Unlike an insurance broker, who can compare offers from several insurers, the general agent generally works with a single company or a specific insurance group.
In the field of wealth management, the general insurance agent can assist individuals, business owners, and liberal professions with wealth-related issues concerning:
- life insurance;
- provident insurance;
- retirement;
- inheritance;
- savings;
- family protection;
- professional insurance.
The AGA status is one of the regulated categories of intermediaries registered with the ORIAS.
The General Insurance Agent (AGA) in figures
The General Insurance Agent (AGA) represents one or more insurance companies under an exclusive or quasi-exclusive mandate. Their registration with ORIAS is mandatory. As of December 31, 2024, France had 11,935 general insurance agents, a slight increase of 0.6% over one year. Nearly 91% operate as legal entities, and the average registration period reaches 10 years and 4 months, making it one of the most experienced professions among insurance intermediaries. General agents also held 12,362 active mandates with insurance companies.
What is the role of a general insurance agent in wealth management?
In wealth management, the general insurance agent assists clients in implementing insurance solutions tailored to their wealth objectives.
They can specifically intervene to:
- prepare for retirement;
- transfer assets;
- protect a spouse;
- optimize savings;
- structure life insurance;
- implement a provident strategy;
- secure a professional patrimony for a manager.
The AGA often plays a role as a local advisor, with a client relationship built on the long term.
Even if they represent a specific insurance company, they can offer a variety of solutions within the range of their partner insurer.
What is the difference between an AGA and an insurance broker?
The main difference concerns the level of independence.
The insurance broker generally acts independently and can compare several contracts from different companies.
The general insurance agent primarily represents a single insurance company under an exclusive or quasi-exclusive mandate.
In the world of wealth management, this means that:
- the broker often has a wider choice of contracts;
- the general agent generally benefits from strong expertise on their company’s products.
Both models are widely present in wealth advisory.
Why are some CGPs also general insurance agents?
Some wealth management advisors choose the AGA status to rely on the solidity, tools, and products of a large insurance company.
This model can offer several advantages:
- access to recognized contracts;
- technical support;
- regulatory support;
- commercial tools;
- integrated wealth solutions.
In some cases, the professional combines several regulatory statuses:
This combination allows for a more global wealth approach for clients.
Must the general insurance agent be registered with ORIAS?
Yes. Like other insurance intermediation professionals, the general agent must be registered with ORIAS.
ORIAS registration notably allows verification of:
- the professional’s regulatory status;
- the validity of their authorization;
- their intermediary category;
- their regulatory compliance;
- their professional civil liability insurance.
Before any significant wealth subscription, it is recommended to verify the professional’s registration.
What regulations govern AGAs?
The activity of general insurance agents is governed by the Insurance Code as well as by European regulations on insurance distribution.
The AGA must notably:
- comply with advisory obligations;
- clearly inform clients;
- analyze the subscriber’s needs;
- present the characteristics of contracts;
- comply with transparency rules.
In the context of wealth management, these obligations are essential because the proposed solutions can have significant financial, tax, and inheritance impacts.
Why use a general insurance agent?
Using a general insurance agent can provide personalized support and a lasting local relationship.
In the wealth domain, the AGA can help to:
- structure life insurance;
- prepare for succession;
- protect their family;
- anticipate retirement;
- implement provident solutions;
- secure professional assets.
As insurance plays a central role in many wealth strategies, the general agent can become a key contact in the long term.
FAQ
An AGA is a General Insurance Agent. They distribute insurance company contracts and assist clients with insurance and wealth-related issues.
The broker generally compares several companies. The general agent primarily represents a single insurance company.
Because it allows them to offer integrated insurance solutions within a global wealth management strategy.
The AGA operates independently but generally represents a specific insurance company under a mandate.
