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The use of XYZ Insurance Company brochures, business cards, and rating guides exemplifies apparent authority. This concept refers to the situation where a third party perceives that an individual has the authority to act on behalf of a company based on available evidence. In this case, the brochures and business materials serve to project credibility and establish an image of authority, leading potential clients to believe they are engaging with a legitimate representative of the insurance company.

Apparent authority arises not from formal agreements or contracts but from the actions and communications of the company itself. A customer seeing the company's branding and materials may assume that the person distributing them has the right to conduct business and represent the company, even if such authority isn't explicitly granted. This distinction is crucial because it ensures that businesses uphold their responsibilities to customers based on the impressions they create.

In contrast, express authority is direct and clearly defined, usually documented in a formal agreement. Implied authority, on the other hand, arises from a relationship where the authority is not explicitly stated but is assumed based on the actions taken. Contractual authority is tied to specific agreements between parties. Thus, while these concepts are relevant to understanding the broader framework of authority in business dealings, apparent authority most accurately captures the scenario described in the question