When they become self-employed, their earnings depend on commissions, bonuses and incentives. Some Insurance Agents are paid a salary instead of commissions. The hours are flexible, with evenings and weekend appointment scheduled for the client's convenience. Fringe benefits for Insurance Agents working for a single company include group life and health insurance, pension and profit-sharing plans, and sometimes office and clerical help. Some independent agents get employee benefits or help with operating expenses.
Most agents pay for their travel expenses.
Increasingly, they are expected to have a college degree and sales or business experience. After passing a series of interviews and sales aptitude tests, successful applicants often go through a period of pre-contract training, on their own time with no pay. During this period, they study for the required agent's license. Some independent agents, especially those who have schooling in insurance, start as solicitors, working as employees of independent agents to obtain experience in selling causality insurance. Others start by working for insurance companies in other capacities, such as underwriter or field marketing representative.