Only 31% of agency owners, principals are women, report

Although almost 60% of employees at agencies are women, only 31% are owners and principals, according to data from The State of Women in Independent Insurance Agencies report, conducted by Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance.

Women who are insurance sales agents earn about 67 cents to every dollar a man earns, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The gap is larger for Black women and women of color. The report surveyed 374 U.S.-based women working in independent insurance agencies about their experience working in the industry and more, it was conducted online between September and October 2021.

“Women are paid less, work harder, longer and faster, wear more hats and don’t get fair compensation,” said a 36-year-old principal, who was surveyed.

The women who commented on their experience with representation in agencies varied. Some noted their frustration with the behaviors that are “old boys club,” in nature, according to the report.

One respondent said that most men come into sales roles directly and that women often start in support roles and that they’re not all getting invited to the same events. Other respondents said they’ve seen a lot of changes in the industry and that insurance could be an opportunity for equality for women.

70% of frontline staff feel that their efforts are recognized by leadership and only about one in three feel their contributions aren’t, according to the report. However, some respondents note they have to work harder to prove themselves than their peers, who are men.

“I have been a leader in my agency for the last eight years in some capacity,” said a 57-year-old COO respondent, in the report. “Even now, I am often asked if my male boss has to approve my decision. Sometimes in meetings, people make eye contact more often with him and make comments directly to him. It’s getting better, but I think we have a ways to go.”

While there seems to be an improvement in the attitudes directed toward women in agencies, about 30% of those surveyed said they feel uncomfortable about comments that are made about women.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and “great resignation” there has been a large number of people quitting their jobs, including women.

However, 80% of the respondents suggest that the insurance industry provides them with the life and work balance they want. The report also highlighted flexibility as one of the reasons people would recommend insurance as a field.

“In many cases, women are the backbone of the agency,” said one producer, who was surveyed.