“I Can Get a Better Price
Going Direct.” No, You Can’t.
Life insurance premiums are set by the carrier and filed with state regulators. The price is identical whether you buy direct, through a captive agent, or through an independent broker. The only difference? How many options you get to see.
The Price Is Always the Same. Always.
Every life insurance premium in America is filed with state insurance regulators. Carriers cannot charge different prices based on how you buy. A $500,000 term policy from Nationwide costs the same whether you buy it on Nationwide.com, through a Nationwide agent, or through an independent broker like us.
Buy Direct
$32/mo
1 carrier's options
Captive Agent
$32/mo
1 carrier's options
Independent Broker
$32/mo
48+ carriers compared
* Example: 35-year-old male, $500,000 20-year term, preferred health class. Actual rates vary by individual.
Broker vs. Agent vs. Direct: Side-by-Side
See exactly what you get with each option — and why an independent broker is the smart choice.
| Feature | Best ChoiceIndependent BrokerWorks for YOU | Captive AgentWorks for 1 company | Buy DirectFrom carrier website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium costPremiums are identical regardless of channel | Same rate | Same rate | Market rate |
| Carriers compared | 48+ | 1 | 1 |
| Personalized advice | |||
| Unbiased recommendations | |||
| Policy comparison shopping | |||
| Help with underwriting | |||
| Knows which carrier fits your health | |||
| Ongoing policy reviews | Sometimes | ||
| Can switch carriers easily | |||
| Fiduciary-like duty to client | |||
| Cost to youCarriers pay the broker — not you | $0 | $0 | $0 |
How Do Brokers Get Paid? (Full Transparency)
We believe in complete transparency. Here’s exactly how the economics work.
The Carrier Pays Us — Not You
When you purchase a life insurance policy, the carrier pays the broker a commission. This commission is already built into the premium — it’s the same whether you buy direct, through an agent, or through us.
Think of it like booking a hotel through a travel site vs. directly. The price is the same, but the travel site shows you more options. Except in our case, we also provide expert guidance to help you choose.
Why This Is Better for You
No broker fees — ever
Our service is 100% free to you. Period.
No incentive to upsell
We earn the same commission regardless of which carrier you choose, so we recommend what's genuinely best for you.
More options = better fit
We compare 48+ carriers instead of being limited to one company's products.
Better underwriting outcomes
We know which carriers are lenient on specific health conditions, saving you money.
Real-World Scenarios: When Each Option Shines
Going Direct Might Work If...
- • You already know exactly which carrier and policy you want
- • You’re in perfect health with no complications
- • You only need basic term coverage
- • You don’t need help comparing options
Limitation: You only see one company’s products and have no way to know if a better option exists elsewhere.
A Captive Agent Might Work If...
- • You already trust a specific carrier brand
- • You want face-to-face guidance
- • You have an existing relationship with an agent
- • You’re bundling with other insurance products
Limitation: They can only sell their company’s products. If a competitor has a better rate for your profile, they can’t tell you.
An Independent Broker Is Best If...
- • You want to compare options from 48+ carriers
- • You have health conditions that affect pricing
- • You want unbiased advice (not a sales pitch)
- • You want someone who works for YOU, not a carrier
- • You value your time and want one call instead of ten
No limitation. Same price, more options, expert guidance — all free.
The Facts About Life Insurance Pricing
Life insurance premiums are set by the carrier — the price is the same whether you go direct or through a broker.
The difference? Going direct limits you to ONE company's products. We compare 48+ carriers to find you the best fit.
Working with us costs you nothing extra — but it could save you thousands by finding the right policy the first time.
Our service is 100% free to you. Insurance carriers pay us — not you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is life insurance more expensive through a broker?
What is the difference between a life insurance broker and an agent?
Should I buy life insurance directly from the company?
How do life insurance brokers get paid?
Can a broker find me cheaper life insurance?
Explore More Resources
Our Carrier Partners
See all 48+ A-rated carriers we work with
Why Choose Evolve Legacy Group
Learn what makes us different
Coverage Calculator
Find out how much coverage you need
Term vs. Whole Life
Compare the two most popular types
Life Insurance Guide
Everything you need to know
Best Companies 2026
Our top-rated carrier rankings
Same Price. More Options.
Zero Cost to You.
Why limit yourself to one carrier’s products when you can compare 48++ A-rated carriers — at the exact same price? Our licensed advisors do the comparison shopping for you, completely free.
Same Price. More Options. Better Guidance.
Tell us your situation — we'll show you the difference a broker makes.
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Important Disclosure
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice. Individual circumstances vary. Consult with a licensed insurance professional or financial advisor before making any insurance or financial decisions. Policy features, benefits, and availability may vary by state and carrier.
Sources & References
- NAIC Consumer Guide to Life Insurance(Accessed Feb 2025)
- 2024 Insurance Barometer Study — LIMRA & Life Happens(Accessed Feb 2025)
All sources cited are publicly available and were verified at the time of publication. Evolve Legacy Group is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information. See our Editorial Standards for more information.