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Clear answers, plainly stated.
Licensing, training, compensation, support, and the application process — answered honestly, with no guarantee of income.
Independent contractor · Commission-based
Getting Started
Is there a cost to join or get started?
There is no fee to join Heirstead. The main costs you'll encounter are the state licensing exam fees and your online pre-licensing course — both of which are standard requirements in the insurance industry and typically run between $100–$250 total depending on your state. Heirstead does not charge you any joining, training, or membership fees.
Can I join if I already have a full-time job?
Yes — many agents start part-time while keeping their current job. As an independent agent you set your own schedule. That said, the more hours you invest early, the faster you'll build your book of business. We'll help you figure out a schedule that works for your situation.
How long does it take to start earning?
Most agents complete their state licensing within 2–4 weeks. From there, you'll go through the training steps — scripts, product training, shadowing, tonality coaching — and typically begin making live calls within 4–6 weeks of joining. Depending on the carrier, product, policy issue, and payment status, commissions are typically paid after a policy is placed in force.
What kind of person thrives as a Heirstead agent?
Our most successful agents share a few traits:
- Self-motivated and goal-oriented
- Comfortable talking to people and building relationships
- Coachable and open to feedback
- Consistent — they show up and do the work, even on tough days
- Motivated by income that reflects their effort, not an hourly rate
Is this a good career for veterans or military spouses?
Absolutely — and we've seen this firsthand. Veterans bring discipline, communication skills, and mission-focus that translate directly into insurance success. Military spouses benefit from the remote flexibility — your book of business travels with you regardless of where your family is stationed. We have a genuine respect for military families and are proud to support their transition into this career.
Licensing & Experience
Do I need prior insurance experience to join Heirstead?
No experience is required. Many successful insurance agents start with zero insurance background. What matters is your drive, your willingness to learn, and your commitment to the training process. We will guide you through everything from licensing to your first closed sale.
Do I need a license to sell life insurance?
Yes. Every state in the U.S. requires a Life & Health insurance license before you can legally sell or advise on insurance products. The good news is that the process is straightforward, and we'll walk you through every step — from your pre-licensing course to your exam appointment.
How do I get my insurance license?
The process has four steps:
- Complete an approved online pre-licensing course for your state
- Schedule your state licensing exam at a Pearson VUE or PSI testing center
- Pass the exam and submit your license application
- Receive your license — typically within a few business days
Is the licensing exam hard to pass?
The exam is manageable with the right preparation. Most candidates who study consistently for 2–3 weeks pass on their first attempt. We provide study guidance and can recommend the best prep resources. If you don't pass the first time, you can retake it — it's not the end of the world.
Can I be licensed in multiple states?
Absolutely. Most agents are licensed in their home state first, then add non-resident licenses in other states as they grow their book. Since many insurance sales happen by phone, being licensed across multiple states significantly expands your market and income potential. Heirstead agents have access to clients in all 50 states.
Agent Program & Training
What does the Heirstead training process look like?
Our training follows a proven process:
- Complete your state licensing course online
- Schedule and pass your state licensing exam
- Study proven sales scripts until they feel natural
- Receive 1-on-1 product training directly with Joshua
- Shadow top producers for ~5 days on real live calls
- Phone tonality coaching with Joshua (voice, pace & trust)
- Begin making live calls with real prospects
- Receive live support & real-time guidance on early calls
Will I get direct access to Joshua for training and questions?
Yes — this is a core part of what makes Heirstead different. Joshua is directly involved in product training, tonality coaching, and early call support. You'll have 1-on-1 time with him throughout your onboarding. Even after you're up and running, he's accessible — no red tape, no corporate layers. If you have a tough case, you call Joshua.
What is shadowing top producers and why does it matter?
During the shadowing phase, new agents listen to real sales calls from start to finish — audio unmuted — to learn the complete sales process in action. You'll hear how top producers handle objections, build rapport, and guide clients to a decision. There is no better substitute for real-world experience. This phase is one of the most accelerating parts of our training and builds enormous confidence before you make your first call.
What is phone tonality coaching and do I really need it?
Yes — it matters more than most new agents expect. In phone sales, how you say something is just as important as what you say. Tonality coaching with Joshua focuses on voice confidence, inflection, pace, and how to build trust over the phone. Agents who complete this step close more consistently and feel far more comfortable on early calls.
