Best Independent Insurance Agent
When choosing an insurance professional, one of the most important decisions is whether to work with an independent insurance agency or a captive or call-center agent. At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we’ve been an independent, family-owned agency since 1980. Independence means we don’t work for any one company — we work for you.
Our independence allows us to compare dozens of top-rated carriers to find the best fit for your needs, budget, and goals. Whether you’re protecting your family with high-risk life insurance, securing predictable retirement income through lifetime income annuities, or exploring long-term care coverage, our role is to deliver objective recommendations, not meet company quotas.
Why Independence Matters
Captive agents represent a single carrier — their product menu is limited to that company’s options, even if better choices exist elsewhere. Meanwhile, large 1-800 call centers often prioritize speed and sales volume over service, leaving clients with cookie-cutter coverage and no long-term advocate.
By contrast, an independent agent offers personalized service and market-wide access. We maintain relationships with over 75 insurance carriers and direct underwriters, allowing us to negotiate approvals and rates that others can’t. For example, if a client has a complex medical history, we can pair them with a carrier known for favorable underwriting on that specific condition—just one reason independence leads to better outcomes.
Independent vs. Captive vs. 1-800 Agencies
The differences are clear:
- Independent Agencies (like Diversified): Represent multiple carriers, offer unbiased advice, and provide personalized service for life.
- Captive Agents: Limited to one company’s products; often incentivized by internal sales goals.
- 1-800 Agencies: Call-center style, impersonal service, and no ongoing relationship once the policy is sold.
Our independence ensures your coverage evolves as your life does. Whether you’re updating your term life policy, evaluating a non-qualified long-term care annuity, or preparing to protect your retirement funds, we make sure every policy remains the right fit.
Benefits of Working with an Independent Agency
1. Access to Multiple Companies
We compare products from over 75 A-rated carriers nationwide — ensuring you receive the most competitive pricing and strongest benefits available. This multi-carrier flexibility helps clients secure better coverage on everything from group vs. individual life insurance to fixed and indexed annuities.
2. Objective and Unbiased Advice
Captive and call-center agents must prioritize company products. We prioritize your goals. Our fiduciary-style process ensures we recommend solutions that protect income, reduce risk, and support long-term wealth strategies such as qualified charitable distributions and tax-efficient legacy planning.
3. Expertise in Complex and High-Risk Cases
We specialize in underwriting challenges other agents can’t solve. By working directly with carrier underwriters, we’ve helped clients obtain coverage for niche industries, medical conditions, and advanced business planning needs — such as buy-sell funding and key-person insurance.
4. Personalized, Ongoing Service
You’ll always talk to the same advisor—not a call center. Our clients appreciate consistent communication, proactive reviews, and a dedicated team that helps them adjust coverage when life changes.
5. Advocacy During Claims
Should you need to file a claim, we act as your advocate—guiding documentation, coordinating with the carrier, and ensuring fair outcomes. You’ll never be left to navigate the process alone.
Example: Independence in Action
A retiree once came to us after being denied by a major captive carrier due to a health disclosure. Because we represent multiple companies, we submitted their application to a carrier with more flexible guidelines—and secured approval at a preferred rate. The same independence also helps our clients maximize annuity withdrawals, qualify for state LTC partnership programs, and lock in lifetime guarantees unavailable through single-company agents.
Why Choose Diversified Insurance Brokers
Our team blends 40+ years of experience with the reach of a national agency. Licensed in all 50 states, we help clients design fully customized strategies—from income planning and lifetime annuities to long-term care protection. Independence isn’t just our business model—it’s our promise of unbiased advocacy for every client we serve.
Work with a True Independent Insurance Expert
Compare rates, benefits, and guarantees across the industry. Get the unbiased guidance you deserve—backed by decades of experience.
Or call 800-533-5969 to speak with a licensed advisor today.
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Licensed in all 50 states • Fiduciary, family-owned since 1980
FAQs: Working with an Independent Insurance Agent
What makes an independent agent different?
Independent agents represent multiple insurance carriers, giving clients more choices, better rates, and unbiased advice—unlike captive agents tied to one company.
Why should I choose an independent agency over a 1-800 company?
With a 1-800 company, you may never speak to the same person twice. An independent agency provides personalized service, real relationships, and long-term advocacy.
Do independent agents charge fees?
No. Our compensation comes from the carriers, not the client. You get professional service and comparison shopping at no cost to you.
How does an independent agent handle claims?
We advocate for you during the claims process, ensuring fair and timely resolution—something captive and call-center agents usually cannot do.
Can independent agents handle complex or high-risk cases?
Yes. Because we work with multiple underwriters and have direct carrier relationships, we can find placement even when others can’t.
