How do insurance agents make money?

Answer 1

By selling policies and collecting commissions. 

Answer 2

A portion of your premium, such as 15%, goes to them and is called commission.  They perform some of the duties that otherwise the insurance company would have to perform.

Answer 3

They take your money. If you make them have to pay any of it back by filing a claim they charge you more money from then on.

It's more of a racket.