Independent insurance agents earn their living by matching insurance customers with the insurance they need. Unlike some insurance companies that employ agents to sell their brand of insurance, independent agents are not bound to a single company. This means that they can get competing quotes from multiple companies to help their customers find the best policies and premiums. Independent agents also have more flexibility to sell different types of insurance that can help customers with special needs. Some insurance companies do not allow independent agents to sell their insurance, so insurance shoppers should also check for quotes from other insurers before completing an insurance agreement.