Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Insurance Agent
What insurance agents actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review renewals due this month and follow up on quotes. From there, the day usually includes prospect for new clients, assess clients’ insurance needs, and quote and compare policies. Most work full-time with some evenings and weekends to meet clients.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an insurance agent working full time.
- Review renewals due this month and follow up on quotes.
- Meet a young family about life insurance.
- Quote auto and home bundles for a new client.
- Help a client file a claim after a car accident.
- Call leads from the website.
- Review a small business’s liability coverage.
- Attend a networking event.
Where insurance agents work
Agents work in agency offices, from home and at client locations, spending much of the day on the phone and computer.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time with some evenings and weekends to meet clients.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prospect for new clients
- Assess clients’ insurance needs
- Quote and compare policies
- Explain coverage, limits and deductibles
- Write applications and bind coverage
- Service and renew policies
- Help clients with claims
Tools you’ll use every day
- Agency management systems
- Comparative rating software
- CRM tools
- Phones and video calls
- E-signature tools
- Carrier portals
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High earning potential with commissions
- Renewal income builds over time
- Licensing is quick
- Help people protect their families
What’s hard
- Income depends on sales at first
- Rejection and prospecting
- Licensing and continuing education
- Evening work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like helping people plan ahead
- I’m comfortable selling
- I can handle rejection
- I’m motivated by commission
- I want quick licensing
- I might want my own agency
Not sure? Take the free Insurance Agent fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow privacy rules for client data
- Recommend coverage ethically and avoid misrepresentation
- Meet clients in safe places
- Keep licenses current