What is the role of an insurance agent?

The role of an insurance agent is primarily to act as an intermediary between the insurer and the insured. This means that the agent facilitates communication and transactions between the two parties, helping clients understand their insurance needs and guiding them in selecting appropriate coverage. The agent represents the insurance company and is responsible for selling policies, providing advice, and assisting clients throughout the purchasing process.

In this capacity, the agent also helps consumers navigate the complexities of insurance products and services, ensuring they receive the best policies to meet their specific requirements. By representing both the insurer and the insured, agents play a crucial role in the insurance ecosystem, making it easier for clients to access and utilize insurance solutions.

The other options involve responsibilities that are not typically assigned to insurance agents. For instance, directly managing claims is usually handled by claims adjusters, while investment portfolio management is more aligned with financial advisors or investment specialists. Underwriting, which assesses risk and determines policy terms, is typically the responsibility of underwriters, not agents. Therefore, focusing on the intermediary role accurately defines the primary function of an insurance agent in the insurance industry.