179k views
3 votes
Tom is a newly appointed life, health, and variable annuity agent with Acme Insurance Agency. He is writing his first insurance policy on his brother-in-law's life. Who does Tom legally represent in this transaction?

a) The insurance agency
b) His brother-in-law
c) Both the insurance agency and his brother-in-law
d) Himself

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Tom legally represents Acme Insurance Agency when writing an insurance policy for his brother-in-law. He has a fiduciary responsibility to the company, not to the purchaser. His role is to facilitate the sale of the agency's insurance products.

Step-by-step explanation:

As a newly appointed life, health, and variable annuity agent for Acme Insurance Agency, Tom holds a legal representation of the insurance agency in the transaction of writing an insurance policy. Agents in the insurance industry, including Tom, operate under a fiduciary responsibility to the insurance company they represent. This fiduciary duty underscores the agent's obligation to act in the best interests of the insurance agency when engaging in transactions and selling insurance products.

While Tom may provide professional and accurate information to assist his brother-in-law in making an informed decision about the insurance policy, it is essential to recognize that his primary legal duties are to the insurance agency, not the policy purchaser. This standard practice in the insurance industry ensures that agents prioritize the interests of the company they represent.

The fiduciary responsibility means that Tom must adhere to ethical and legal standards in the course of his duties, avoiding any conflicts of interest that could compromise the best interests of Acme Insurance Agency. This alignment with the company's goals and policies ensures transparency and trust in the agent-insurer relationship.

Ultimately, while Tom can offer guidance and information to help his brother-in-law, his overarching legal duties are bound to the insurance agency, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and maintaining the integrity of the insurance industry.

User Jithinkmatthew
by
8.3k points