An agent is one who solicits, negotiates or effects contracts on behalf of another such as an insured or an insurer. His right to excersice various functions, his authority and his obligations are subject to the terms of the agency contact and subject to certin legal principles such as exercising due care and skill and onserving good faith.

 FOR DUMMIES

An ageny is someone who is authorised to conduct business on behalf of another but must work within the trems of the agency contract. eg - an insurance broker