Glossary / People & market / Broker of Record

Broker of Record

Also known as: BOR · Agent of Record · AOR · Broker of Record Letter · BOR Letter

People & market

The broker or agency you formally authorize to service your policy with a given carrier—changed by signing a Broker of Record letter.

A Broker of Record (BOR) is the insurance broker or agency a policyholder has officially designated to manage a specific policy or line of coverage with a particular carrier. That authority is established or transferred by a signed Broker of Record letter (a BOR letter), which tells the insurer that only the named broker may quote, place, service, and receive commission on that coverage. A BOR letter typically supersedes prior representation for the named carrier once the insurer accepts it (often after a short waiting period), and it changes who services the policy—not the policy terms, premium, or the carrier itself.

Source: Insuranceopedia — Broker of Record

Where you'll see it

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Why it matters for your business

  • Signing a BOR letter lets you switch to a broker you prefer without re-shopping or disrupting your existing coverage.
  • It transfers servicing and commission to the new broker for the named carrier—so choose the broker you actually want advocating for you at renewal and during claims.
  • A BOR change does not alter your policy, limits, or premium by itself; it only changes who administers the coverage.

People also ask

What is a Broker of Record letter?

A Broker of Record (BOR) letter is a short document you sign to tell an insurance carrier which broker or agency is authorized to represent you for a specific policy or line of coverage. Once the carrier accepts it, that broker becomes the sole party allowed to quote, place, service, and earn commission on that coverage—replacing any prior broker for that carrier.

Does signing a BOR letter change my policy or premium?

No. A BOR letter changes who services your coverage, not the coverage itself. Your carrier, policy terms, limits, and premium stay the same—only the broker managing the policy and receiving the commission changes. It is a representation change, not a re-quote or a new policy.

How do I switch brokers with a BOR letter?

You sign a BOR letter naming your chosen broker and the specific carrier or policy involved, and it is submitted to the insurer. Carriers usually apply a short waiting period (often around 5–10 days) before the change takes effect, during which the prior broker may be notified. After that, the new Broker of Record services the policy going forward.

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Definitions are educational and may be modified by your specific policy language, endorsements, and state rules. For regulatory guidance, refer to the California Department of Insurance or the NAIC.

Reviewed by Andrei Craciunescu, CA Licensed Insurance Broker #4467994

Last updated: July 2026.