In the context of insurance, who typically has the binding authority?

Binding authority in insurance refers to the ability to bind coverage on behalf of an insurer without needing prior approval for each individual transaction. An agent typically has this authority because they are licensed to represent the insurer and are responsible for selling and servicing insurance policies. Agents have a contractual relationship with the insurer that enables them to act on its behalf, which includes the power to bind coverage.

In most cases, brokers do not possess binding authority as they represent the insured and need to obtain binding approval from the insurer. Employees of the insurance company may have specific roles but do not necessarily have binding authority unless they are licensed agents. Wealthy clients do not have binding authority as their status does not equate to having the necessary licensing and contractual relationships that agents possess. Thus, the correct response identifies agents as the parties typically entrusted with the ability to bind coverage in the insurance industry.