Special Agent

What Does Special Agent Mean?

A special agent, also known as a solicitor, is an individual appointed by an insurance agent to identify potential policyholders. This role requires a license; however, while special agents can seek out prospective customers, they are not authorized to sell insurance policies.

Insuranceopedia Explains Special Agent

The role of a special agent emerged due to intense competition in the insurance market. While they are licensed to identify potential clients who can be insured, they are not authorized to issue coverage or sell insurance policies.

Instead, special agents refer prospective clients to insurance agents and earn a commission for each policy successfully issued through their efforts. Because special agents only refer prospects rather than sell policies, consumers who want to compare options directly often start by researching the best car insurance companies or looking at top life insurance providers before a licensed agent is brought in to write the policy. Some shoppers skip the referral channel altogether and compare homeowners insurance companies on their own before deciding whether to work with a local agent.