Broker Compensation & Relationship Disclosure
Transparency in how we are compensated and our business relationships
PolicyScanner is compensated through commissions paid by insurance companies when you purchase a policy through our platform. You pay no additional fees - you will be charged the same whether you buy from us or directly from the insurance company.
Compensation Overview
PolicyScanner Brokerage Incorporated operates as an independent life insurance brokerage, earning compensation through commissions paid by insurance companies when clients purchase policies through our platform.
Key Transparency Points
- No fees to clients: You never pay PolicyScanner directly for our services
- Commission-based model: We are paid by insurance companies when you purchase coverage
- Same pricing guarantee: You pay the same premium whether you buy directly from the insurer or through us
- Independent advice: We work with multiple insurers to find you the best options
Our Value Proposition
While insurance companies compensate us for our services, you receive significant value including:
- Expert guidance: LLQP-certified advisors to help you navigate options
- Comparison shopping: We compare multiple insurers to find your best options
- Application assistance: Streamlined application process and underwriting support
- Ongoing service: Continued support throughout the life of your policy
How We Earn Compensation
Primary Compensation: First-Year Commissions
The majority of our compensation comes from first-year commissions paid by insurance companies when a new policy is issued:
First-Year Commission
Paid when your policy is issued
Insurance companies pay us a percentage of your first-year premium when your policy is approved and issued. This is our primary form of compensation and incentivizes us to help you secure appropriate coverage.
Secondary Compensation: Renewal Commissions
We may also receive ongoing renewal commissions for policies that remain in force:
Renewal Commission
Smaller ongoing payments
Some insurance companies pay reduced ongoing commissions (typically 2-5% of annual premiums) while policies remain active. This aligns our interests with your satisfaction and policy retention.
No Additional Compensation
We do not receive any other forms of compensation including:
- Fees paid directly by clients
- Bonuses based on sales volume
- Profit-sharing from insurance companies
- Non-monetary gifts or incentives
- Revenue sharing from third-party services
No Cost to You
Zero Fees Policy
PolicyScanner never charges fees to clients. Our services are completely free to you, including:
- Quote comparison: Comparing rates from multiple insurers
- Advisory consultation: Professional advice from LLQP-certified advisors
- Application processing: Complete application management and submission
- Underwriting support: Assistance throughout the underwriting process
- Policy delivery: Coordinating policy issuance and delivery
- Ongoing service: Post-sale support and policy administration assistance
Same Pricing Guarantee
You pay exactly the same premium whether you purchase life insurance directly from an insurance company or through PolicyScanner. Insurance companies set their premium rates independently, and you will not pay any additional costs by working with us.
Added Value at No Extra Cost
By working with PolicyScanner, you receive additional value at no extra cost:
- Market comparison: Access to multiple insurers through one platform
- Professional expertise: Guidance from licensed life insurance professionals
- Time savings: Streamlined comparison and application process
- Advocacy: Someone working on your behalf with insurance companies
Insurance Company Relationships
Independent Brokerage Model
PolicyScanner is an independent brokerage that works with multiple life insurance companies. We are not owned by, controlled by, or exclusively contracted with any single insurance company.
Current Insurance Partners
We maintain contractual relationships with leading Canadian life insurance companies including:
- Major Canadian Insurers: Manulife, Sun Life, Great-West Life, Canada Life
- Regional Insurers: RBC Insurance, TD Insurance, BMO Insurance
- Specialty Providers: Various specialty and niche life insurance providers
- Reinsurers: Access to select reinsurance markets for larger cases
Our specific insurance company relationships may change over time as we add new partners or as business relationships evolve.
Contracting Requirements
To work with insurance companies, we must:
- Meet licensing requirements: Maintain FSRA licensing and LLQP certification
- Comply with company standards: Adhere to each insurer's business practices and procedures
- Maintain E&O insurance: Carry appropriate professional liability coverage
- Meet production requirements: Some insurers require minimum production levels
New Partnerships
We continually evaluate new insurance company relationships to provide you with:
- More competitive pricing options
- Expanded product offerings
- Improved underwriting guidelines
- Enhanced service capabilities
Our Independence
Independent Decision Making
PolicyScanner maintains complete independence in making recommendations to clients. Our decisions are based on:
- Your specific needs: Coverage requirements, budget, and financial goals
- Product suitability: Which products best match your situation
- Competitive advantages: Pricing, underwriting, and service quality
- Company stability: Financial strength and claims-paying ability
Professional Standards
Our independence is reinforced by:
- LLQP certification: Professional ethical standards and client-first requirements
- FSRA oversight: Regulatory supervision ensuring proper conduct
- Professional liability insurance: Financial protection encouraging proper advice
- Ongoing education: Continuous learning about products and industry developments
Market Access
As an independent brokerage, we provide you with:
- Broad market access: Options from multiple insurance companies
- Objective comparison: Unbiased evaluation of different options
- Competitive pressure: Insurance companies compete for our business
- Advocacy: We represent your interests to insurance companies
Your Rights
You always have the right to:
- Ask questions: About our recommendations and reasoning
- Request alternatives: Ask for different options or insurance companies
- Seek second opinions: Consult with other advisors or directly with insurers
- Make your own decisions: Accept or decline any recommendations
- File complaints: With us, FSRA, or other regulatory bodies if needed
Questions About Our Compensation?
If you have questions about our compensation structure or business relationships, please contact us:
Company: PolicyScanner Brokerage Incorporated
Email: info@policyscanner.ca
Compliance Inquiries: compliance@policyscanner.ca
We are committed to transparency and will gladly provide additional details about our compensation for any specific insurance company or product upon request.