{"id":1748,"date":"2026-01-14T15:12:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T15:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/?p=1748"},"modified":"2026-09-08T12:10:08","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T12:10:08","slug":"car-insurance-broker-vs-direct","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/car-insurance-broker-vs-direct\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Insurance Broker vs Direct: Hidden 15% Commission You&#8217;re Paying"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"bmi-broker-direct\" class=\"bmi-broker-direct\">\n  <style>\n    .bmi-broker-direct {\n      --brand: #004aad;\n      --brand-dark: #123e77;\n      --ink: #1f2937;\n      --muted: #64748b;\n      --bg: #ffffff;\n      --soft: #f6f9fd;\n      --blue: #eaf2ff;\n      --border: #d9e2ee;\n      --green-bg: #effaf4;\n      --green-border: #a9ddbd;\n      --amber-bg: #fff8e8;\n      --amber-border: #ebcc75;\n\n      font-family: \"Inter\", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\",\n        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.comparison-option {\n        border-left: 0;\n        border-top: 1px solid var(--border);\n      }\n\n      .bmi-broker-direct .quick-answer,\n      .bmi-broker-direct .checklist,\n      .bmi-broker-direct .cta-box {\n        padding: 18px;\n      }\n\n      .bmi-broker-direct .comparison-option,\n      .bmi-broker-direct .quote-check-card {\n        padding: 15px;\n      }\n    }\n  <\/style>\n\n  <div class=\"wrap\">\n\n    <article>\n\n\n\n      <p class=\"reviewed\">\n        Reviewed September 8, 2026 | Canada\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p class=\"lead\">\n        You get two car insurance quotes for the same vehicle. A broker sends one, and a direct insurer gives you the other. The direct quote costs less, so it looks like the obvious choice.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        Before you choose, compare what each quote actually includes. A different deductible, optional coverage, accident benefit, endorsement or driver assumption can create a price gap even when both quotes look similar at first.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        That is the real question behind car insurance broker vs direct in Canada. You are not simply choosing who sells the policy. You are choosing how many insurance options you can access, how much comparison work you want to do yourself and how much help you want when coverage gets complicated.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"quick-answer\">\n        <strong>Quick answer<\/strong>\n        Neither a broker nor a direct insurer always costs less. A broker can compare insurers that the brokerage represents. A direct writer gives you a quote from its own company. Compare identical coverage across both channels before you decide.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>Broker vs Direct<\/h2>\n\n      <div class=\"vs-grid\">\n\n        <div class=\"vs-card broker\">\n          <h3>Insurance Broker<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            A broker works with the insurers that the brokerage represents. The broker can gather your information, compare available options, explain differences and place coverage with one of those insurers.\n          <\/p>\n          <p>\n            A broker does not automatically have access to every insurer in Canada, so ask which companies the brokerage can quote.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"vs-card direct\">\n          <h3>Direct Writer<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            A direct writer sells its own insurance products directly through its website, phone team or other sales channels.\n          <\/p>\n          <p>\n            You deal with one insurance company, so you need to contact other direct writers separately if you want to compare more companies.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"agent-note\">\n        <p>\n          <strong>Do not confuse an agent with a broker.<\/strong> In Ontario, FSRA says an insurance agent generally represents one insurer, while a broker sells insurance from several companies that the brokerage represents. A direct writer sells its own insurance products directly to consumers.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>How They Compare<\/h2>\n\n      <div class=\"comparison-stack\">\n\n        <div class=\"comparison-row\">\n          <div class=\"comparison-topic\">Insurance Companies<\/div>\n          <div class=\"comparison-options\">\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Broker<\/span>\n              <p>Can compare insurers that the brokerage represents.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Direct<\/span>\n              <p>Quotes products from its own insurance company.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"comparison-row\">\n          <div class=\"comparison-topic\">Shopping Effort<\/div>\n          <div class=\"comparison-options\">\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Broker<\/span>\n              <p>Share your information once and review markets available through that brokerage.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Direct<\/span>\n              <p>Contact separate insurers yourself if you want several quotes.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"comparison-row\">\n          <div class=\"comparison-topic\">Coverage Help<\/div>\n          <div class=\"comparison-options\">\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Broker<\/span>\n              <p>Can explain differences across the products available to the brokerage.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Direct<\/span>\n              <p>The insurer&#8217;s representative explains that company&#8217;s products.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"comparison-row\">\n          <div class=\"comparison-topic\">Compensation<\/div>\n          <div class=\"comparison-options\">\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Broker<\/span>\n              <p>The insurer may compensate the broker through commission.