---
title: "What Is Captive Agent? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A captive agent sells the products of one insurance company, or a small group of related companies, under an exclusive agreement. The company usually..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/captive-agent
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
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---

Distribution structure

# Captive Agent

A captive agent sells the products of one insurance company, or a small group of related companies, under an exclusive agreement. The company usually controls the agent's products and rules.

## Why it matters

Captive agents get deep product training and brand support from one carrier, but they cannot offer other companies' policies. A family sees fewer options, though one company may fit well. For agents, captive deals can limit book ownership. Compare it to independent work before choosing. Families can ask the agent directly whether other companies are available.

Source: [law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/agent)

[Read next, for agentsCaptive vs independent insurance agent: who owns your book?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/captive-vs-independent-agent)

## Where we use this term

-   [IMO vs FMO vs MGA: which structure fits an independent agent?](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/imo-vs-fmo-vs-mga)
-   [Switching IMOs: what experienced agents should know](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers/experienced-agents)

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