How to Sell Insurance from Home: A Quick Guide

Last Updated on: May 12th, 2025

Reviewed by Kyle Wilson

Looking to break into the insurance industry without leaving your house? Selling insurance from home has never been more accessible — and profitable. With the right tools, licenses, and strategy, you can build a rewarding remote career helping people protect what matters most. Whether you’re starting fresh or shifting from a traditional office role, this guide will show you how to sell insurance from home successfully, earn competitive commissions, and grow your client base right from your living room. Ready to take control of your schedule and income? Let’s dive in.

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Getting Started as a Remote Insurance Agent

Becoming a remote insurance agent is a great way to start a flexible career in the insurance industry. With the right preparation, you can enjoy the freedom of working from home while helping clients secure their financial futures. Below, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to get started and build a successful home-based insurance career.

Licensing Requirements in Your State

Before you can start selling insurance, you need to become a licensed agent in your state. Insurance licensing requirements vary from state to state, but most states require passing an insurance licensing exam and completing pre-licensing education. Here’s what you need to know:

Pre-licensing Education: Most states require you to complete a specific number of hours in insurance education courses before you can sit for the licensing exam.
Insurance Licensing Exam: The exam typically covers state-specific insurance laws, ethical standards, and various types of insurance policies. After passing the exam, you’ll receive your license to sell insurance in that state.
Background Checks: Some states require a background check, especially if you’ve had any criminal history.
License Renewal: Most states require agents to renew their licenses periodically by completing continuing education courses and paying renewal fees.

To get your license, check your state’s Department of Insurance website for detailed information on requirements and the application process. Once licensed, you’ll be eligible to sell various types of insurance depending on your chosen focus.

Choosing the Right Type of Insurance to Sell

There are multiple types of insurance that you can sell from home, but the best option for you depends on your interests, skills, and market demand. Here are some popular types of insurance to consider:

Life Insurance: Life insurance remains one of the most popular and profitable insurance types. As a life insurance agent, you’ll help clients secure financial protection for their families in the event of death. Life insurance policies often offer recurring commissions, making it a lucrative option.
Health Insurance: The health insurance market is large and diverse, ranging from individual policies to group insurance for businesses. Given the changing landscape of healthcare in the U.S., this can be a great niche to pursue.
Auto Insurance: Selling auto insurance is a reliable option, especially as many people are looking to save on premiums. It’s highly competitive, but with the right leads, auto insurance can be a steady source of income.
Homeowners Insurance: This is another stable option that offers a good market, especially for remote agents in areas with large housing markets.
Specialized Insurance: Niche options such as business insurance, pet insurance, or disability insurance can set you apart from other agents and attract specific client needs.

Choosing the right insurance type to sell depends on your personal interests, market opportunities, and the amount of effort you’re willing to put into learning and promoting these policies.

Finding Remote Insurance Companies to Work With

Now that you have your license and have chosen the type of insurance to sell, the next step is to find reputable remote insurance companies to work with. Here’s how to find the right company for your new career:

Research Insurance Agencies: Many national and regional insurance companies offer remote agent opportunities. Look for well-known providers like State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive that are known for offering both remote and office-based sales positions.
Independent Insurance Agencies: If you prefer more flexibility and variety, consider working with independent insurance agencies. These agencies typically represent multiple insurance carriers, giving you more options to offer clients.
Insurance Platforms and Brokers: There are online platforms such as EverQuote or Zillow Home Loans that partner with insurance agents. These platforms can connect you to clients and give you tools to manage your leads effectively.
Commission Structure: Different companies offer varying commission structures, so it’s important to compare them before committing. Some offer higher commissions but less support, while others might offer more training and resources but with lower commissions.
Flexibility and Support: Consider the support and training available to remote agents. Companies that offer good ongoing training, tools, and a strong sales infrastructure will help you succeed in your home-based insurance career.

Research and reach out to multiple companies to find one that fits your goals, offers the right support, and provides opportunities for long-term success.

Tools You Need to Sell Insurance Online

To succeed as a remote insurance agent, you need more than just your license and knowledge of the insurance industry. The right tools and resources will make your job easier, help you stay organized, and enable you to manage and grow your client base. In this section, we’ll cover the key tools you need to sell insurance online effectively.

