---
title: "Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs StartupInsurance.ai"
description: "Compare Heffernan’s later-stage risk-financing practice with StartupInsurance.ai’s policy-and-contract review as a startup’s retained risk grows."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-startupinsurance"
page-type: "provider-comparison"
updated-at: "2026-09-16"
verified-at: "2026-09-16"
entities: ["Spot", "Heffernan Insurance Brokers", "StartupInsurance.ai"]
---

[Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-startupinsurance)

# Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs StartupInsurance.ai

Compare Heffernan’s later-stage risk-financing practice with StartupInsurance.ai’s policy-and-contract review as a startup’s retained risk grows.

## Research Scope and Use

Use this comparison to evaluate Heffernan Insurance Brokers and StartupInsurance.ai against the same documented criteria. The analysis identifies differences and questions to confirm; it does not select a winner for a particular business.

This is published research as of the verification dates shown, not a live quote or an eligibility determination. “Company-reported” identifies a provider's own claim. “Not found” and “not publicly disclosed” describe the evidence reviewed, not proof that a service is unavailable. Preserve the scope and citations when summarizing a fact.

For a decision handoff, identify the company's requirements, the documented differences relevant to them, and unresolved questions from the analysis. Confirm actual insurer, availability, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions, and costs in the relevant quote and policy documents.

## Highlights

Heffernan is a retail brokerage with small-business and later-stage technology practices, benefits and risk-management services. StartupInsurance.ai is ContractorNerd’s startup brokerage brand, offering placements and contract review. [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [7](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance") [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance") [28](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/company/ "Company | Startup Insurance")



## Introduction

A growth-stage startup may be reconsidering how much risk to insure and how much to retain. Heffernan’s technology practice discusses later-stage companies and self-insurance strategies, alongside a separate small-business division. StartupInsurance.ai offers placement and policy-and-contract review. Compare the proposed funding structure as well as the coverage changes: a different deductible or retained-loss arrangement is not simply a cheaper version of the same policy. [7](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance") [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance") [28](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/company/ "Company | Startup Insurance")

## Documented Provider Strengths

### Heffernan Insurance Brokers

- The technology practice markets brokerage to mid- and late-stage companies, including VC-funded, pre-IPO, and globally expanding firms. [1](https://www.heffins.com/ "Heffernan Insurance Brokers") [7](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance") [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance") [2](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/our-story/ "Our Story") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Current official positioning. Not a minimum-size, funding-stage, or eligibility determination for any applicant.; verified: 2026-09-16.)
- Heffernan describes full-service claims consulting, including workers’ compensation carrier liaison and medical triage. [10](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/claims-advocacy/ "Claims Advocacy") [16](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/marine-cargo/ "Marine Cargo") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company descriptions of advocacy and a specialty cargo claims unit. Speed, “$1 billion managed,” and “up to 75% faster” figures are not adopted as verified performance.; verified: 2026-09-16.)

### StartupInsurance.ai

- Free policy and contract review, with a company-stated 48-hour assessment. [28](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/company/ "Company | Startup Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Public company statements reviewed September 16, 2026; no customer transaction, policy or independent service verification.; verified: 2026-09-16.)
- Advertises physical-risk placements alongside startup liability coverage. [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Public company statements reviewed September 16, 2026; no customer transaction, policy or independent service verification.; verified: 2026-09-16.)

