Independent Agents

Small Business Agency Appointment

Become an Independent Agent With The Hartford

We’re here to make a difference and help protect small businesses from the unique risks they face. We want to see our small business customers grow and succeed. If you feel the same way, we’d love to partner with you.
 
Become a Small Commercial Agent
Small Business Agency Appointment
200+
Years Proudly Serving Our Customers
1.5MM+
Small Business Customers
#1
Digital Small Business Insurer by Keynova***

What Is an Independent Agent?

Independent Insurance BrokerAn independent agent is a person that sells insurance products from various companies in the insurance industry. Independent agents and brokers don’t work for a specific insurer. Instead, independent agents work for an insurance agency. So, they’re able to give their clients options when they’re looking for insurance protection.
 

How Do Captive, Direct Sales and Independent Insurance Agents Differ?

Independent insurance agentsThere are three types of insurance agents that each sell insurance differently:
 
  • Captive agents only sell insurance for one company.
  • Direct sales agents represent the insurance company they work for. As an employee of an insurer, they sell products directly to customers.
  • Independent agents sell insurance products from many insurance companies.

Captive Agents

Captive agents only sell insurance for one company. They can either be independent contractors or an employee of the insurer.
 
Captive agents may have a salary or work on a commission where they receive a portion of sales they make.
 

Direct Sales Agents

Direct sales agents are usually employees of the company they sell insurance for.
 
For example, if a small business owner is looking for car insurance, they can go to an insurance carrier’s website or call the company to request a quote. From there, they can work with a salesperson of the insurer to cover their commercial auto insurance coverage.
 

Independent Agents

Independent agents sell policies from various insurance carriers.
 
When it comes to buying insurance, an independent agent can provide business owners coverage information from different insurers. Since not every insurance company is the same, they can compare business insurance coverage and pick the policy that best meets their needs.
 

Benefits of Getting Appointed With The Hartford

Independent insuranceWhen you’re appointed with The Hartford as an independent agent, it means getting innovative solutions to improve margins, boost policy retention and grow your business. Other benefits we offer include:
 
  • Faster and easier quoting, where 75% of quotes are ready to issue with no underwriting approval
  • Increased agency efficiency due to real-time automated processes and streamlined workflows
  • Responsive support from dedicated sales and underwriting teams who have local business knowledge and whose main goal is to help you write business
Get appointed with The Hartford and see why we’re a trusted choice by other agents.
 
 
 
 
Última actualización: 21 de marzo de 2024
 
*** Based on a 2021 study by Keynova (formerly Dynatrace).

Additional Resources for Insurance Agents

Some additional resources for insurance agents include: