Insurance Agent

Glossary

Insurance Agent

A licensed professional who sells insurance policies and annuities on behalf of one or more insurance companies. A captive agent represents a single insurer, while an independent insurance agent or insurance broker represents multiple insurers. Insurance agents must hold a state-issued insurance license for each type of insurance they sell. All insurance agents and brokers legally represent the insurance company, not the customers buying their policies. See Commissions, Fiduciary

Your A‑to‑Z Glossary of Financial Terms