Who is typically considered a self-employed insurance agent?

A self-employed insurance agent typically refers to an independent agent. Independent agents operate independently from a single insurance company, allowing them to sell policies from multiple insurers. This structure enables them to offer clients a variety of options, tailoring coverage to meet diverse needs. Their self-employed status provides them with the autonomy to run their own business, manage their client relationships, and set their own hours, making them distinct from other types of agents who may be tied to a particular company.

In contrast, general agents, direct writers, and exclusive agents work within different frameworks. General agents usually represent multiple insurance companies but often operate as intermediaries for these companies rather than as self-employed individuals. Direct writers are agents who work for one insurance company, selling that company's products directly to consumers, and these agents do not have the freedom of selling policies from different insurers. Exclusive agents represent only one insurer and have a dedicated relationship with that company, which limits their ability to operate independently in the market.