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

Asked by: Jacynthe Mueller  |  Last update: July 27, 2023
Score: 5/5 (12 votes)

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 type of insurance agent makes the most money?

Overview of the Insurance Field

While there are many kinds of insurance (ranging from auto insurance to health insurance), the most lucrative career in the insurance field is for those selling life insurance.

Is it good to be a captive agent?

Captive agents are usually paid a salary and commission and are provided with benefits. The advantages of being a captive agent include the benefits of working for a company, such as administrative tasks, a national advertising budget, and a client list.

What are two 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.

What is the difference between captive and non captive?

Definition of a captive or non-captive part. A captive part is a dealer supplied Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part. A non-captive part is a part that is provided by all other industry sources that supply used or aftermarket (jobbers) parts.

Captive vs. Independent Insurance Agent

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Can I become agent for multiple insurance companies?

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

What does it mean to be a captive agent?

A captive agent is simply industry-speak for someone who works for only one company. The insurance companies that advertise on national television are generally captives, and their local agents work for the corporation and only offer their policies.

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.

Which of the following is a potential advantage to using independent agents?

An independent agent can save your time and provide more options than you can find alone. Instead of filling out numerous forms on your own, you can get instant quotes from multiple companies to quickly make the best choice and get on with your life.

What are the benefits of being an insurance agent?

Let's dive into the top five benefits of being an insurance agent.
  • You can give back to your community. ...
  • You'll find an abundance of opportunities. ...
  • You can develop a broad skill set. ...
  • You'll enjoy job security. ...
  • It's easy to get started.

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.

Are Liberty Mutual agents captive?

Liberty Mutual sells commercial insurance only through independent agents and not directly to customers or through “captive” agents, who sell products from only one company.

What is a captive agent position?

Captive agents are insurance sales agents who work exclusively for one insurance company. They can only sell policies provided by the company that employs them. A high school diploma is the typical requirement for insurance sales agents, although a bachelors degree can improve ones job prospects.

Can you become a millionaire being a life insurance agent?

Is It Possible To Become A Millionaire Selling Insurance? A big yes. But like any other job, it takes time to be good at what you do and attain such income levels. Top agents earn anywhere between $100,000 to one million dollars.

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 state pays insurance agents the most?

The states and districts that pay Insurance Sales Agents the highest mean salary are District of Columbia ($101,790), New York ($93,220), Alabama ($82,340), Wisconsin ($79,890), and Oregon ($79,130).

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 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.

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.

Is insurance a good career path?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the job outlook for insurance sales agents is positive, with an estimated growth rate of 5% by 2030. This number amounts to 27,500 new jobs, marking a higher growth estimate than average for all occupations.

Is selling life insurance difficult?

Even when pitching to the most-qualified prospect, do not assume you have an easy sell. Life insurance is a very difficult product to sell. Simply getting your prospect to acknowledge and discuss the fact they are going to die is a hard first step.

How much does an insurance agent make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an insurance agent can earn more than $100,000 in their first year. The median annual wage for insurance sales agents was $52,180 as of May 2020. The lowest 10% of earners in the industry made less than $29,000, and the highest 10% earned more than $127,840.

Is Progressive a captive insurance company?

Progressive is an independent agency, with policies sold by independent agents. In other words, it is sold by agents who are not “captive” to Progressive and can sell policies from different carriers as well (like CoverHound does).

What is twisting in the insurance industry?

Twisting — the act of inducing or attempting to induce a policy owner to drop an existing life insurance policy and to take another policy that is substantially the same kind by using misrepresentations or incomplete comparisons of the advantages and disadvantages of the two policies.

Are Primerica agents captive?

Captive agents

Primerica's agents are captive, meaning they are dedicated to Primerica and cannot quote rates from multiple companies.