[G010]

general agent
1) An independent agent who represents one or more insurers with the authority to appoint subagents who report their business through the general agent, who receives an overriding commission for services provided. In some territories a general agent also sells insurance, while functioning in others solely as a manager.

2) A title used by some insurers for those agents receiving a higher commission rate than other agents (because of a higher volume of business placed with the insurer). Such a general agent normally has no additional authority or responsibility, and the title is used to designate the higher commission rate.

(See agency and insurance agency.)