An insurance agency that sells policies from multiple companies is known as what?

An agency that sells policies from multiple companies is referred to as an independent agency. This type of agency operates independently of any single insurance company, allowing it to offer a wider range of policies from various carriers. This flexibility enables independent agencies to assess the unique needs of their clients and match them with the most suitable coverage options from different insurers.

In contrast, an exclusive agency represents only one insurance company, which limits the choices available to clients and can result in a narrower selection of policies. A captive agent, similarly, works solely for one insurer and is restricted to the products that their company provides. A direct writer refers to an insurance company that sells its policies directly to consumers without going through agents, which also differs fundamentally from the operations of an independent agency.