CRM Software and Virtual Sales Platforms

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is essential for any remote insurance agent. CRM software helps you keep track of leads, clients, and sales, while also organizing your communication and follow-ups. Here’s why CRM software is indispensable:

Organize and Automate: A CRM allows you to store client details, insurance policies, and sales history in one central location. Many platforms offer automated email follow-ups and reminders, ensuring you don’t miss any potential sales opportunities.
Lead Management: As an insurance agent, generating and nurturing leads is crucial. CRM systems help you prioritize leads, categorize them based on their buying stage, and track their progress through the sales pipeline.
Integration with Other Tools: Many CRMs integrate with email marketing platforms, sales automation tools, and even insurance quoting software, making the sales process more efficient.

Popular CRM options for insurance agents include Zoho CRM, HubSpot CRM, and Salesforce. These platforms can streamline your workflow and help you close more deals.

Setting Up Your Home Office for Success

Creating a productive home office is vital for remote insurance agents who need a quiet, organized space to meet clients, handle paperwork, and manage daily tasks. Here’s how to set up your home office for success:

Ergonomic Furniture: Invest in a comfortable chair and desk to maintain good posture while working. A dedicated workspace allows you to stay focused and minimizes distractions.
High-Speed Internet: A stable, fast internet connection is essential for virtual meetings, submitting documents, and using cloud-based software. Ensure your connection is reliable to avoid interruptions during client calls.
Dual Monitors: Having multiple screens can improve productivity by allowing you to view client details and marketing materials simultaneously. This setup is particularly helpful when juggling multiple tasks.
Secure Filing System: As an insurance agent, handling sensitive client information is part of the job. Ensure that you have a secure system for storing digital documents and managing insurance contracts.
Dedicated Phone Line or VoIP Service: A separate phone line or VoIP service (like Google Voice or RingCentral) is helpful for maintaining professionalism. It also ensures your personal and professional calls don’t overlap.

Investing in a well-organized, distraction-free workspace helps you stay productive and professional as you sell insurance from home.

Communication Tools for Remote Insurance Agents

Effective communication is the key to building strong relationships with clients, especially when you’re working remotely. As a home-based insurance agent, you’ll need reliable tools to stay in touch with prospects and clients. Here are some essential communication tools to consider:

Video Conferencing Platforms: Virtual meetings are an important part of the sales process, especially when selling insurance. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet allow you to host professional virtual meetings, conduct consultations, and walk clients through policies and options.
Phone Systems and VoIP Services: As a remote agent, you’ll need a reliable phone system for client calls. VoIP services like RingCentral, Nextiva, or Grasshopper provide you with a dedicated business number and allow you to make calls from your computer or mobile device. These services often include call forwarding, voicemail, and call analytics.
Email and Messaging Services: Email remains one of the most important communication tools for insurance agents. Set up an organized, professional email system using services like Gmail for Business or Microsoft Outlook. Additionally, messaging platforms like Slack or WhatsApp can be used for quick communication with clients or team members.
Digital Signing and Document Sharing Tools: You’ll often need to send contracts, applications, and other documents for signature. DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or HelloSign allow clients to sign documents digitally, making the process seamless and reducing paperwork.
Live Chat Services: Many insurance agents use live chat features on their websites to instantly connect with potential clients. Tools like Tidio or LiveChat help you respond to client inquiries in real-time, providing a quick and professional customer service experience.

These communication tools not only help you stay in touch with clients but also give you a competitive edge in a fast-paced, online sales environment.

Generating Leads and Building a Client Base

Building a strong client base is crucial for remote insurance agents, especially when selling insurance from home. Without the traditional foot traffic or office presence, generating leads becomes your primary way to secure sales. In this section, we’ll explore the best methods to generate leads and grow your insurance business online.

