How much does it cost to get started as an independent life insurance agent?

The costs are the state pre-licensing course, the exam fee, the fingerprint or background check where required, and the state license fee, and the totals vary by state. Contracting with BetterLifeQuotes.com itself is free: no franchise fee, no start-up fee, no required lead purchase and no monthly platform charge.

Can I sell life insurance part time?

Yes. There are no production minimums and no quotas at BetterLifeQuotes.com, so nothing forces a full-time schedule. Many agents start part time while still employed elsewhere and scale up as their book grows.

How to Become an Independent Life Insurance Agent in 2026

Q: Do I have to be captive to one insurance company?

No. A captive agent sells one company's products and the company owns the client relationship. An independent agent is appointed with many carriers, quotes whichever fits the client, and owns the book of business.

How to Become an Independent Life Insurance Agent: The Four Steps

Becoming an independent life insurance agent in the United States takes a state license and a contract with an organization that appoints you to carriers. It does not take a degree, a franchise fee or an employer.

Step 1: Complete your state's pre-licensing course

Every state requires a pre-licensing course in Life (or Life, Accident and Health) before you can sit the exam. Course length varies by state — commonly 20 to 40 hours — and can be taken online. Check the required hours with your own state department of insurance, since the requirement differs state to state.

Step 2: Pass the state life insurance exam and get licensed

You schedule the exam through your state's testing vendor, pass it, submit fingerprints and a background check where required, and pay the license fee. Once the state issues your producer license you are legally able to sell — but not yet able to write business, because you are not appointed with any carrier.

Step 3: Get contracted and appointed with carriers

This is where BetterLifeQuotes.com comes in. One contract gives you appointments with up to 34 A-rated life and annuity carriers across all seven product lines — term, whole life, universal life and IUL, final expense, long-term care, annuities and accidental death. Contracting is free, typically completes in a few days to about a week, and carries no production minimums, no quotas and no lock-in agreement. Commission levels run up to 155%. BetterLifeQuotes.com contracts experienced agents only: you need at least 12 months of continuous life insurance sales, your own lead source and tools, and no need for training, because we provide no training, leads or CRM. If you are newly licensed, build that production history first, usually with an organization that trains agents and supplies leads. See the full minimum requirements.

Step 4: Start writing, and keep what you write

You sell when and how you want. BetterLifeQuotes.com agents own 100% of their book of business and 100% of their renewals, and advance payouts are available on qualifying carriers to smooth cash flow while first-year commissions are still being earned. There is no upline taking an override off the top and no manager assigning you activity.

Common Questions From New Independent Agents

The questions that come up most often before a first contract is signed.

How long does it take to become a licensed life insurance agent?

Most people go from starting the pre-licensing course to holding a license in two to six weeks, depending on how fast they work through the course hours, how soon they can schedule the exam, and how long their state takes to process the license and background check. Contracting and carrier appointments then add a few days to about a week.

How much does it cost to get started?

The costs are the state pre-licensing course, the exam fee, the fingerprint or background check where required, and the state license fee — the totals vary by state. Contracting with BetterLifeQuotes.com itself is free: no franchise fee, no start-up fee, no required lead purchase and no monthly platform charge.

Do I have to be captive to one insurance company?

No. That is the difference between a captive agent and an independent one. A captive agent sells one company's products and the company owns the client relationship. An independent agent is appointed with many carriers, quotes whichever fits the client, and owns the book. If you want the distinction between the organizations that contract independent agents, see IMO vs FMO vs NGA.

Can I do this part time?

Yes. There are no production minimums and no quotas at BetterLifeQuotes.com, so there is nothing that forces a full-time schedule. Many agents start part time while still employed elsewhere and scale up as their book grows.

What do I need to have ready before applying?

Your active producer license number, the states you are licensed in, your basic contact and business details, and your E&O coverage information if you already carry it. Applying takes a few minutes at BetterLifeQuotes.com/apply.