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?
Answer
The word carrier in terms of insurance is just a synonym for company. An insurance carrier is the company that covers your vehicle and is listed on your policy. An insurance agency is a business that sells coverage through one company or multiple companies. You can normally buy a policy with the direct company or carrier or you can buy a policy through a local agency but the insurance company is who actually provides coverage when an accident occurs.