Under West Virginia law, what type of agents are allowed to represent multiple insurance companies?

Independent agents are authorized under West Virginia law to represent multiple insurance companies simultaneously. This allows them to offer a wider variety of insurance products and services, giving consumers more choices and the ability to compare different policies from various providers. By operating independently, these agents can assess the diverse needs of their clients and recommend the most suitable options available in the market.

In contrast, exclusive agents represent only one insurance company, meaning they are limited to that company's products and services. Captive agents also work for a single insurer and have a similar restriction on the range of products they can offer. Franchise agents typically operate under a specific branding or franchise model and may also be limited in the insurance products they can sell depending on their agreement with the franchisor. Thus, independent agents stand out as the only type that can represent multiple insurance companies, ensuring they can provide clients with the best selection tailored to individual needs.