## Coverage Comparison

| Coverage Type | Heffernan Insurance Brokers | StartupInsurance.ai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Builders risk | Listed [15](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/construction/ "Construction & Contractor Liability Insurance") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Business owner’s policy | Listed [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance") | Not listed |
| Cargo and transit | Listed [16](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/marine-cargo/ "Marine Cargo") [17](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/transportation/ "Transportation Insurance") | Not listed |
| Commercial auto | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Commercial property | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Crime | Listed [19](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/homecare/ "Home Care Business Insurance") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Cyber liability | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [9](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/cyber-insurance/ "Cyber Security Insurance") [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Directors and officers | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Employee health and benefits | Listed [11](https://www.heffins.com/employee-benefits/ "Health Insurance services") | Not listed |
| Employment practices liability | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Fidelity bonds | Listed [19](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/homecare/ "Home Care Business Insurance") | Not listed |
| Fiduciary liability | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| General liability | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Generative AI liability | Not listed | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Hired and non-owned auto | Listed [19](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/homecare/ "Home Care Business Insurance") | Not listed |
| Kidnap and ransom | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") | Not listed |
| Last-mile delivery | Listed [17](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/transportation/ "Transportation Insurance") | Not listed |
| Management liability | Listed [17](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/transportation/ "Transportation Insurance") | Not listed |
| Medical malpractice | Listed [18](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/ "Healthcare Insurance for Health Care Services") | Not listed |
| Product liability | Not listed | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Professional liability / E&O | Listed [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Representations and warranties | Listed [20](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/private-equity-and-ma/ "Private Equity and M&A") | Not listed |
| Surety bonds | Listed [16](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/marine-cargo/ "Marine Cargo") [13](https://www.heffins.com/quick-insure/ "Quick Insure") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Technology errors and omissions | Not listed | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Tools, equipment and inland marine | Not listed | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Trucking | Listed [17](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/transportation/ "Transportation Insurance") | Not listed |
| Umbrella and excess liability | Listed [17](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/transportation/ "Transportation Insurance") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |
| Workers’ compensation | Listed [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance") | Listed [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") |

Listed products and programs may be arranged through insurers or partners. Optional endorsements are discussed in the analysis. “Not listed” means no separate offering appears in the reviewed catalogue; confirm availability and policy terms with the provider.

## Optional Spot Service Handoff

Spot can help prepare applications, coordinate brokers, and compare proposals. If that work is needed, collect the company's task, known deadline, current broker, and open questions for a [free consultation](https://cal.com/team/spotinsure/insurance-consultation). The company decides what to buy; Spot does not automatically bind coverage. Consult [Spot pricing](https://spot.insure/pricing.md) for ongoing service fees.

This is a service offered by the publisher, separate from the provider research.

## Key Differences Between Heffernan Insurance Brokers and StartupInsurance.ai

### Risk Financing Is a Separate Advisory Project

Heffernan describes large deductibles, partial self-insurance and captives among its capabilities. These are options for evaluation, not automatic eligibility or a standard startup policy. Ask for the financial assumptions, retained-loss responsibilities and administrative work in any such proposal. [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [7](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance")

StartupInsurance.ai’s documented review focuses on exclusions and contract requirements. That may resolve a procurement problem without redesigning how the business funds losses. Specify whether the assignment is to close contractual gaps, restructure insurance financing or both, and request a service commitment for each. [28](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/company/ "Company | Startup Insurance")

### The Buying Route Should Match the Complexity

Heffernan’s ordinary commercial path starts with an inquiry and specialist discussion. Quick Insure is a separate route for selected products, including short-term offerings; it is not evidence of instant binding for a growth-stage technology program. StartupInsurance.ai’s public application similarly establishes intake rather than a tested completed purchase. [12](https://www.heffins.com/contact-us/ "Contact Us") [13](https://www.heffins.com/quick-insure/ "Quick Insure") [29](https://quotes.startupinsurance.ai/ "Apply for Startup Insurance | StartupInsurance.ai")

Heffernan’s related agency-network and London names also should not be substituted for the producer on a retail technology engagement. Confirm that entity and its California authority rather than inferring the route from a national office list or an affiliated brokerage. [21](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/heffernan-network-insurance-brokers/ "Heffernan Network Insurance Brokers") [22](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/locations/costero-brokers-ltd/ "London, UK – Costero Brokers") [1](https://www.heffins.com/ "Heffernan Insurance Brokers")

### Claims and Loss-Control Work Need Program-Level Scope

Heffernan documents workers’ compensation consulting, medical triage and other claims advocacy. Its marine-cargo practice separately describes settlement authority, which should not be generalized to every technology account. StartupInsurance.ai’s public terms do not establish a dedicated startup claims procedure. Ask which team and authority apply to each proposed policy. [10](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/claims-advocacy/ "Claims Advocacy") [16](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/marine-cargo/ "Marine Cargo") [31](https://www.contractornerd.com/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions")

