Online motorcycle insurance agent

Insurers pay you commission on policies you place. Riders usually pay nothing extra to you beyond their premium, though some states allow broker or agency fees.

Commission on each new policy and on renewals, so the income builds as your base of renewing clients grows. Some agents also earn bonuses from insurers for volume or retention.

• Clear explaining of coverage in plain language
• Sales and follow-up
• Careful paperwork and attention to detail
• Knowing the riding community helps

• State producer license, plus continuing education and renewal fees. Check your state's insurance department
• Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which carriers or states may require
• Some insurers will not appoint brand-new agents directly, so you may need to work through an agency or marketplace at first
• Riding is seasonal in many states, so plan for uneven income
• Terms like agent and broker are defined differently by state, so check what you must call yourself and what you can legally do

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on licensing, renewal fees, software and insurance such as errors and omissions cover. Check your state's insurance department for exact requirements.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many policies you place and how many hours you put in. Riding is seasonal in many states, so plan for uneven income.

Check your state's insurance department for producer license requirements, continuing education and renewal fees. Also check whether you need errors and omissions insurance, whether insurers will appoint new agents directly, and what terms like agent or broker mean in your state.