AGA (General insurance agent)
An AGA, or general insurance agent, is a self-employed professional mandated by an insurer to distribute its policies and represent its interests to clients.
Unlike an insurance broker, who can compare several insurers' offers, a general agent generally works with a single company or a specific insurance group.
In the field of wealth management, a general insurance agent can support individuals, business owners and self-employed professionals with wealth issues relating to:
- life insurance;
- protection insurance;
- retirement;
- wealth transfer;
- savings;
- family protection;
- business insurance.
AGA status is one of the regulated intermediary categories registered withORIAS.
Dans cette définition
Vos repères- 01 General insurance agents (AGA) in figures
- 02 What is a general insurance agent's role in wealth management?
- 03 How does an AGA differ from an insurance broker?
- 04 Why are some wealth advisers also general insurance agents?
- 05 Must a general insurance agent be registered with ORIAS?
- 06 What regulations govern AGAs?
- 07 Why consult a general insurance agent?
- 08 FAQ
General insurance agents (AGA) in figures
A general insurance agent (AGA) represents one or more insurance companies under an exclusive or nearly exclusive mandate. Their ORIAS registration is mandatory. As of 31 December 2024, France had 11 935 general insurance agents, a slight increase of 0,6 % year on year. Almost 91 % operate as legal entities and the average registration period reaches 10 years and 4 months, making this one of the most experienced professions among insurance intermediaries. General agents also held 12 362 active mandates with insurance companies.
What is a general insurance agent's role in wealth management?
In wealth management, a general insurance agent helps clients implement insurance solutions suited to their wealth objectives.
They may help to:
- prepare for retirement;
- transfer wealth;
- protect a spouse;
- optimise savings;
- structure a life insurance policy;
- establish a protection strategy;
- safeguard a business owner's professional assets.
The AGA often acts as a local adviser, building long-term client relationships.
Although representing a specific insurer, they may offer diverse solutions within that insurer's product range.
How does an AGA differ from an insurance broker?
The main difference is the degree of independence.
Insurance brokers generally act independently and can compare policies from different companies.
A general insurance agent mainly represents a single company under an exclusive or nearly exclusive mandate.
In wealth management, this means:
- brokers often have a wider choice of policies;
- the general agent generally has in-depth expertise in their company's products.
Both models are widespread in wealth advice.
Why are some wealth advisers also general insurance agents?
Some wealth advisers choose AGA status to benefit from the strength, tools and products of a major insurance company.
This model can offer several advantages:
- access to established policies;
- technical support;
- regulatory support;
- sales tools;
- integrated wealth solutions.
In some cases, the professional holds several regulatory statuses:
This combination provides clients with a more comprehensive wealth approach.
Must a general insurance agent be registered with ORIAS?
Yes. Like other insurance intermediaries, general agents must be registered with ORIAS.
ORIAS registration allows checks on:
- the professional's regulatory status;
- the validity of their authorisation;
- their intermediary category;
- their regulatory compliance;
- their professional indemnity insurance.
Before any major wealth-related subscription, check the professional's registration.
What regulations govern AGAs?
General insurance agents are governed by the French Insurance Code and European insurance distribution regulations.
The AGA must in particular:
- comply with advisory duties;
- provide clear customer information;
- analyse the policyholder's needs;
- explain policy features;
- comply with transparency rules.
These duties are essential in wealth management because the solutions proposed may have significant financial, tax and inheritance implications.
Why consult a general insurance agent?
Consulting a general insurance agent can provide personalised support and a lasting relationship with a local professional.
In wealth matters, an AGA can help to:
- structure a life insurance policy;
- prepare an inheritance;
- protect the family;
- plan for retirement;
- implement protection solutions;
- safeguard professional assets.
As insurance is central to many wealth strategies, the general agent can become a key long-term adviser.
FAQ
An AGA is a general insurance agent who distributes an insurer's policies and supports clients with insurance and wealth matters.
A broker generally compares several companies. A general agent mainly represents a single insurer.
Because it allows them to offer insurance solutions within a comprehensive wealth management strategy.
The AGA is self-employed but generally represents a specific insurer under a mandate.