General Insurance✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 1/5
An insurance agent who represents several different insurers and can place a client's coverage with any of them is known as an:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why B is correct
An independent agent represents multiple insurers and has the flexibility to place business with the company whose products and rates best fit the client. By contrast, an exclusive (captive) agent represents only one insurer, and a direct writer distributes through employees or direct response. Independent agencies often own their expirations and are compensated by commission from the insurers they represent.
Why the other options are wrong
- A) An exclusive (captive) agent represents only one insurer, not several.
- C) A managing general agent has delegated underwriting and administrative authority, not merely multi-carrier placement.
- D) A direct writer is the insurer selling through its own distribution, not an agent representing multiple companies.
Memory hook
Independent = shopping multiple carriers for the client. Captive = one carrier, one loyalty.