How does an independent insurance agent work?

Asked by: Kory Nader  |  Last update: July 24, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (57 votes)

What is an independent insurance agent? An independent agent works with multiple insurance companies to offer an entire suite of insurance products to meet consumer needs. Captive agents work with just one insurance company, offering only the products offered by that specific company.

What are some advantages of working with an independent insurance agent?

This is arguably the most important benefit of working with an independent insurance agent.
  • Responsiveness. ...
  • Help Throughout the Claim Process. ...
  • Faster, More Efficient Insurance Claim Processing. ...
  • Better Communication. ...
  • Personalized Coverage Reviews. ...
  • Save Money. ...
  • Stay With a Trusted Choice As Your Needs Change.

Do independent agents represent their clients to the insurance provider?

Because independent agents can only sell policies for insurers they represent, they may not represent all the insurance carriers you hoped to investigate. If you have specialized insurance needs, an independent insurance agent may be able to find the right policy for you.

Is it better to be a captive or independent insurance agent?

Generally speaking, there isn't one better type of insurance agent. Whether you choose to work with a captive agent or an independent agent depends on you. The main benefit of working with a captive agent is that they have extensive knowledge of their insurers products and policies, because they have one carrier.

What are the advantages of using an insurance agent?

5 Benefits of Having an Insurance Agent.
  • Save Money. Assuming you make the right decision and go with an independent insurance agent, you have a much better chance at saving money.
  • Freedom. ...
  • Save Time. ...
  • Service. ...
  • Insurance made simple.

How an Independent Insurance Agency Works

16 related questions found

How do insurance agents get paid?

When a policy is sold to you, an insurance agent earns a commission. Also, there are promised rewards that are paid over the commissions for the sales targets achieved by them. The new rule by Irdai could work in the interest of policyholders.

What is the difference between an insurance broker and an insurance agent?

While both agents and brokers work with insurance companies and insurance buyers, they differ in who they represent during the purchasing process. An insurance agent represents each of the insurance carriers they work with, while an insurance broker represents the insurance buyer.

Why do insurance agents quit?

26.2% voted a lack of money for leads as their primary reason why they quit. Less important reasons agents quit selling insurance include running out of prospects, personal issues like health problems, and discovering the business wasn't a right fit.

Can I work for 2 different insurance companies?

Yes, you can write policies with more than one carrier, depending on the contract you set up with each carrier. Keep in mind that not all insurance providers allow their products to be sold with other insurance. GEICO and State Farm are good examples. They are both considered captive insurance agencies.

Can I become agent for multiple insurance companies?

An Insurance Agent is not permitted to work for different Companies of same segment.

Can insurance agent buy their own insurance?

1 Answer. Insurance agents are legally permitted to sell themselves life insurance policies and receive the usual commission.

What is the difference between an independent agent and a broker?

An insurance broker represents consumers in their search for coverage and can sell policies from several different insurance companies for a commission. Unlike captive and independent agents, who represent one or more insurance companies, a broker's primary duty is to the client.

What is a characteristic of an independent agent?

Independent agents typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law. Their expertise allows them to advise their clients about appropriate amounts of insurance and insurance coverages for their particular needs.

Which insurance company is best to be an agent for?

What are the best insurance companies for independent agents?
  • National General Insurance.
  • Nationwide Insurance.
  • Markel Insurance.
  • Progressive Insurance.
  • Selective Insurance.
  • The Hanover Group.
  • Travelers Insurance.
  • West Bend Mutual Insurance.

What is a captive agent?

Captive Agents — employees of the insurer who work exclusively for that insurer. Insurers that use their own employee-agents are known as "direct writers."

How does your credit score affect your vehicle insurance in most states?

A higher credit score decreases your car insurance rate, often significantly, with almost every company and in most states. Getting a quote, however, does not affect your credit. Your credit score is a key part of determining the rate you pay for car insurance.

Which insurance company pays highest commissions?

Max Life and LIC are the highest commission paying life insurers in India as their commission outgo is in excess of 5.5% of their total premium income, shows LIC's draft IPO prospectus. Max Life pays the highest commission to agents.

How many insurance companies can an agent represent?

Corporate Agents can represent one life insurer, one non-life insurer and one standalone health insurer. In addition they can represent the two specialised insurance companies, Export Credit Guarantee Corporation and Agriculture Insurance Corporation of India.

How do I transfer insurance agency from one company to another?

Now, insurance agents can easily shift from one insurance company to another. To do so, all they need to do is surrender their agency license with the existing insurer. The insurance company will issue a cessation certificate within 15 days from the date of surrender of agency license.

Why do insurance agents earn so much?

Because the amount of money insurance agents earn is comprised largely of commissions and bonuses, the number of sales an insurance agent makes is the biggest factor that contributes to the disparity between the highest and lowest paid of insurance agents.

What percentage of insurance agents succeed?

More than 90% of new agents quit the business within the first year. The rate increases to greater than 95% when extended to five years.

How many policies does an insurance agent sell?

About on average 25 to 40 per month. 2.5 policies per month is the Official Number from the financial reports. But many people do it part time.

What are the disadvantages of using an insurance broker?

Following are some significant disadvantages of using insurance brokers: Additional Charges: Apart from the premium, one may require to pay some extra charges. This other charge concerns the broker fee. Lack of Professionalism: Occasionally, the insurance brokers may show a lack of professionalism.