Captive vs independent

Captive agents

They know one company's products deeply, often have direct relationships inside it that help when something goes wrong, and can usually give quick, confident answers about what that insurer will and won't do.

What they cannot do is tell you that a different insurer would price you better or accept a risk theirs won't.

Independent agents

They can compare across the carriers they're appointed with, which matters most where insurers differ sharply — a health condition, a hazardous occupation, aviation, a poor driving record, a hard-to-place property.

The limit is that no independent represents every insurer. Ask which carriers they can actually place with, because "we shop the market" and "we have appointments with four companies" are different statements.

When the difference matters most

• Underwriting complications — carriers vary enormously and an unfavourable answer from one is not the market's answer
• Hazardous occupations or hobbies, where appetite differs sharply
• A driving record or claims history that some insurers won't price competitively
• Larger coverage amounts needing more than one carrier
• A previous decline, which makes carrier selection unusually consequential

When it matters less

A straightforward risk — good health, clean record, standard property — is priced competitively by many insurers, and the practical difference narrows.

In that situation service, responsiveness and the insurer's own complaint record often matter more than how many carriers someone can access.

Questions for either

• Which insurers can you place business with?
• How many did you actually quote for this recommendation?
• Does your compensation differ between the options you've shown me?
• Who handles it if I have a claim problem?
• Are you licensed in my state?