What type of agents sell insurance on a commission or fee basis for one or more companies?

Independent agents are those who represent multiple insurance companies and can offer a variety of policies from different carriers. This flexibility allows them to shop around for the best coverage options and rates for their clients. They are compensated through commissions or fees based on the policies they sell, which makes their income dependent on the volume and type of business they generate. By being independent, these agents can provide personalized service tailored to the specific needs of each client without being tied to a single insurance provider.

In contrast, captive and exclusive agents typically work for one insurance company and can only sell that company's products, limiting their ability to compare options across different insurers. Wholesale agents are intermediaries who work with retail agents to access specialty lines of insurance and are not directly involved in selling to the end consumer. Therefore, independent agents are uniquely positioned to offer a broader choice to policyholders.