What Is GA (General Agent)? Definition

Why it matters

Some GAs work for one carrier, others for several. They often earn overrides on the production of the agents they supervise. The term overlaps with MGA, BGA, and agency, and usage varies. Read the written agreement to learn who owns the customer relationship and who pays licensing and training costs.

Source: naic.org

Related terms

Managing General Agent (MGA): An MGA, or managing general agent, is a person or firm that an insurer authorizes to manage part of its business. Model law defines it by powers such as underwriting or appointing agents.
Brokerage General Agency (BGA): A BGA, or brokerage general agency, is an agency that serves independent agents by offering access to many carriers, case help, and commission arrangements. It works like a wholesale layer between agents and carriers.
Override: An override is extra commission an upline earns on the sales of agents beneath them. It is often the gap between the upline's contract level and the writing agent's level.
Agency: An agency is a business licensed to sell insurance through its agents. It can hold carrier contracts, employ or contract with producers, and in many states needs its own entity license.
Upline: An upline is the agent, agency, or organization above another agent in the contracting hierarchy. The upline often provides training, contracts, and support, and may earn an override.

All 241 terms

General Agent (GA)

Why it matters

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