Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of an insurance broker under the general law of agency?

The correct answer identifies delegation of authority as not a responsibility of an insurance broker under the general law of agency. An insurance broker operates as an agent for their clients, which means they are expected to act on behalf of their clients' best interests and carry out their instructions with diligence and care.

The law of agency imposes specific duties on brokers that emphasize the importance of their role, including exercising any skill they profess to have, which ensures that they leverage their expertise effectively for the benefit of their clients. In addition, maintaining confidentiality is a fundamental responsibility, as brokers often handle sensitive information about clients and their insurance needs. Exercising due diligence is crucial, as it ensures that brokers take appropriate steps when executing clients' instructions to secure the best possible outcomes.

Unlike these duties, brokers are generally not permitted to delegate their authority to act on behalf of the client in a way that would relieve them of their obligations. This is because the broker has been entrusted with the responsibility to act with specific knowledge and expertise, and delegation could undermine that trust. Therefore, the non-responsibility for delegation aligns with the essence of the broker's fiduciary duty, highlighting their role as the direct representative of their clients in insurance transactions.