Do you want to know how much money insurance agents make yearly in Ohio? If YES, here are factors that determine the income for insurance agents in Ohio. An insurance agent is a professional who sells insurance policies to consumers for a commission. An insurance agent may usually work with an insurance agency or they may be freelance insurers working with various agencies but not for them.
These agents usually represent their clients to help them get the best policies that can be found in the industry.
An insurance agent sells policies on behalf of insurers that have granted it an appointment. An appointment is a contractual agreement that specifies the types of products the agent may sell and the commission the insurer will pay for each. The contract usually describes the agency’s binding authority, meaning its authority to initiate a policy. An agent may have permission to bind some types of coverage but not others.
Insurance is both a stable and ever-growing trade in Ohio. According to Ohio Development Services Agency, it states that Ohio ranks 7th in the country in insurance industry employment according to the Insurance Information Institute and the U.S. Department of Commerce. That means that the state has a robust playing insurance field.
An insurance agent in Ohio helps consumers select the right insurance to buy, depending on their various peculiarities. These agents also represent the insurance company in the transaction.
Some insurers try to encourage agents and brokers to write new policies by paying a higher base commission for new policies than for renewals. For instance, an insurer might pay a 10 percent commission for a new workers compensation policy but only 9 percent when the policy is renewed.
With Ohio ranking high as one of the states that sell more insurance policies and employ more insurance agents, one would wonder what these agents stand to make in this state. We are going to try to find out what insurance agents make in Ohio.
How Much Money Do Insurance Agents Make in Ohio
While some insurance agents in Ohio are salaried, most agents and brokers rely on commissions for income. Commissions are paid out of premiums charged to policy holders by insurers. These may include base commissions as well as supplemental commissions or contingent commissions.
Base commission is the “normal” commission earned on insurance policies. It is expressed as a percentage of premium and varies by type of coverage. For instance, your agent might earn a 15 percent commission on general liability policies and a 10 percent commission on workers compensation policies. If you purchase a liability policy for a $2,000 premium, your agent will collect $2,000 from you, retain $300 in commission, and send the remaining $1,700 to your insurer.
In addition to base commissions, many insurers pay supplemental or contingent commissions. These are intended to reward agents and brokers who achieve volume, profitability, growth or retention goals established by the insurer. Supplemental commissions are usually a fixed percentage of the premium. The percentage is set at the beginning of the year and is communicated to the agent. It reflects the agent’s performance in the previous calendar year.
The average yearly insurance agent salary in Ohio is $49,869 as of June 28, 2022, but the range typically falls between $45,545 and $56,255. Wages typically start from $24,780 and go up to $107,120.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Conclusion
For those seeking a fulfilling yet dependable career, insurance may be the answer. If you are conducting a job search or simply exploring your options, these are a lot of options for you to choose from when it comes to insurance agencies you can work for, or work with if you choose to go freelance.