Which of the following best describes a captive insurance company?

A captive insurance company is primarily established as a subsidiary to provide insurance coverage specifically to its parent company or affiliated group. This arrangement allows the parent company to retain risk within the corporate structure, create tailored insurance solutions, and achieve potential cost savings. The unique characteristic of a captive is that it is not intended to serve the general public; instead, its primary focus is on the insurance needs of its parent company and any related entities.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of a captive insurance company. For example, an independent organization that provides insurance to various entities describes a traditional insurer, which operates on a broader market basis. A nonprofit focused on community coverage could refer to a completely different type of organization altogether, which emphasizes community service rather than risk management for a parent corporation. Lastly, a government agency's role typically involves regulation and oversight of insurance practices rather than functioning as a means to provide insurance coverage directly.