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Direct<\/span>\n              <p>No broker commission applies, although the insurer still pays its own sales and distribution costs.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"comparison-row\">\n          <div class=\"comparison-topic\">Claims Support<\/div>\n          <div class=\"comparison-options\">\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Broker<\/span>\n              <p>May help explain the process or communicate with the insurer.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Direct<\/span>\n              <p>You work directly with the insurer&#8217;s claims team.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"comparison-row\">\n          <div class=\"comparison-topic\">Renewal Shopping<\/div>\n          <div class=\"comparison-options\">\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Broker<\/span>\n              <p>May compare other insurers available to the brokerage.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Direct<\/span>\n              <p>You contact competing insurers yourself.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"comparison-row highlight-row\">\n          <div class=\"comparison-topic\">Which Costs Less?<\/div>\n          <div class=\"comparison-options\">\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Broker<\/span>\n              <p><strong>No automatic winner.<\/strong><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"comparison-option\">\n              <span class=\"comparison-label\">Direct<\/span>\n              <p><strong>No automatic winner.<\/strong><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>Does a Broker Add 15%?<\/h2>\n\n      <p>\n        No universal Canadian rule says a broker adds 15% to your car insurance price.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        Insurers use different compensation arrangements. One current public example comes from Chubb Insurance Company of Canada.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"commission-box\">\n        <div class=\"commission-label\">\n          Chubb automobile base commission disclosure\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"commission-number\">10% to 12.5%<\/div>\n\n        <p>\n          Chubb currently lists this range for automobile base commissions that it usually pays its brokers. Chubb also explains that compensation can vary and that some eligible brokers can receive additional contingent compensation.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <p>\n          <strong>This is a Chubb example, not a Canadian market average.<\/strong>\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>\n        That example shows why the phrase &#8220;hidden 15% commission&#8221; creates the wrong impression. It also does not prove that every broker receives 10% to 12.5%.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        You can review\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chubb.com\/ca-en\/intermediary-compensation-practices.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n          Chubb Canada&#8217;s intermediary compensation disclosure\n        <\/a>\n        directly.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"important\">\n        <p>\n          <strong>You cannot subtract a broker&#8217;s commission percentage from a quote and assume a direct insurer would charge that much less.<\/strong> Different insurers use different rates, underwriting rules, discounts, products and distribution models.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>Can You Ask About Commission?<\/h2>\n\n      <p>\n        Yes. Ask how the broker earns compensation and whether any financial relationship could affect the recommendation.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        Ontario provides a clear example. RIBO requires brokers to provide mandatory disclosures no later than the time of quote. Those disclosures include relevant commission information and conflicts of interest. RIBO also requires written confirmation.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        You can review\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ribo.com\/providing-mandatory-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n          RIBO&#8217;s broker disclosure requirements\n        <\/a>.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"fact-box\">\n        <p>\n          <strong>Ask this:<\/strong> &#8220;How does your brokerage earn money from this policy, and did compensation affect which insurer you recommended?&#8221;\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>Compare the Same Policy<\/h2>\n\n      <p>\n        Price comparisons fail when the coverage changes between quotes.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        FSRA tells Ontario buyers to compare deductibles, limits, optional coverages, service and price. That same approach helps anywhere you compare private auto insurance.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"quote-check-grid\">\n\n        <div class=\"quote-check-card\">\n          <strong>Liability Limit<\/strong>\n          <p>Make sure both quotes use the same limit. Different limits change protection and price.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"quote-check-card\">\n          <strong>Collision Deductible<\/strong>\n          <p>Match the deductible on both quotes. A higher deductible can reduce the premium.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"quote-check-card\">\n          <strong>Comprehensive Deductible<\/strong>\n          <p>Check both amounts because they change how much you may pay after a covered loss.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"quote-check-card\">\n          <strong>Optional Coverage<\/strong>\n          <p>One quote may include protection that the other leaves out.