Insurance Agent (Beginner Map): Carriers, Agencies, MGAs & Brokers
The US insurance industry has four main players. Carriers pay the claims. Agencies and insurance agents sell the policies. MGAs handle underwriting on a carrier’s behalf. Brokers shop the market for you. Each state regulates all four, not the federal government. Who regulates insurance in the US? Under the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945, states oversee insurance. Each state’s department of insurance: Licenses agents, brokers and companies Reviews many rates and policy forms Takes consumer complaints The National Association of Insurance Commissioners writes model laws, but each state decides what to adopt. Insurance licensing rules differ by state, so always check yours. Carriers: who actually pays your claim A carrier (or insurer) takes on the risk and pays claims. Admitted carriers are licensed in your state, file rates and forms with regulators, and are backed by the state guaranty association if they fail. Non-admitted (surplus lines) carri...