An independent insurance agent sells insurance products from multiple companies instead of just one provider. Learn the pros and cons of using these agents.
Lora Shinn has been writing about personal finance for more than 12 years. Her articles have also been published by CNN Money, U.S. News & World Report, and Bankrate, among others.
Samantha Silberstein is a Certified Financial Planner, FINRA Series 7 and 63 licensed holder, State of California Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Licensed Agent, and CFA. She spends her days working with hundreds of employees from non-profit and higher education organizations on their personal financial plans.
Gina LaGuardia has more than 25 years of experience in senior editorial roles, and is an expert in personal finance topics, including banking and lending. She has created content for financial powerhouses such as Chase Bank, American Express Canada, First Horizon Bank, BBVA, and SoFi.
An independent insurance agent acts as an intermediary between you and multiple insurance companies. Independent agents have been around since the early to mid-1800s, which eventually led to the creation of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc, a trade organization, in 1896. Today, there are about 36,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S.
Some independent agents work for themselves, selling products from multiple insurance carriers. They may be required to complete company-specific training or apply and get approved to sell a company’s insurance. Usually, the agent needs to prove they have a promising pipeline of customers and are a good fit for sales. Other independent agents work with insurance membership networks or wholesalers, providing carrier access and administrative support.
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