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"quote-check-card\">\n          <strong>Listed Drivers<\/strong>\n          <p>Make sure both insurers rate the same household and occasional drivers.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"quote-check-card\">\n          <strong>Annual Kilometres<\/strong>\n          <p>Use the same driving estimate because mileage can affect pricing.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"quote-check-card\">\n          <strong>Vehicle Use<\/strong>\n          <p>Match commuting, pleasure and business-use information across quotes.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"quote-check-card\">\n          <strong>Total Premium<\/strong>\n          <p>Compare price only after you confirm that the underlying coverage matches.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>\n        If one quote comes in much lower, ask what changed before you focus on the price difference.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <h2>When a Broker Fits<\/h2>\n\n      <div class=\"fit-grid\">\n\n        <div class=\"fit-card\">\n          <h3>You Want More Options<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            A broker can approach the insurers that the brokerage represents without making you repeat the full process with each company.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"fit-card\">\n          <h3>Your Situation Changed<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            A new driver, claim, ticket, vehicle, address or change in vehicle use can make comparison harder. A broker can help organize those differences.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"fit-card\">\n          <h3>You Want Explanation<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            A broker can explain deductibles, limits and optional coverage across the products available through that brokerage.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"fit-card\">\n          <h3>Your Renewal Jumped<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            A broker can check other available markets rather than leaving you to contact each insurer separately.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>When Direct Fits<\/h2>\n\n      <div class=\"fit-grid\">\n\n        <div class=\"fit-card\">\n          <h3>You Want One Insurer<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            If you already want a particular insurance company, buying directly gives you a straightforward route to that company&#8217;s product.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"fit-card\">\n          <h3>You Prefer Self-Service<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            A direct writer may suit you if you prefer online quoting, digital policy management and direct contact with the insurer.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"fit-card\">\n          <h3>You Know Your Coverage<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            Direct shopping can work well when you already understand the limits and optional coverages you want to compare.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"fit-card\">\n          <h3>You Will Shop Around<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            Direct shopping gives you a useful comparison when you request separate quotes from several insurers.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>Province Changes the Answer<\/h2>\n\n      <p>\n        Canada does not run one national auto insurance system. Your province changes how much the broker-versus-direct question matters.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"province-grid\">\n\n        <div class=\"province-card\">\n          <h3>Ontario<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            Private insurers compete in Ontario, and buyers can shop through brokers, agents and direct writers.\n          <\/p>\n          <p>\n            Ontario also changed its accident benefits on July 1, 2026. Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care remain mandatory, while most other accident benefits became optional.\n          <\/p>\n          <p>\n            Existing customers generally keep their existing coverage and limits unless they agree to changes in writing.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"province-card\">\n          <h3>British Columbia<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            ICBC provides mandatory Basic Autoplan coverage and sells it through its Autoplan broker network.\n          <\/p>\n          <p>\n            That structure makes the traditional broker-versus-direct comparison different for mandatory Basic coverage.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"province-card\">\n          <h3>Alberta<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            Private insurers compete in Alberta, but current provincial rules can affect your renewal regardless of the sales channel.\n          <\/p>\n          <p>\n            Alberta caps increases at 7.5% in 2026 for drivers who meet its good-driver criteria. Current criteria include no minor traffic convictions within the previous three years.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>\n        Ontario drivers can review our full breakdown of\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/ontario-car-insurance-2026-policy\/\">\n          Ontario car insurance changes for 2026\n        <\/a>.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <h2>What About Claims?<\/h2>\n\n      <p>\n        Your insurer controls the insurance contract and makes coverage and claim decisions. Buying through a broker does not give the brokerage control over the claim.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        A broker can still help by explaining the process, directing you to the right contact and assisting with communication or escalation. The exact level of support varies by brokerage.