Comparison
Captive vs. independent agent
Same job title, very different job.
A captive agent works for one carrier — State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, American Family — and can only sell that carrier's products. An independent agent is appointed with many carriers and represents you, not the carrier.
Neither model is 'better' universally. Captive agents can offer deep expertise on one carrier's programs; independents offer breadth across markets.
Model differences
Carrier access
Captive: 1 carrier. Independent: 30+ carriers.
Renewal behavior
Captive: can't move you to save money. Independent: shops your renewal automatically.
Advocacy in claims
Captive: works for the carrier. Independent: works for you.
Product depth
Captive: full stack of one carrier's products. Independent: best-in-class from any carrier.
Ready for a real quote from a real person?
Independent agency. Multiple A-rated carriers. Straight answers.