Which of the following best describes ‘independent agents’?

Independent agents are best described as those who represent multiple insurers. This means they have the ability to offer a wider range of insurance products from various companies, which allows them to find the best policy options that suit their clients' needs. By working with multiple carriers, independent agents can compare coverage options, prices, and terms, ultimately providing clients with a more personalized service that may lead to better overall insurance solutions.

This flexibility is contrasted with agents who work under a single insurance company, who are limited to selling that company’s products. The other options refer to aspects that do not accurately describe independent agents. For instance, agents that do not engage in selling insurance would not fall under the definition of an agent at all, and those that deal only with unauthorized insurers do not represent a standard practice within the independent agency framework. Thus, the correct answer highlights the primary characteristic of independent agents in the insurance industry, which is their capacity to represent multiple insurers, thereby enhancing their ability to serve clients effectively.