Broker, agent, producer: the title should explain the relationship.

I identify my business as an independent brokerage because the relationship with the client matters. The terminology should make that relationship clearer.

Producer is the umbrella term

In New York’s insurance law, “insurance producer” includes insurance agents, brokers, and other people who require a license to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance. It is a licensing category. An experienced broker is still a producer.

Broker and agent describe different roles

A broker acts on behalf of the insured in arranging insurance. An agent is an authorized representative of an insurer. One person may hold both licenses and act in the capacity appropriate to the transaction.

In New York, I hold both broker and agent authority. My independent practice centers on the client’s needs, clear explanations, and reasonable care in arranging the coverage requested.

Independent and captive describe business arrangements

A captive agent generally works with one insurer or an affiliated group. An independent agent can work with multiple insurers, subject to licenses and contracts. There is no reliable rule that “captive” always means exactly one or two companies.

Independence does not establish access to every insurer, every product, or every plan. Carrier relationships, the state, the service area, and annual authorization still matter.

Residency is not the test

New York recognizes nonresident insurance brokers. A person does not have to live in New York to hold that role, and terminology varies across states. The useful questions are which licenses the person holds, which capacity applies, and whose behalf they act on.

New York is home for me. My business is independent, and I operate without an upline. Those are facts about my arrangement, rather than a definition that applies to every broker.

Care for the client, stated precisely

New York’s ordinary broker duty includes reasonable care in obtaining the insurance requested by the client. Additional duties can depend on the relationship and circumstances. The title alone is not a promise of a universal fiduciary relationship or unlimited advice.

The practical standard for my business is straightforward: listen carefully, explain the choices, verify what is available, and handle the requested coverage with care.

Free consultations and enrollment assistance

I do not charge clients a consultation or enrollment-assistance fee. Premiums and other plan costs still apply.

Some consulting and brokerage fees are permitted under New York law with a proper signed agreement, but that is not a blanket rule for every insurance program. Medicare plan representatives cannot charge a fee to process enrollment into a Medicare plan.