Independent Insurance Agent

Independent insurance agents represent multiple insurance companies rather than one carrier, allowing them to shop policies and find best coverage for clients.

You assess client needs, compare policies across carriers, explain coverage options, and help with claims.

Revenue comes from commissions (typically 10-20% first year, 5-10% renewals).

Building book of 300-600 policies generates $80,000-$200,000 annually with 80-95% profit margins after licensing and E&O insurance.

Target clients include homeowners and renters, auto insurance buyers, small business owners, life insurance prospects, and anyone needing coverage.

Services include personal insurance (home, auto, umbrella), business insurance (liability, property, workers comp), life and health insurance, policy reviews and comparisons, and claims assistance.

Success requires obtaining insurance licenses (Property & Casualty, Life & Health), building relationships with insurance carriers, sales skills and prospecting, understanding diverse insurance products, and client service maintaining relationships.

Many independent agents specialize in personal lines or commercial, join aggregators for carrier access and support, cross-sell multiple policy types, build recurring commission income, and potentially grow agencies with additional agents.