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        With a direct writer, you work directly with the insurer&#8217;s claims operation from the start.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"important\">\n        <p>\n          <strong>Neither channel guarantees a better claim outcome.<\/strong> Compare the insurer&#8217;s claims process and service as well as the sales experience.\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <p>\n        If an old accident or claim triggered your latest shopping round, first check\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/insurance-claim-without-payout\/\">\n          whether a claim without a payout can affect your insurance record\n        <\/a>.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <h2>Ask These Questions<\/h2>\n\n      <div class=\"question-grid\">\n\n        <div class=\"question-card\">\n          <strong>Which insurers did you check?<\/strong>\n          <p>\n            Ask the broker which available markets contributed to the comparison.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"question-card\">\n          <strong>How do you earn compensation?<\/strong>\n          <p>\n            Ask about commission, additional incentives and any separate fees.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"question-card\">\n          <strong>What changed from my policy?<\/strong>\n          <p>\n            Compare limits, deductibles, endorsements and optional coverage line by line.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"question-card\">\n          <strong>Who helps after a claim?<\/strong>\n          <p>\n            Ask what support the broker or insurer provides after you report a loss.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"question-card\">\n          <strong>What happens at renewal?<\/strong>\n          <p>\n            Ask whether the brokerage reviews other markets or whether you need to request another comparison.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"question-card\">\n          <strong>How do I verify your licence?<\/strong>\n          <p>\n            Check the appropriate provincial regulator before you purchase coverage.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>A Better Way to Compare<\/h2>\n\n      <p>\n        The strongest comparison does not start with &#8220;broker or direct?&#8221; It starts with identical information and identical coverage.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"checklist\">\n        <ol>\n          <li>\n            <strong>Use the same driver details.<\/strong>\n            Keep your vehicle, driver and usage information consistent.\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <strong>Get more than one market view.<\/strong>\n            Ontario&#8217;s regulator recommends at least three quotes from different brokers, agents or direct writers.\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <strong>Match the coverage.<\/strong>\n            Compare limits, deductibles and optional protection before comparing price.\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <strong>Ask about compensation.<\/strong>\n            Do not rely on a blanket commission percentage from the internet.\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <strong>Check service.<\/strong>\n            Ask how renewals, policy changes and claims support work.\n          <\/li>\n          <li>\n            <strong>Verify licensing.<\/strong>\n            Use the appropriate provincial regulator before buying.\n          <\/li>\n        <\/ol>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <h2>Where BMI Fits<\/h2>\n\n      <p>\n        Beat My Insurance does not replace a broker or insurer. BMI operates as a privacy-first marketplace where Canadian buyers can post their insurance needs and review broker interest before choosing who they want to work with.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        That structure gives you another way to shop. Instead of starting with several phone calls, you can review broker responses first and decide when you want to share your contact details.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <p>\n        Our explanation of how to\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/compare-insurance-quotes-canada-2\/\">\n          compare insurance quotes in Canada with privacy\n        <\/a>\n        explains that process in more detail.\n      <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"cta-box\">\n        <h2>Compare Before You Choose<\/h2>\n        <p>\n          Use the same insurance details, compare the coverage and review broker options before deciding what works for you.\n        <\/p>\n        <p>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/buy-insurance\/auto-insurance\">\n            Start an auto insurance listing\n          <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <section class=\"sources\">\n        <h2>Sources Checked<\/h2>\n\n        <p>\n          We reviewed current regulator guidance and insurer disclosures available as of September 8, 2026.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <ul>\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fsrao.ca\/consumers\/auto-insurance\/purchasing-your-policy\/purchasing-auto-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n              FSRA: Purchasing Auto Insurance\n            <\/a>\n          <\/li>\n\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ribo.com\/providing-mandatory-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n              RIBO: Providing Mandatory Disclosure\n            <\/a>\n          <\/li>\n\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chubb.com\/ca-en\/intermediary-compensation-practices.