Dental benefits agent for small employers

Insurance carriers pay commission on group policies. Employers and their staff pay the premiums. Typical clients are local offices, restaurants, contractors, clinics and other small firms.

Ongoing commission on group premiums, usually paid for as long as the employer keeps the plan, so a handful of steady clients can build a recurring base.

• Building local business relationships
• Explaining plan costs to owners and staff
• Organizing renewals and paperwork
• Presenting to small groups

• State producer license, plus any extra requirements for group or employer plans; check with your state department of insurance
• Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, since mistakes on enrollment or eligibility can be costly
• Employers often take months to decide, so cash flow can be slow at first
• Carrier minimums for employee participation and group size vary; check each carrier's rules
• Handling employee personal data carefully and following privacy rules

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your setup and the carriers you work with. This is an estimate. Plan for E&O insurance, since mistakes on enrollment or eligibility can be costly, and check your state's license requirements.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many employer groups you sign. Employers often take months to decide, so cash flow can be slow at first. Treat these as estimates, not guarantees.

You need a state producer license, plus any extra requirements for group or employer plans, so check with your state department of insurance. Also check each carrier's minimums for employee participation and group size, and the privacy rules for handling employee personal data.