Captive vs. Independent Insurance Agents: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

When shopping for insurance, many people don’t realize they have two very different types of agents to choose from—captive agents and independent agents. Understanding the difference can help you make smarter choices for your family, your budget, and your peace of mind.

What Is a Captive Agent?

A captive agent works for one insurance company. Think of them as company representatives. Their job is to sell you that one company's products—no matter your situation, budget, or preferences. Even if another company offers a better rate or broader coverage, they can't show you those options. They’re limited to what their employer provides.

What Is an Independent Agent?

An independent agent, like us at Al Boenker Insurance, works with multiple insurance companies. We’re not tied to just one. Instead, we partner with several top-rated carriers and compare their offers to find you the best coverage at the best price.

This gives you more freedom, more options, and usually, more savings.

Why This Difference Matters to You

Let’s break it down:

Feature	Captive Agent	Independent Agent
Number of Carriers Offered	Just one	Multiple (we shop them for you)
Quotes Comparison	No	Yes – side-by-side comparisons
Coverage Flexibility	Limited to what one company offers	Wide range of policies and custom options
Time Savings	Must reapply to compare other companies	One application = multiple quotes
Who They Work For	The insurance company	You – the customer

Independent Agents Save Time and Hassle

With a captive agent, you’re stuck if their company raises rates or cuts benefits. Want to explore better options? You’ll have to start from scratch somewhere else.

As independent agents, we make switching easy. If your current carrier isn’t the best fit anymore, we can help you move to another one we already work with—without having to find a new agent or rebuild your whole policy.

Independent Agents Offer a Personal Touch

Many independent agencies—like ours—are local. We live here. We work here. We go to school functions, community events, and ball games with our neighbors. You’re not just a policy number to us. You're part of our community.

The Bottom Line

Captive agents can only show you one door.Independent agents open the whole hallway.

If you value choice, flexibility, and someone working on your behalf—not the insurance company’s—you want an independent agent.

More Freedom. More Options. More Savings.

That’s the independent advantage. That’s the Al Boenker difference.