Who are individuals that sell insurance products from multiple companies and operate independently?

Choosing independent agents accurately reflects the role of these professionals in the insurance marketplace. Independent agents are representatives who have the capability to sell insurance products from a variety of insurance companies. This allows them to offer a wider array of policy options and pricing structures that best suit the client's individual needs. Their independence from any single insurer enables them to provide unbiased advice and options, enhancing the client's ability to compare different products and select the most appropriate coverage.

In contrast, captive agents represent only one insurance company and are confined to selling that specific company's products. Insurance brokers, while similar to independent agents in that they can represent multiple insurers, primarily work on behalf of clients rather than insurance companies, focusing on finding the best policies for their clients, often in a more consultative manner. Insurance underwriters evaluate the risks and exposures of potential clients but do not sell insurance themselves, making them distinct from the other roles mentioned.