Discover why a direct writer sells insurance only for a single company, and the benefits over independent agents, including specialized knowledge and loyalty.

Kayla Missman specializes in making complicated topics more approachable. She has eight years of experience in journalism, editing and marketing, allowing her to dive into interesting topics and ...

Many insurance companies provide discounts to drivers who take defensive driving classes, and the discounts typically range from 5% to 20% off your car insurance premium. The courses usually take four ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Investopedia / Ellen Lindner A captive agent is an insurance agent who only works for one ...

An independent insurance agent is a salesperson who represents multiple carriers. Find out if one is right for you. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising ...

There's a lot to consider when you're buying insurance, and an insurance agent is usually the person who helps you find the coverage you need. However, insurance agents have limitations and may only ...

Like many Americans, you’ve probably watched your car insurance premiums go up hundreds of dollars in recent years. Nationwide, the average premium paid in the first half of 2025 was more than 8 ...