Part-Time disability insurance agent

Insurers pay commission through the IMO or agency. Clients are people in your niche who rely on their own income and have no or limited employer cover.

A share of commission on each policy sold, which the IMO or agency may split with you. A small number of policies can be meaningful because premiums are ongoing, but sales are slow and irregular.

• Credibility in a specific community or profession
• Clear, honest explanation of insurance
• Follow-up and organization
• Comfort with sales conversations

• A state producer license is required before you sell or discuss specific policies, check your state department of insurance
• Read your agency or IMO contract carefully for commission splits, chargebacks and who owns the client relationship
• Check whether E&O insurance is provided or whether you must buy your own
• If you have a full-time job, check your employer's rules on outside work
• Following up with clients over months takes time, so don't count on quick income

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,000, depending on licensing fees, whether you need your own insurance and what tools your agency or IMO provides. Treat this as a rough guide only.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $1,500, depending on the size of your niche and how many clients you follow up with. Estimates start from about 6 hours a week, and income may take months to build.

Check that a state producer license is required before you sell or discuss policies, and ask your state department of insurance. Read your agency or IMO contract for commission splits and chargebacks, check E&O coverage, and check your employer's outside work rules.