The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) is a national alliance of

300,000 business owners and their employees who offer all types of insurance and financial

services products.

Unlike company-employed agents, IIABA independent insurance agents and insurance brokers

represent more than one insurance company, so they can offer clients a wider choice of auto,

home, business, life, health coverages as well as retirement and employee-benefit products.

IIABA agents and brokers not only advise clients about insurance, they recommend lossprevention

ideas that can cut costs. If a loss occurs, the independent insurance agent or broker

stands with the client until the claim is settled.

IIABA was founded in 1896 as the National Local Association of Fire Insurance Agents. With

the expansion of property-casualty business and coverages, the organization’s name was

changed to the National Association of Insurance Agents in 1913. To emphasize its members’

ability to work with a variety of insurance companies, the organization became the Independent

Insurance Agents of America in 1975. The Association’s name was changed in 2002 to the

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America to reflect the diversity of its membership,

which includes both independent insurance agents and insurance brokers.

IIABA is a voluntary federation of state associations and local boards, with affiliates in every

state and the District of Columbia. Its independent insurance agents and brokers are politically

astute and are involved both locally and nationally. They monitor and affect consumer,

insurance agent and broker, and small business issues in Washington through IIABA’s active,

professional staff on Capitol Hill.