Why independent
Captive or independent: what’s the difference?
Who your agent works with affects which options you see. Here’s a plain-English comparison.
Captive agent
Represents one insurance company
- Offers that company’s products
- Can be very knowledgeable about those products
- If that company’s underwriting or pricing isn’t a fit, options may be limited
Independent agent
Can work with multiple insurance companies
- May have access to several carriers and products
- Can compare underwriting approaches across companies
- Can suggest a different carrier if one isn’t a fit
Why comparing matters
Underwriting differs between companies
Each insurance company sets its own rules for health conditions, medications, build, tobacco use and lifestyle. The same applicant can receive different decisions or price classes from different companies.
Working with an independent agent doesn’t automatically mean a lower rate — pricing is set by insurers and depends on your situation. It does mean we can look at more than one option before you decide.
- More than one optionCompare products and prices across carriers.
- Health-history fitSome carriers may view certain conditions more favorably.
- Objective educationWe explain trade-offs between options.
- Support over timeWe help with reviews, service and claims.