What Is an Insurance Broker?

By Catherine Brock – Updated Jun 11, 2025 at 12:52 PM

Key Points

Brokers help find and recommend insurance policies by assessing client needs and researching options.
Brokers are distinct from agents as they can't bind coverage; they facilitate policy application.
Choose a broker carefully through vetting licenses, interviewing, and checking references.

Insurance brokers connect insurance buyers with policies that suit their needs. Both business and individual insurance buyers can use brokers to find appropriate insurance programs across a range of carriers.

This guide covers the basics of insurance brokers, including what they do, who their customers are, how they differ from independent agents, and the advantages and disadvantages of working with them. We'll wrap up with strategies for finding the right broker for your situation.

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Real estate agent talking to a couple and showing them a property on a tablet computer. — Image source: Getty Images.

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About the Author

Catherine grew up in Southern California wearing a lot of black and trying to perfect the art of sarcasm. Prior to joining The Fool as a contract writer, Catherine was climbing the corporate ladder in marketing roles and dabbling in too many side hustles. When she's not writing, she can be found riding a horse in the country or shopping online for clothes.

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@catherinejbrock

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