# Independent agent

> What an independent insurance agent is, how they compare car insurance quotes from several companies and how they differ from captive agents.

Canonical page: https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/independent-agent/  
Last reviewed: October 28, 2026 by the StateCover Guide editorial team  
General information, not legal or insurance advice.

## Quick answer

An independent agent is a licensed insurance agent who represents several insurance companies rather than just one. Because they work with more than one insurer, they can gather several quotes for you and help you compare them.

## How it works

Independent agents sell and service policies for each insurer they have an agreement with. Like other agents, they act on behalf of those insurance companies. They can help with quotes, policy changes and questions about claims.

The main limit is their list of companies. An independent agent can quote only the insurers they represent, which may not include every company in your state. Other ways to buy include:

- **Captive (exclusive) agents**, who sell one company's products only.
- **Direct sales**, where you buy from the insurer online, by phone or by mail.
- **Brokers**, who in some states look for coverage on your behalf and may charge a fee.

No channel is always cheaper. To compare fairly, ask for quotes with the same coverages, limits and deductibles, whichever route you use, and check the agent's license with your state insurance department.

## Related terms

- [Captive agent](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/captive-agent/)
- [Insurance agent](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/insurance-agent/)
- [Insurance broker](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/insurance-broker/)
- Guide: [Comparing car insurance quotes at renewal](https://statecover-guide.com/saving/shopping-at-renewal/)

## Sources

- [NAIC, Glossary of Insurance Terms](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms) — independent agent as a representative of multiple insurers
- [NAIC, A Consumer's Guide to Auto Insurance](https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-aut-pp-consumer-auto.pdf) — independent agents provide multiple quotes; exclusive agents and direct sales