Which term refers to an agent who represents only one insurer?

The term that refers to an agent who represents only one insurer is an exclusive agent. Exclusive agents are bound to a specific insurance company and are dedicated to selling that company's products and services. This relationship allows the insurer to maintain control over the marketing and underwriting process, providing the agent with deeper knowledge about their products, policies, and claims handling.

Exclusive agents typically enjoy benefits such as training from the insurer, access to the company’s resources, and the ability to leverage the brand's reputation for marketing purposes. Because they focus on just one insurer, they may be able to build stronger relationships with their clients regarding that particular company's offerings.

In contrast, a direct writer refers to an insurance company that sells policies directly to the consumer without intermediaries but does not necessarily restrict agents in the same manner an exclusive agent does. A general agent usually has broader responsibilities and may oversee other agents or agencies, while an independent agent represents multiple insurers and can offer a variety of products from different companies. This diversity allows independent agents more flexibility in meeting their clients' needs compared to exclusive agents.