I’m still very much a greenhorn in insurance sales, so take my advice with a grain of salt. I spend a lot of time on Reddit and other online platforms, checking out what other agents are doing—whether they’re buying certain types of leads or sharing tips on how to get ahead. A conversation that comes up a lot is whether you should sell as an independent broker or as a captive agent. I’ve done both, and here are my unfiltered thoughts.
When I worked as a captive agent at Allstate, I learned that having a strong brand behind you really helps. Just saying “This is Noah with Allstate” instantly gives you credibility over a less-known name. That familiar ring makes it easier to get people to agree to a quote in those critical first few seconds of the call. However, there’s a downside. Captive agents only have one product per insurance line. So, if you need to lower a rate, your options are limited—you’re confined to suggesting things like enrolling clients in driving-monitoring programs or reducing coverage. Both paths invite objections and place you in a pushy, high-pressure sales role.
In contrast, being an independent broker gives you a buffet of options. You don’t have strict quotas, and you’re free to act more like a trusted advisor than a hard sell. Sure, a captive agency’s brand and training can be great—especially for your first six months to a year—but independent work lets you tailor your approach, offer multiple solutions, and save customers money without feeling like you’re forcing a sale.
| Captive Pros | Captive Cons | Independent Pros | Independent Cons |
| Brand recognition | Less options | More options | Less brand recognition |
| Simpler to work with | Corporate kool-aid sessions | Can focus more on the client’s needs than making the sale | Often no salary/benefits |
| Easier quoting systems | More salesy, less focus on helping the client | Less pushy, more casual | Usually commission only |
| Marketing budget typically provided by company | Sales goals expected by corporate | Sales goals are less prominent | Marketing is typically covered by you |
| Generally comes with a salary | Smaller commission payouts, if any | Generally greater commissions | |
| Benefits usually included | May not pay residuals | Residuals |
I Noah Guy Insurance 
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