Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

What's the difference between an insurance carrier and an insurance agency?

I have a local agent and he talks about the "carriers" that he works with. What is the difference?

Apr 15, 2016 Boise, ID

Answer
Author profile picture

The Zebra

The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

Great question! The word "carrier" in terms of insurance is just a synonym for company. An insurance carrier is the insurance company that covers your vehicle and is listed on your policy (e.g. Allstate, State Farm, etc.). An insurance "agency" is a business that sells insurance coverage through one, or multiple, companies.

When shopping for car insurance, you can buy a policy directly with the carrier or through a local agency, but the company is who actually provides coverage when an accident occurs, not the agent.

In you're situation it sounds like your agent works with multiple carriers (or companies) to provide you with the coverage you have. Keep in mind that if you ever want to compare rates from multiple carriers easily online, you can always use The Zebra.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started. No phone number required.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

How many years of driving history do insurance companies check?

While it can vary by carrier, most car insurance companies will charge (i.e. increase your premium) for any ticket or violation within the past 3 years. You typically won't be charged for anything that happened beyond 3 years ago, however insurance companies will still pull 5 years of driving …
Feb 20, 2018 Middletown, Connecticut

Do I buy a car first or insurance first?

This can be a bit confusing your first time around so I should be able to help. Your best bet is to first determine which vehicle you will be purchasing. From there you can get a quote on that specific vehicle to know what rate you will be paying on your insurance. After that you will purchase the …
Feb 23, 2016 Nashville, TN

Why does Allstate count hail damage against you?

Insurance companies are in business to make money, so when a customer files multiple claims within a certain time frame (usually 3 years), this begins to cost the insurance company more money than they are receiving from that customer. While not every company will non-renew your policy for multiple…
Feb 28, 2017 Amsterdam, NY

Do I need to unfreeze my credit to get a quote?

You should be able to get preliminary rates with your credit still frozen. However, in order to run all of the reports (credit, claims history, violation history, etc.) and finalize your auto insurance rates, many carriers will require a credit check which would require you to unfreeze your credit.…
Jul 22, 2022 Atlanta, GA