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n              Chubb Canada: Intermediary Compensation Practices\n            <\/a>\n          <\/li>\n\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fsrao.ca\/industry\/auto-insurance\/changes-statutory-accident-benefits-coverage-ontario-july-1-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n              FSRA: Ontario Accident Benefits Changes\n            <\/a>\n          <\/li>\n\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/icbc.com\/insurance\/buy-renew-cancel\/buy-or-renew\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n              ICBC: Buying and Renewing Auto Insurance\n            <\/a>\n          <\/li>\n\n          <li>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alberta.ca\/automobile-insurance-reform\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n              Alberta Government: Automobile Insurance Reform\n            <\/a>\n          <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/section>\n\n      <div class=\"disclaimer\">\n        <strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> This content is for informational purposes only. Beat My Insurance (BMI) operates as an independent technology platform and neutral marketplace. BMI does not act as an insurer, broker, agent, legal adviser or financial adviser. BMI does not sell, arrange, underwrite, recommend or guarantee insurance products or brokers. Insurance rules, premiums, coverage and broker compensation can vary by insurer and province. Verify licensing independently and review the policy with an appropriately licensed insurance professional before purchasing coverage.\n      <\/div>\n\n      <!-- FAQ MUST REMAIN THE FINAL CONTENT SECTION -->\n\n      <section class=\"faq-section\">\n\n        <h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n        <div class=\"faq-item\">\n          <h3>Is a broker cheaper than direct?<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            Not always. A broker can compare insurers that the brokerage represents, while a direct writer quotes its own products. Either channel can produce the lower price for a particular driver. Compare identical coverage to find out.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"faq-item\">\n          <h3>Do brokers charge 15%?<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            No universal 15% rate applies across Canada. Insurers use different broker compensation arrangements. For example, Chubb currently publishes a 10% to 12.5% automobile base commission range for its own Canadian business. That figure does not represent a Canadian average.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"faq-item\">\n          <h3>Can a broker quote every insurer?<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            No. A broker can quote insurers that the brokerage has access to and that will consider your risk. Ask which insurers the brokerage represents before you judge how broad the comparison is.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"faq-item\">\n          <h3>What is a direct writer?<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            A direct writer is an insurance company that sells its own insurance products directly to consumers. You deal with that insurer rather than an independent brokerage.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"faq-item\">\n          <h3>Does a broker handle my claim?<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            The insurer handles the claim and makes coverage and settlement decisions. A broker may help you understand the process, communicate with the insurer or escalate service concerns, depending on the brokerage.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"faq-item\">\n          <h3>Should I get both types of quote?<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            That can give you a broader comparison. FSRA recommends that Ontario consumers obtain at least three quotes from different direct writers, brokers and agents. Keep your driver details, deductibles, limits and optional coverages consistent.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"faq-item\">\n          <h3>Is B.C. broker vs direct different?<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            Yes. ICBC provides mandatory Basic Autoplan insurance in British Columbia and sells it through Autoplan brokers. That structure makes the broker-versus-direct question different for B.C. Basic coverage than it is in private-market provinces such as Ontario.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"faq-item\">\n          <h3>What should I compare besides price?<\/h3>\n          <p>\n            Compare liability limits, deductibles, optional coverage, endorsements, driver information, vehicle use, claims service, renewal support and the total annual premium.\n          <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n      <\/section>\n\n    <\/article>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reviewed September 8, 2026 | Canada You get two car insurance quotes for the same vehicle. A broker sends one, and a direct insurer gives you the other. The direct quote costs less, so it looks like the obvious choice. Before you choose, compare what each quote actually includes. A different deductible, optional coverage, accident [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1749,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1748","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-auto-insurance","entry"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/blog-images-194-600x400.webp","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/blog-images-194-600x500.webp","author_info":{"display_name":"Sara Ali","author_link":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/author\/sara30\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1748"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2005,"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1748\/revisions\/2005"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1748"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1748"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beatmyinsurance.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1748"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}