- Independent agents can offer products from many carriers. Captive agents offer one company's products.
- Independence usually means commission pay, your own contracts, and more responsibility for your business.
- IMOs, FMOs, and agencies help independent agents with contracts, training, and support.
- The organization behind the label matters more than the label.
On this page
What is the difference between independent and captive?
A captive agent works exclusively with one insurance company and offers only that company's products. An independent agent is not tied to one carrier and can compare products from several. Captive roles often come with more structure and sometimes a salary. Independent roles come with more choice and more responsibility.
Wondering what the day-to-day looks like in each role? Our job description guide compares employee and independent agent work.
| Captive agent | Independent agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Products | One company's lineup | Products from many carriers |
| Who is the fit decided against | What the company offers | What each client needs, across carriers |
| Typical pay structure | Salary, salary plus commission, or commission | Commission, often without a base |
| Training and structure | Provided by the company | Provided by the agency or marketing organization you join |
| Business building | Company support, company rules | More control, more of the work is yours |
What do IMOs, FMOs, and agencies do?
Independent agents rarely contract with every carrier on their own. They join an organization that holds carrier contracts and passes them down. These go by names such as independent marketing organization (IMO), field marketing organization (FMO), and brokerage general agency (BGA). In practice, IMO and FMO are used interchangeably. What matters is what the organization provides: contracts, training, technology, and a way to reach buyers.
What should you look for in an organization?
- A carrier list that covers the products you want to sell, and the rating of each carrier.
- Training that runs on a schedule, not only a video library.
- A clear answer on where your conversations come from.
- A written explanation of your contract level, fees, and chargeback terms.
- Real people you can reach with a question the same day.
Where does Checkmate fit?
Checkmate is an independent agency. No carrier owns us, and our agents have 40+ A-rated carriers to compare. Contracts and appointments are handled for you at onboarding, and live training runs every day. You can see the carrier list on our carriers page and the agent offer on the agent page.
What does independence cost you?
Independence means no company salary while you learn, and a business that depends on your own activity. You also carry your own license costs and continuing education. That is why the choice of agency matters so much. Read our commission guide before you commit.
When independent is not the right choice
Some people do better in a captive or employee role.
- You want a salary, benefits, and a manager who sets your schedule.
- You prefer to become deeply expert in one company's products.
- You do not want to manage your own licensing, contracts, and compliance, even with help.
Frequently asked questions
What is an independent life insurance agent?
An independent life insurance agent is licensed to sell products from multiple carriers and can recommend the one that fits each client. They are not tied to a single company.
Is it better to be a captive or independent agent?
It depends on what you want. Captive roles offer structure and sometimes a salary. Independent roles offer choice and control, with commission pay and more responsibility. Neither is better for everyone.
What is the difference between an IMO and an FMO?
In practice there is no meaningful difference. IMO means independent marketing organization and FMO means field marketing organization. Both help independent agents with contracts, training, and support. The organization matters more than the label.
Is Checkmate an independent agency?
Yes. No carrier owns Checkmate, and agents compare 40+ A-rated carriers to find the right fit for each client.
Do independent agents need their own contracts?
They need carrier appointments to sell a carrier's products. Many get them through an agency or marketing organization. Our contracting guide explains how that works.
Sources
Source links last checked November 13, 2026.
This page is general education about the insurance profession. It is not legal, tax, or career advice, and it does not promise income, appointment, or approval of any application. Licensing rules are set by each state and change, so confirm the current requirements with your state insurance department. Checkmate does not guarantee earnings. Coverage sold by Checkmate agents is subject to underwriting approval, and product and carrier availability varies by state.
Talk to the Checkmate team.
Licensed or not yet, tell us where you are. A team member contacts you within one business day. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm ET.
