Can you work in insurance with a felony?

Asked by: Katharina Durgan  |  Last update: May 21, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (75 votes)

Yes, you can work in insurance with a felony, but it's challenging, especially for felonies involving dishonesty or breach of trust, due to federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1033) prohibiting such individuals unless they get a waiver from a state insurance regulator. The specific type of felony, the state's regulations, and your ability to get a written waiver from your state's Department of Insurance determine your eligibility, requiring you to disclose everything and demonstrate trustworthiness.

Can felons work in insurance?

18 U.S.C.A. §1033(e) provides that any individual who has been convicted of "any criminal felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust" may not engage in the "business of insurance" as defined therein. Violation of the prohibition is punishable by fine or imprisonment or both.

What jobs are off limits to felons?

Employment Opportunities

A felony conviction can severely limit job prospects. Some professions, including law enforcement, healthcare, and education, may be off-limits to felons due to restrictions on obtaining the required licenses. Employers are also allowed to consider felony convictions during background checks.

Can you still work in healthcare with a felony?

People who work in healthcare often have direct access to patients. This means that certain criminal convictions will be disqualifying. Some of the common types of convictions that could result in a denial for a position include convictions for drug abuse, theft, elder or patient abuse, sexual offenses, and others.

What is the best career path for a felon?

Industries such as construction, technology, entrepreneurship, and creative fields often offer promising career paths for felons. Self-employment and freelancing can be excellent options for those with criminal records seeking financial stability.

Can I Get a Life Insurance License with a Felony Conviction

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How do I explain my felony to employers?

It is up to you, but we recommend honesty. On the application, write ”will discuss in interview” rather than a lengthy explanation of past convictions. In an interview, keep explanations brief, and stress what you have learned from your conviction and time in prison, how you have changed, and your skills or assets.

Do life insurance companies check criminal records?

Do life insurance companies check criminal records? Yes, during a life insurance application, you will be asked questions about your criminal history, lifestyle, and background so the insurer can evaluate your potential risk.

What jobs can't get life insurance?

Jobs that are considered high-risk and may impact your life insurance rates include:

  • Law enforcement.
  • Fishing industry.
  • Construction workers.
  • Mining and quarry workers.
  • Oil and natural gas.
  • Electric powerline construction or maintenance.
  • Aviation jobs.
  • Bartenders.

Why do companies not like to hire felons?

Employers' reluctance to hire such individuals may be prompted by law or by fear of litigation. Some occupations, such as those involving contact with children, are legally closed to people with felony convictions.

Does having a felony affect your insurance?

Felony and car insurance FAQs:

Yes — a felony can raise your car insurance rates, especially if it's driving-related, since insurers see it as higher risk. Felonies usually stay on your record permanently, but in some states you may qualify for expungement or record sealing.

What jobs won't hire a felon?

Industries That Don't Hire Individuals with Criminal Records

  • Medical Industry. If you do not already have your medical license, you can't get it after becoming a felon. ...
  • Financial Industry. ...
  • Emergency Responders. ...
  • Transportation. ...
  • Security. ...
  • Education.

What's the best trade for a felon?

While getting a job depends on various factors, some industries are more open to hiring individuals with a record: Construction and skilled trades: Carpenters, plumbers, welders, and electricians are in demand, and employers often focus on skills and experience.

What jobs are felons most likely to get?

12 highest-paying jobs for people with criminal records

  • Digital marketer. ...
  • Freelance designer. ...
  • Painter. ...
  • Maintenance worker. ...
  • Entrepreneur. ...
  • Web developer. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Barber.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

$2000 Per Day jobs

  • Chief People Officer (CPO) AI SaaS Digital Consumer Products, Government, Education (Remote/Equity) ...
  • Sanitation-Clean-up. ...
  • Hospitalist - Medical Staff - Full time - $235 - $275 per hour based on experience! ...
  • Early Intervention Specialist (Remote) Borger. ...
  • Data Annotator/Labeler. ...
  • Events Manager.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Jobs that can pay $400K a year without a degree include commercial real estate brokers, successful YouTubers or influencers, self-employed software developers, high-stakes sales roles like enterprise tech sales, and business owners. These roles rely on skill, market demand, and performance rather than formal education.

What is the 10 second rule in an interview?

The 10 second rule in an interview setting is about understanding that your presence starts speaking before your voice does. You walk and that first impression becomes the lens through which the interviewer hears everything you say afterward. Think of it like a book.