Captive vs Independent

When looking for a local insurance agent and exploring insurance options, it's important to understand the difference between a captive insurance agent and an independent insurance agent. A captive agent works exclusively for one insurance company, meaning they can only offer policies and products from that specific company. This can limit the variety of coverage options available to you, as a captive agent may be incentivized to push the products of their employer. For example, Investopedia explains that while captive agents might have a deep knowledge of their company's offerings, they may not always be able to provide the most competitive rates or a wide range of choices.

In contrast, an independent insurance agent represents multiple insurance companies, giving them the flexibility to offer a broader range of products, services and rates. This allows them to compare policies from different insurers and find the one that best fits your needs and budget. According to The Balance, independent agents are often seen as more impartial since they are not tied to any single company. This independence can be a significant advantage for consumers looking for personalized insurance solutions tailored to their specific circumstances.

If you are looking for a home insurance quote, a car insurance quote or a life insurance quote, it’s also important to consider that independent agents will have the flexibility to shop the insurers they have affiliations with. Shopping multiple insurers may take a few hours longer to receive quotes as each insurance company has it’s own platform for agents to work in, which require the independent agent to enter the same data multiple times. Independent agents are well educated on each insurers platform so they can offer you the product that best fits your needs and budget.

Ultimately, when you want to find a Tennessee insurance agent, the choice between a captive and independent agent depends on your individual needs, whether you prioritize having a wide array of options or specialized, in-depth knowledge of a single insurer's offerings. 

We are an independent agency and work with all the carriers listed on our site. We’re happy to assist in all your insurance needs.