Using Social Media and Online Marketing

In today’s digital age, social media and online marketing are powerful tools for generating leads and expanding your client base. Whether you’re working with life insurance, auto insurance, or health insurance, these platforms offer you the chance to connect with potential clients and build brand awareness. Here’s how you can leverage them:

Facebook and Instagram Ads: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to run targeted ads aimed at individuals interested in insurance. By targeting specific demographics (age, location, income level), you can increase your reach and find new clients interested in your insurance services.
LinkedIn for Networking: LinkedIn is an excellent platform for connecting with professionals and businesses. Sharing your expertise through articles, engaging in insurance-related conversations, and connecting with people looking for insurance coverage can help you build trust and establish a professional network.
Content Marketing: Start a blog or write articles about insurance topics relevant to your target audience. SEO-friendly blog posts that answer common insurance questions will increase your website’s organic traffic, helping potential clients find you when they search for insurance solutions online.
Email Marketing: Build an email list of interested prospects and clients, and send out valuable content and personalized offers. Email marketing is an excellent tool for nurturing leads over time and converting them into clients.
YouTube Videos: Video content is increasingly popular, and creating informative insurance-related videos can help educate potential clients while building trust. Create videos answering common insurance questions, explaining the benefits of different policies, and offering tips on saving on premiums.

By consistently using these platforms, you can attract and engage a large audience, leading to higher chances of converting leads into paying clients.

Buying Insurance Leads vs. Generating Your Own

When it comes to securing leads, you have two primary options: buying insurance leads or generating your own leads. Each method has its pros and cons, and choosing the right approach depends on your business model, budget, and time constraints.

- Buying Insurance Leads

Purchasing leads from third-party services can be a quick way to get started. These services provide you with lists of pre-qualified leads that have shown interest in purchasing insurance. Here are some advantages and drawbacks of this approach:

Advantages:

Quick access to a large pool of leads.
Saves time compared to generating leads yourself.
Allows you to focus more on sales than prospecting.

Drawbacks:

Purchased leads can be expensive, especially for high-quality ones.
The leads are often shared with multiple agents, making the competition high.
You may find that some leads are less qualified or not ready to buy.

- Generating Your Own Leads

Generating your own leads takes more time and effort, but it can be much more rewarding in the long run. Methods like social media, SEO, and referrals can help you build an organic list of interested prospects. Here’s why it might be a better option for you:

Advantage:

Higher conversion rates as leads are more interested in your services.
Cost-effective over time compared to continuously purchasing leads.
Full control over the lead generation process and targeting.

Drawbacks:

Takes time to build up a steady stream of leads.
Requires effort in creating content, running ads, or networking.

The key is to balance both strategies. For example, you can buy leads initially to get started while also focusing on building your own lead generation systems to create long-term sustainability.

Networking and Referrals in a Virtual Environment

Networking is a crucial part of growing any business, including insurance sales. However, as a remote insurance agent, traditional face-to-face networking is not an option. Instead, you can focus on virtual networking and creating referral programs that work online. Here’s how to build your network and encourage referrals:

Online Communities and Forums: Join insurance-related forums and communities on platforms like Reddit, Quora, or Facebook Groups. Engaging in these communities will help you build your reputation as an expert, answer insurance-related questions, and create relationships with potential clients.
Referral Programs: Offering clients a referral bonus for recommending your services can help you expand your client base quickly. Referral marketing is highly effective in the insurance industry because people tend to trust recommendations from friends and family. Create a clear incentive for your clients to refer others, such as discounts, gift cards, or other rewards.
Host Virtual Events: Webinars and virtual events are an excellent way to interact with potential clients. Hosting free webinars where you explain insurance options, provide valuable tips, and answer questions allows you to showcase your knowledge and attract leads.
Build Strong Client Relationships: Your existing clients can be your best source of referrals. Stay in touch with them regularly and provide exceptional service. Sending thank-you notes, personalized emails, and seasonal greetings can go a long way in ensuring your clients think of you when friends or family need insurance.
Networking via LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, fellow agents, and business owners. Networking on LinkedIn can lead to collaboration opportunities and referrals, expanding your reach even further.

By establishing a network and creating a solid referral program, you can turn satisfied clients into your best advocates, leading to a steady stream of new clients without spending extra money on paid ads.

Tips to Succeed in Home-Based Insurance Sales

Selling insurance from home offers flexibility and freedom, but it also comes with unique challenges. To thrive in this remote environment, you need discipline, the right habits, and a client-focused approach. Here are essential tips to help you succeed in home-based insurance sales.

