Page "Insurance" Paragraph 203

Insurance may also be purchased through an agent.

A tied agent, working exclusively with one insurer, represents the insurance company from whom the policyholder buys ( while a free agent sales policies of various insurance companies ).

Just as there is a potential conflict of interest with a broker, an agent has a different type of conflict.

Because agents work directly for the insurance company, if there is a claim the agent may advise the client to the benefit of the insurance company.

Agents generally cannot offer as broad a range of selection compared to an insurance broker.