How do property and casualty insurance agents get paid?

Property and casualty agents earn commissions, a percentage of the premium on each policy sold. New auto and home policies typically pay 5% to 15% of the first-year premium (captive agents about 5% to 10%, independent agents up to about 15%), with renewals commonly paying 2% to 5%. Captive agents may also receive a salary or production bonuses from their company, while independent agents keep renewal income on a book of business they own.

Property and casualty agents in Delaware are paid commissions by the insurers they represent. A producer compensated directly or indirectly by an insurer for selling that insurer's products must be appointed by that insurer, and Delaware law bars paying commissions to unlicensed persons. Nationwide, the median annual wage for insurance sales agents was $62,280 in May 2025.

Property and casualty agents work on commission. An agent earns a new-business commission when a policy is sold and a renewal commission each year the policy stays in force. Renewal rates in property and casualty sit close to new-business rates, so income builds as clients keep their policies year after year.

Property and casualty agents earn commissions paid by the insurance companies they represent, rather than by clients directly. In Nevada, a producer must be licensed and appointed by an insurer at the time of the transaction before selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance or accepting any commission. After licensing, producers typically secure carrier appointments, the contracts that permit them to sell a carrier's products.

Insurance agents typically earn commissions on the policies they sell, and most also receive a salary and bonuses from their employer. Pay varies widely by employer and book of business. The median annual wage for insurance sales agents was $62,280 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Property and casualty agents earn commissions from the insurers whose policies they sell. In Oregon, a producer can represent as many insurers as appoint them under a single license. Captive agents work for one insurer and typically receive a salary, benefits, and carrier training in exchange for lower commission rates. Independent agents choose their own carriers and earn higher commission rates, but they receive no salary or benefits and cover their own startup costs.

Property and casualty agents are usually paid a percentage of each policy premium as commission, with the rate set by their agreement with the insurer or agency. Some agents, mainly those who work for a single company, receive a salary instead of or in addition to commission. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for insurance sales agents was $62,280 in May 2025.

Property and casualty agents typically earn commissions on the policies they sell, and many also receive a salary and bonuses from the insurer or agency that employs them. An agent must be appointed by an insurer before selling its policies, and the insurer files that appointment electronically. Earnings vary with the volume and type of policies written.

Property and casualty agents earn commissions paid by the insurers whose policies they sell. Virginia law bars an agent from receiving or accepting a commission or other consideration unless properly licensed at the time of the transaction, and an insurer may pay a commission only if the agent holds an appointment with it at the time of sale. Independent agents contract with several insurers, while captive agents work for one company.