Advertising, Sponsorship & Partnership Disclosure

How insurance agencies are paid

Independent agencies are most often paid by the insurance company, not by the client directly, through a commission built into the policy premium. In some cases an agency may also receive contingent or profit-sharing compensation from a carrier, based on the overall volume, retention, or loss performance of the business placed with that carrier over time. That kind of compensation is tied to a book of business, not to your individual policy, and it does not change the recommendation we make for your account.

Fees

Some placements involve a fee in addition to premium. Whether a fee applies depends on the state, the type of market, and the work involved, and it is more common on certain specialty or surplus lines placements than on standard ones. When a fee applies, it is disclosed to you before you agree to proceed. Many placements have no separate agency fee at all. You pay your premium either in full or through financing; we do not add hidden charges.

Referral relationships

We may participate in referral relationships with other professionals and businesses, such as lenders, real estate professionals, accountants, attorneys, or contractors, in both directions. A referral is a starting point, not a recommendation, and it does not replace the coverage review. Any referral relationship that could reasonably affect a recommendation is disclosed, and we follow the anti-rebating and referral rules that apply in the states where we operate.

Paid advertising and lead sources

We advertise, including paid search and other digital advertising, and we may work with marketing or lead partners to reach people looking for coverage. Advertising affects how you may have found us; it does not change the coverage advice you receive once you are working with us.

Sponsored and co-branded content

Most of our content is independent educational material. If a specific page is sponsored, paid for, or created through a material commercial partnership, that relationship is identified on the page. We do not accept payment from a carrier to change an editorial conclusion without clear disclosure. See our editorial process.

Carrier content and market resources

We use carrier materials, underwriting guidance, and market resources to explain coverage accurately. Using a carrier's material to explain a product is not an endorsement of that carrier for every client, and it does not guarantee availability or placement. Our carrier relationships are shown on the insurance companies page and the carrier directory.

Vendor recommendations

We sometimes point clients to third-party tools or vendors, such as payment, document, inspection, or risk-management services. Where we have a commercial relationship with a vendor we recommend, we disclose it. A recommendation is based on usefulness to you, not on compensation.

Reviews and testimonials

We do not create, buy, sell, or publish fake reviews or testimonials, and we do not use AI to create reviews that appear to come from real clients. Client reviews should reflect real experiences and are not conditioned on a required positive outcome. Our reviews are on the reviews page.

Awards, rankings, and badges

Where we display a credential, recognition, or badge, we explain what it is and what it means for you rather than displaying it for effect, and we do not claim recognition we cannot support. See awards, credentials and recognition.

Editorial independence

Our editorial standard does not change because of a commercial relationship. The goal is not to make every insurer or option look equal; it is to explain the facts, limitations, and trade-offs accurately enough for you to make a better decision. This connects to our professional standards and editorial process.

Questions you can always ask

You can ask how we are paid on your account, whether a fee applies, whether a recommendation involves a commercial relationship, and why we are recommending a particular carrier or option. We will answer plainly.

This page describes our general practices. Specific compensation, fees, and disclosures depend on the state, the market, and the transaction, and are governed by applicable law and the documents you receive.