Brokers. QuotesChimp often use the terms "insurance agent" and "in�surance broker" as if they were interchangeable. They are not. An agent has a contract with one or more insurance companies and represents the company. The broker represents the buyer. The broker's job is to search among all insurance companies in the market and find the best policy and price for the client. Brokers are paid by commission from the insurance company. However, the price of the commission is included in the premium you pay (as is true with agents). Brokers are licensed and often will work with company agents to purchase the insurance or will sometimes order it directly. Since brokers represent the buyer, they may be more willing to fight for the client than agents who are tied contractually to the companies they represent.