West Virginia Property and Casualty Licensing Practice Exam

Which type of agent has a contract with a single insurance company?

1. Independent agent

2. Captive agent

3. Direct response agent

4. Market agent

The correct answer is: Captive agent

A captive agent has a contract with a single insurance company, which allows them to exclusively represent that company’s products and policies. This model fosters a deep understanding of the specific insurance offerings from the company, enabling captive agents to provide specialized knowledge about their products and build strong relationships with their clients. In contrast, independent agents work with multiple insurance companies, offering a variety of products and policies to their customers. This flexibility allows them to shop around for the best options based on client needs rather than being limited to one company. Direct response agents operate by selling insurance directly to the consumer, typically without face-to-face interaction, usually through mail or online channels. Market agents, while less commonly defined, generally imply a broader capability and do not signify a specific type of contractual relationship with an insurer. Captive agents play a crucial role in ensuring brand loyalty for the insurance company they represent, often focusing on a narrow range of products but with a strong backing from the insurer they are contracted with.