Selling Insurance from Home, is It Possible?

[NRE427]

I know that some people sell out of their homes, but I'm wondering if it's possible to be successful. I was hired at an agency less than three months ago, and was let go last week. I don't have anything in writing, so it's back to the drawing board. I have a few good contacts at other local agencies, but I'm wondering about selling from home. My plan would be to find a full time job and on my time off, specialize in a few types of insurance that interests me. Do companies or brokerages deal with people that don't have an office and whatnot? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cadylou]

I do it very well. Who knows what the future will hold though with increased regulation & oversight requiring tighter timeframes & even more arduous certification requirements . . . .

 

[NRE427]

Would you mind telling me what your focus is on? Also, do a lot of companies allow this, or just some?

 

[dcstrider]

There are more agents that work from home than would admit it. You'll need to be disciplined and organized

 

[CaliforniaINS]

I know that some people sell out of their homes, but I'm wondering if it's possible to be successful. I was hired at an agency less than three months ago, and was let go last week. I don't have anything in writing, so it's back to the drawing board. I have a few good contacts at other local agencies, but I'm wondering about selling from home. My plan would be to find a full time job and on my time off, specialize in a few types of insurance that interests me. Do companies or brokerages deal with people that don't have an office and whatnot? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Of course its possible, very. I know quite a few agents that work from home actually. Here's what you do, go visit local insurance brokers in the area. Let them know you want to work as a producer from home.

Depending on the broker you're dealing with some will offer to pay for your phone / computer equipment etc. and others will not.

Either way you'll still have access to their list of insurance carriers when you strike a deal, thats the important part.

 

[rayal]

I think it is possible even though it is a great challenge in my opinion. The hardest things will be - like every home working - not being distracted by other things and knowing when it is it enough. The point to finish should be defined in any way so that you don't always start again when you see the writing table again.

 

[rousemark]

If your concentration is on Life and Health lines, no problem at all.. It is a little different in the P&C lines where you would normally benefit from walk-ins.

 

[mtech]

I would think that ultimately you will have to get out at some point. Hard to do 100% from home.

 

[insurancecareer]

I currently am a multiline agent, selling from home. Credibility will be your biggest obstacle. Not many folk looking for property/casualty insurance will want to take you seriously. I am currently interviewing with independent agencies, hoping to get away from captive and home based.

 

[NRE427]

I plan on specializing in a couple areas where it's hard to find good coverage, gun ranges would be an example. I know there are companies that specialize in fields like that, and I think it might be a way that I wouldn't even have to go meet them. Is that possible? Cold calling gun ranges (and other businesses I have in mind) and not ever meeting or seeing them, and they would deal company direct.

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Also, when selling insurance from home, do I need to set up a business entity? Or can I be a sole proprietor and just use my social security number?