When shopping for insurance, many people ask:
“Do brokers charge extra fees?”
The short answer:
Some do. Some don’t.
At Starwest Insurance, we do not charge broker fees.
Here’s what that means for you.
📄 What Is a Broker Fee?
A broker fee is an additional charge some insurance brokers add on top of your policy premium.
It may appear as:
- Policy fee
- Broker service fee
- Placement fee
- Administrative fee
This fee goes to the broker — not the insurance company.
In California, broker fees are legal when properly disclosed.
🏦 How Do Insurance Brokers Get Paid?
Most independent brokers are paid through commissions from the insurance company.
That commission is already built into the premium — you don’t pay extra for it.
When you work with an independent broker:
- You get access to multiple carriers
- The broker compares options
- The insurance company compensates the broker
There is no additional charge required.
❓ Why Do Some Brokers Charge Fees?
Some brokers may charge fees when:
- Placing high-risk policies (like SR-22 or commercial auto)
- Working with surplus lines carriers
- Handling difficult-to-place risks
- Offering short-term or specialty coverage
However, fee structures vary by agency.
🚫 Our Policy at Starwest Insurance
We believe in transparent pricing.
That’s why:
✔ We do not charge broker fees
✔ We do not add administrative placement fees
✔ We are compensated directly by the insurance carriers
The premium you see is the premium from the insurance company — nothing extra added by us.
💡 Why This Matters
Over time, broker fees can add up.
For example:
- $150 annual broker fee
- $200 policy service fee
- Cancellation or rewrite charges
These costs may not always be obvious upfront.
Choosing an agency that doesn’t charge broker fees helps keep your total cost lower.
🏡 Whether You’re Shopping For:
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Landlord insurance
- Business insurance
- Life insurance
Our goal is simple:
Provide options.
Explain coverage clearly.
Keep pricing transparent.
🤝 Why Work With an Independent Broker?
Working with an independent broker means:
- Access to multiple carriers
- Customized coverage solutions
- Personalized service
- Ongoing policy reviews
Without paying extra broker fees.
📅 Want a Transparent Insurance Review?
At Starwest Insurance, we help clients:
- Compare multiple carriers
- Optimize coverage
- Avoid unnecessary fees
- Make confident decisions
👉 Schedule a Free Policy Review Today