Although the terms “insurance agent” and “insurance broker” are sometimes used interchangeably, there is an important distinction between them. Persons with these job titles both work to facilitate the purchase of insurance policies by coordinating between (1) persons and entities who are interested in purchasing insurance policies and (2) insurance companies who are interested in selling insurance policies.

The primary difference between an insurance agent and an insurance broker is who they represent in a transaction—and thus where their loyalties lie. An agent represents one or more insurance companies and a broker represents the insurance buyer—whether an individual or a business.

An agent—sometimes referred to as a captive agent—generally provides information about insurance policies (sometimes called “product”) available from the insurance company or companies the agent represents. In contrast, an insurance broker “goes out into the market” and helps the consumer or business owner find, compare, and acquire the appropriate insurance coverage through one or more insurance policies.

An insurance broker’s compensation for helping a client find, compare, and acquire the appropriate insurance coverage is included in the premium payments made by the client (insured) who purchased the policy or policies. A broker should provide a client with a statement detailing the amount of the premium that will be paid to the broker in commission before the client completes the purchase.

In Oregon, the distinction between an insurance agent and an insurance broker is legally significant. An insurance agent acts as a representative of one or more insurance companies, promoting and selling their policies to consumers. They are often referred to as 'captive agents' if they represent a single insurer. On the other hand, an insurance broker represents the insurance buyer and is tasked with finding the most suitable insurance policy from the market, regardless of the insurance company. Brokers are expected to provide unbiased advice and assist clients in comparing and acquiring insurance coverage that meets their needs. In terms of compensation, insurance brokers in Oregon are typically paid through commissions that are included in the premium payments made by the client. Oregon law requires that brokers disclose the amount of commission they will receive from the insurance policy before the client finalizes the purchase. This ensures transparency and allows clients to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest. Both agents and brokers must be licensed by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation to operate legally within the state.