Who is a "placing agent" in the context of surplus lines insurance?

A "placing agent" in the context of surplus lines insurance is specifically defined as an individual or entity that procures insurance coverage from a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurance refers to coverage provided by non-admitted insurers, which are not licensed in the state where the risk is situated. These insurers offer specialized or unusual coverage that admitted insurers may not provide, often due to the higher risk associated with the insurance need.

This is why option C is the correct answer: a placing agent plays a crucial role in procuring necessary insurance from these non-admitted markets when the standard markets are unable to meet the insurance needs of clients. The role requires knowledge of the surplus lines market to effectively facilitate the placement of insurance that is appropriate for the client's unique situation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of a placing agent within the surplus lines context. For instance, representing only licensed insurers or seeking coverage exclusively from admitted insurers does not apply to the role of a placing agent, as these tasks would pertain to agents working within the conventional insurance marketplace rather than the surplus lines sector. Additionally, an agent licensed solely to sell personal insurance does not encompass the broader capabilities required for placing agents who operate in specialized surplus lines situations.