Time Management and Daily Routine

Working from home can blur the lines between personal and professional life. That’s why strong time management is a must for remote insurance agents. Here’s how to stay focused and productive:

Set a Consistent Schedule: Start and end your workday at the same time each day. A structured routine keeps you on track and builds a sense of professionalism—something your clients will notice.
Use a Calendar and To-Do List: Use tools like Google Calendar or Trello to schedule meetings, follow-ups, and daily tasks. Prioritize client calls and lead generation during peak hours to maximize your results.
Time Block for Key Activities: Allocate specific blocks of time for cold calling, client meetings, email marketing, and paperwork. This helps prevent multitasking and keeps you focused on one task at a time.
Minimize Distractions: Designate a quiet workspace, silence personal notifications, and communicate clear boundaries with others at home. Staying distraction-free boosts productivity and allows you to give full attention to clients.

Mastering your schedule not only helps you hit sales goals but also creates a work-life balance that’s essential for long-term success.

Building Trust with Clients Virtually

When you’re not meeting clients in person, earning their trust becomes even more important—and more challenging. Fortunately, you can build strong relationships through transparency, professionalism, and effective communication.

Be Clear and Honest: Explain insurance policies in simple, jargon-free language. Clients appreciate honesty, especially when dealing with something as personal as insurance coverage.
Use Video Calls When Possible: Seeing your face adds a personal touch and builds credibility. Tools like Zoom or Google Meet allow you to share your screen, go over policy documents, and answer questions in real time.
Follow Up Promptly: Respond to inquiries quickly and follow up after meetings. Even a brief message shows you’re reliable and attentive to your client’s needs.
Offer Helpful Resources: Send clients relevant articles, FAQs, or short videos that explain policy benefits or next steps. This shows you care about educating them—not just making a sale.
Keep Your Online Presence Professional: From your email signature to your social media profiles, make sure everything reflects your professionalism. First impressions often happen online.

Building trust is the foundation of client loyalty and referrals, which are key to long-term success in selling insurance from home.

Closing Insurance Sales from Home

Closing a sale remotely requires strategy, empathy, and excellent communication. Here’s how to guide prospects through the process and turn conversations into conversions:

Listen More Than You Talk: Let the client express their concerns and needs. This helps you tailor your recommendations and show that you’re focused on solving their problems—not just selling a policy.
Address Objections Calmly: Be prepared for common concerns like cost, coverage options, or confusion about policy terms. Offer clear, honest answers and position yourself as a helpful advisor.
Create Urgency Without Pressure: Help clients understand why acting now is in their best interest—such as avoiding rate increases or ensuring coverage is active when needed. Avoid high-pressure tactics that can break trust.
Simplify the Buying Process: Use digital tools like DocuSign or HelloSign to make paperwork easy and fast. Walk clients through each step and confirm that all their questions are answered before closing.
Confirm and Celebrate the Sale: Once a client agrees to move forward, confirm the details in writing and thank them for their trust. Follow up with a welcome email and outline the next steps.

With the right sales techniques and a customer-first mindset, you can confidently close insurance sales from your home office—and grow your income with every call.

Conclusion

Selling insurance from home offers a unique opportunity to build a rewarding career with flexibility, freedom, and financial potential. With the right tools, strategies, and mindset, you can thrive as a remote insurance agent—whether you’re working independently or with an agency. From getting licensed and setting up your home office to generating leads and closing sales online, each step plays a role in your long-term success.

FAQs

Can I sell insurance from home without a license?

No, you must be licensed to sell insurance from home or in any setting. Each state in the U.S. requires insurance agents to pass a licensing exam before selling policies like life, health, or property insurance.

What insurance is easiest to sell from home?

Life insurance and health insurance are often considered the easiest types to sell from home. These products are always in demand, can be sold entirely online or over the phone, and usually have streamlined application processes.

How do I find clients as a new remote agent?

As a new remote agent, start by leveraging digital marketing, social media, and online lead platforms. Create an active presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, and local business groups. Build a website or landing page to showcase your services and consider running targeted ads.

Iqra Malik

Senior Writer & Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Iqra is a dynamic and insightful senior writer with a passion for life insurance and financial planning. With over 8 years of hands-on experience in the insurance industry, Iqra has earned a reputation for delivering clear, actionable advice that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. At Burial Senior Insurance, she not only excels as a licensed insurance agent but also as a trusted guide who has successfully advised over +1500 clients, helping them navigate the often complex world of life insurance and annuities. Her articles have been featured in top-tier financial publications, making her a respected voice in the industry.