Why I Left Captive Insurance to Go Independent (And What It Means for You)

A former captive insurance agent explains why he went independent, how the two models differ, and what it means for the coverage and pricing you receive.

From the Field | 8 min read | 2026-03-20

I spent years as a captive agent before building an independent agency. The difference in what I can offer clients is night and day. Here's the honest truth about both models — and why it matters for your business.

I was sitting across from a restaurant owner in Charlotte who needed a liquor liability policy. He'd been my client for two years — good guy, paid on time, zero claims. The problem was that my carrier had decided to exit the restaurant space in his state. I couldn't renew his policy.

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