Independent-Contractor Structure
Am I an employee of Heirstead or an independent contractor?
You are an independent contractor, not an employee. This means you have the freedom to build your business your way, and are not tied to a single employer. You may build a book of business and may earn renewal commissions, subject to carrier contracts, vesting, persistency, and applicable agreements. You are responsible for your own taxes (typically as a 1099 contractor) and business expenses — but in return, your earning potential and freedom are not capped.
Do I set my own schedule?
Yes. As an independent contractor, you control your hours. That said, results are directly tied to effort — agents who work more consistently, earn more consistently. We recommend treating this like a business, not a hobby, especially in your first 90 days when you're building momentum.
Can I work remotely as a Heirstead agent?
Yes — 100% remote. The majority of insurance sales happen over the phone and via video consultation. You can work from home, a coffee shop, or anywhere with a reliable phone and internet connection. As long as you're licensed in the states you're working in, location is no barrier.
Compensation
Figures below reflect the owner-approved compensation decisions in the full compensation breakdown →, which also has the complete calculator, income illustrations, and disclosures.
How do insurance agents get paid?
Life insurance agents earn commissions — not a salary. You receive a first-year commission (FYC) when a policy is placed in force, which is a percentage of the annual premium. Then every year the client keeps the policy, you earn a smaller renewal commission automatically. The more policies you place, the larger your recurring renewal income becomes over time.
What commission rates do Heirstead agents earn?
Standard new agents start at an 80% first-year contract level. 145% is a legitimate maximum base contract level, but advancement toward it is not automatic or guaranteed — an experienced licensed agent moving from another agency or IMO may be individually reviewed for a different starting level. Annual renewal commissions commonly range from approximately 2%–5% of the premium (varies by product and carrier), paid every year the policy stays in force, subject to vesting and persistency. You keep 100% of your commissions — there are no splits, no house take, and no desk fees.
Is there a cap on how much I can earn?
There is no cap. Your income is entirely determined by how many policies you place and how many clients you serve. A full-time agent's first-year income can vary widely based on licensing speed, activity level, product mix, placement rate, persistency, and carrier contracts. Your income is tied to skill, consistency, activity, and production.
When and how do I receive my commissions?
Commissions are commonly paid within 24–72 hours after a policy is placed in force, although some carriers may take approximately one to two weeks. Timing varies by carrier and processing circumstances. You are paid as an independent contractor, not as an employee. Renewal commissions are paid on the policy anniversary each year, automatically, subject to vesting and persistency. Many carriers also offer direct deposit.
Do I own my book of business?
Agents may build a book of business and may earn renewal commissions, subject to carrier contracts, vesting, persistency, and applicable agreements. Your book may become a long-term business asset, subject to carrier contracts, vesting rules, state regulations, and transfer requirements. We encourage you to review your contracting agreements carefully.
Can I earn extra income by building a team?
Yes. Through our Agency Builder track, eligible agents may earn override commissions based on the applicable spread between contract levels on qualifying team production — paid separately, without reducing the writing agent's own contracted commission. Overrides vary by carrier, product, placement, persistency, contract terms, and organizational structure. Advancement and override income are not guaranteed.
There is no guaranteed income. Actual earnings vary based on state licensing, activity level, sales skill, lead flow, carrier contracts, products sold, underwriting, placement, chargebacks, and policy persistency.
Support, Leads & Technology
What carriers will I be contracted with?
Heirstead offers access to 40+ life insurance and annuity carriers, including A- and A+ rated companies. Carrier and product availability varies by state, appointment, and client need — not every agent is automatically appointed with every carrier. As an independent agent, you'll typically be contracted with multiple carriers so you have options for your clients, rather than being forced into a single carrier or product.
Lead and marketing support, CRM and quoting technology, and ongoing case-design help are covered in full on Training & Support →.
Application & Next Steps
What is the first step to joining Heirstead?
The first step is submitting your application on our Apply Now page. After we receive it, Joshua will personally reach out to schedule a discovery conversation. This call helps us understand your goals and determine the best path forward for you. See the full application → and what happens after you submit it.
Still Have a Question?
We're a real family, not a corporation.
Reach out and Joshua will personally get back to you — or explore the resources below for more detail.
Independent contractor · Commission-based