Guide · 5 min read
How Independent Life Insurance Agents Work
What an independent agent does, how compensation works, and what the process looks like from first call to decision.
Independent vs captive
A captive agent represents one insurance company. An independent agent holds appointments with multiple carriers and can present options from the carriers the agency is authorized to represent.
How agents are paid
Independent agents are generally paid a commission by the carrier when a policy is issued. There is no separate charge to you for the comparison conversation. Commission rates vary by product, which is why it matters to work with an agency that explains the reasoning behind a recommendation.
What the process looks like
You describe your goal, budget, age, and general health history. The agent identifies available products, explains the differences, and — only if you choose to move forward — helps you complete an application. Underwriting decisions are always made by the carrier, not the agency.
Keep reading
This article is general information, not insurance advice for your specific situation. Coverage, pricing, eligibility, and availability vary by state, carrier, product, age, health, and underwriting.