurance industry or earn money on the side. You do have to meet the education, licensing, and other requirements, however, the job offers experience and an income based on your sales.
Being a part-time insurance agent involves selling policies, advising clients, building a client base, networking, and you’ll work about 20-30 hours a week.
If you liked this blog check out our other insurance articles on:
