What distinguishes a universal agent from other types of agents?

A universal agent is distinct from other types of agents due to their broad authority and capability to act on behalf of the principal in virtually any situation. This means that a universal agent is empowered to undertake any act that the principal could do personally, without the limitations that apply to other forms of agency.

For example, while a limited agent might be constrained to specific tasks or transactions defined by the principal, a universal agent operates under a much more elastic remit. This flexibility allows them to represent the principal's interests comprehensively, covering a wide range of personal, business, and legal actions.

In contrast to other types of agents, such as special agents who act only within the bounds of specific transactions or activities, the universal agent's expansive role means they can engage in varied actions without the necessity of prior approval or specific instructions from the principal for every decision.

Thus, the distinctive feature of a universal agent lies in their empowerment to act fully on the principal's behalf, similar to how the principal would act if they were personally involved in every aspect of the representation.