Looking for a fresh start but don’t have a résumé full of sales or finance roles? You’re not alone.
Starting an insurance career with no experience might sound like a long shot, but at ORCA Life, we’ve seen hundreds of people break into entry-level insurance and build meaningful, lasting careers—often without a college degree or corporate background. We exist to help agents win, and that includes those just getting started.
Whether you’re looking for new career opportunities, re-entering the workforce, or chasing a more flexible lifestyle, there’s room for you in this industry. Here’s exactly how to launch your insurance career with no experience and start strong from day one.
What You Really Need to Start an Insurance Career (And What You Don’t)
You don’t need a college degree or any prior experience in insurance services. You don’t even need to be a natural-born salesperson.
What you do need:
- A strong work ethic
- Basic communication skills
- A desire to help others
- The ability to learn new systems
- A valid state insurance license (more on that next)
The insurance industry is one of the few where you can start with no experience and still grow into a full-time career over time. Many successful insurance sales agents start with just a willingness to learn and a commitment to show up every day.
Step One: Get Licensed
Before you sell life insurance or any other insurance product, you’ll need to get licensed in your state. This might sound intimidating, but it’s actually pretty straightforward.
Here’s how it works:
- Take a pre-licensing course – Most states require 20–40 hours of online or in-person job training.
- Pass your state exam – It’s a multiple-choice test. Many people pass it on their first try with proper preparation.
- Submit a background check and fingerprints – This helps confirm you meet the ethical and legal standards to become a licensed insurance sales representative.
- Apply for your license – You’ll do this through your state’s insurance department.
Look for bundled pre-licensing courses that include test prep, flashcards, and practice exams. ORCA Life partners with licensing providers who specialize in helping people start an insurance career path with no experience or certifications.
Free and Low-Cost Training Resources for Beginners
Once you’re licensed, learning doesn’t stop there. But the good news? There are plenty of free or low-cost training options available:
- YouTube channels focused on life insurance sales
- Podcasts hosted by top-producing agents
- Insurance-focused Facebook groups and forums
- Free webinars hosted by FMOs like ORCA Life
We provide on-demand training videos, live calls, and real-world scripts to help new agents build their confidence and skills.
Why Mentorship (and a Great FMO) Matters
No one succeeds alone in this business. Having a mentor—or better yet, a team—can make all the difference when you’re starting an entry-level position with no sales experience.
When you join ORCA Life, you’re not just signing up with a Field Marketing Organization (FMO)—you’re gaining access to:
- One-on-one mentorship
- Daily support from industry veterans and team members
- Proven systems for selling and servicing policies
- Warm leads (so you’re not cold calling for hours)
Your first few weeks are where confidence is built or lost. Surround yourself with people who know how to get you up and running fast.
How Sales Scripts and Practice Build Confidence
New agents often ask, “What do I say?”
That’s where sales scripts come in. They’re not about sounding robotic—they’re about giving you a roadmap. Practice makes perfect, especially when you’re navigating your first appointments.
Start with:
- Basic scripts for phone calls and home visits
- Common client objections and how to answer them
- Real-life client scenarios with feedback from mentors
The more you role-play, the more natural it feels. And when you sound confident, policyholders trust you.
Set Realistic Expectations for Year One
Let’s be honest—this business isn’t easy, especially at the start. But it is simple.
Your first year might include:
- Rejection (that’s normal)
- Learning how to manage your time
- Finding your rhythm with appointments and follow-ups
Stay consistent. Focus on the process. Stick to the systems your mentors and insurance agency give you. Most agents who push through the first 6–12 months start seeing real momentum in year two and beyond.
If you’re ready to start an insurance career with no experience, there’s never been a better time. The demand for licensed agents is growing, and families across the country are searching for someone they can trust. You don’t need years of customer service experience to make a difference—you just need the right support, the right mindset, and a willingness to learn.
At ORCA Life, we’re committed to helping new agents thrive with training, mentorship, and proven systems that actually work.
You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to get started. And we’ll be here to help you every step of the way.
Let ORCA Life show you what’s possible. Contact us today to get started.
Founded with a commitment to protecting what matters most, ORCA Life Insurance Company offers a range of innovative insurance products designed to provide peace of mind and financial security and are tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families. At Orca, we prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to deliver exceptional service through a dedicated team of professionals. With a focus on transparency and integrity, we empower our clients to make informed decisions about their financial futures. To explore our offerings and discover how ORCA Life can help safeguard your dreams, visit https://orca.life/ or contact us at 844-851-3846.
* Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance carrier.