Insurance companies, and how to look one up
The company writes the policy and pays the claims. A local agency helps you choose it. Here is how to look into both.
Company, agent, broker
Who does what.
- An insurance company, also called a carrier or insurer, writes the policy, collects the premium and pays covered claims.
- Some companies sell direct, some sell only through agents, and some do both.
- Agents and brokers help you pick a company and a policy, and service it afterwards.
How to look into a company
Three official checks before you sign.
- Make sure the company is allowed to do business in your state: your state insurance department has a company lookup.
- Look at its complaint record and basic financial details in the NAIC Consumer Insurance Search.
- Read the declarations page and the policy form: the company named there is the one that pays claims.
Financial strength ratings
Independent rating agencies publish financial strength ratings for insurance companies. A rating is an opinion about a company’s ability to pay claims. Ask your agency which rating a company holds and from which agency.
If an insurance company fails
There is a safety net, with limits.
Every state, plus DC and Puerto Rico, has guaranty associations that pay certain claims, up to limits set by state law, when an admitted insurer fails and is placed in liquidation. Property and casualty claims go through the property and casualty guaranty fund. Covered life, annuity and health claims go through the life and health guaranty association. What's protected, and how much, varies by state.
Direct or through an agency
- Buying direct means you deal with the company yourself, usually online or by phone.
- An independent agency can put several companies in front of you at once.
- A captive agent offers one company group, often with a local office you can visit.
Questions about this page
- What is the difference between an insurance company and an insurance agency?
- The insurance company writes the policy and pays covered claims. The agency helps you choose a company and a policy and services it afterwards.
- How can I look up an insurance company?
- Your state insurance department has a company lookup, and the NAIC Consumer Insurance Search shows complaint records and basic financial details.
- What happens if my insurance company fails?
- State guaranty associations pay certain claims, up to limits set by state law, when an admitted insurer fails and is placed in liquidation. Surplus lines policies usually aren't protected.
- Does InsuranceFinder sell insurance?
- No. InsuranceFinder is a free online database of insurance agents, brokers and carriers. It does not sell policies, give prices or take applications. Each firm page shows the firm’s own published phone number and office address.
Related
Official sources
- NAIC Consumer Insurance Search
- NAIC: state insurance departments
- National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds
- National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations
Sources checked Oct 2026. Rules change; your state insurance department has the current version.