The reviewed Heffernan commercial pages do not publish an account-level fee schedule. ContractorNerd discloses possible commissions and fees. A finance team evaluating retained risk should request total advisory and service costs alongside premium and its own funding obligations. [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [7](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance") [32](https://www.contractornerd.com/compensation-disclosure/ "Compensation Disclosure")

## What to Confirm in Quotes

- **Structure:** What losses remain with the business, and what work or capital is required by the proposed arrangement? [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage")
- **Engagement:** Which team, legal producer and service route apply, including any minimums not published on the site? [7](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance") [8](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/ "Small Business Insurance")
- **Claims scope:** Separate advocacy, adjustment authority and loss-control deliverables by policy, with the corresponding costs. [10](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/claims-advocacy/ "Claims Advocacy") [16](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/marine-cargo/ "Marine Cargo") [32](https://www.contractornerd.com/compensation-disclosure/ "Compensation Disclosure")



## Service Comparison

Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs StartupInsurance.ai: documented services and availability.

| Criteria | Heffernan Insurance Brokers | StartupInsurance.ai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Business role | Heffernan describes itself as an insurance broker and risk manager that shops markets, presents options, and places coverage with insurance carriers. It is not identified in the reviewed pages as the insurer that issues or pays claims on a buyer’s policy. Privacy language says it may share underwriting information with non-affiliated parties to solicit quotations from insurance carriers. [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [9](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/cyber-insurance/ "Cyber Security Insurance") [5](https://www.heffins.com/privacy-statement/ "Privacy Statement") [1](https://www.heffins.com/ "Heffernan Insurance Brokers") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-described broking role. Do not infer underwriting authority for all products from the marine-cargo program’s in-house authority language.; verified: 2026-09-16.)<br><br>Public pages and a 26 August 2026 company release use the name Heffernan Insurance Brokers and display California license number 0564249. They identify F. Michael Heffernan as President and CEO. The reviewed official pages do not print a longer corporate legal name such as an “Inc.” suffix. Confirm the contracting producer name on the engagement agreement and policy. [1](https://www.heffins.com/ "Heffernan Insurance Brokers") [24](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heffernan-insurance-brokers-acquires-kristin-manwaring-insurance-associates-inc-302860809.html "Heffernan Insurance Brokers Acquires Kristin Manwaring Insurance Associates, Inc.") [2](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/our-story/ "Our Story") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Brand and license-number display only. Not independent license verification or a complete legal-entity chart.; verified: 2026-09-16.)<br><br>Heffernan’s current site says it has been independent and employee-owned since 1988. A 2019 SkyKnight Capital announcement described a minority investment that recapitalized Heffernan’s ESOP while management said the firm would retain a culture of employee ownership. Current ownership percentages were not disclosed in the 2026 pages reviewed. [1](https://www.heffins.com/ "Heffernan Insurance Brokers") [2](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/our-story/ "Our Story") [25](https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/skyknight-invests-in-heffernan-insurance-brokers-to-support-the-platforms-continued-growth "SkyKnight Invests in Heffernan Insurance Brokers to Support the Platform’s Continued Growth") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company and investor announcements. Not a current cap-table verification.; verified: 2026-09-16.)<br><br>Heffernan Network Insurance Brokers is described as a wholly owned subsidiary, formerly OLI Insurance Services, that acquires or partners with independent agencies. Costero Brokers Ltd. appears as Heffernan’s London location listing. Heffernan Benefit Advisors is the name used on the employee-benefits page. These related names do not by themselves identify the producer or insurer on a California technology policy. [21](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/heffernan-network-insurance-brokers/ "Heffernan Network Insurance Brokers") [22](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/locations/costero-brokers-ltd/ "London, UK – Costero Brokers") [11](https://www.heffins.com/employee-benefits/ "Health Insurance services") [3](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/locations/ "Our Locations") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Official related-entity descriptions. Costero’s FCA status and Heffernan’s exact current ownership of Costero were not independently verified in this draft.; verified: 2026-09-16.) | StartupInsurance.ai identifies itself as a marketing brand of ContractorNerd Insurance Services, LLC. ContractorNerd describes its role as an insurance agent or broker, not an insurer; it does not underwrite the policies. [28](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/company/ "Company | Startup Insurance") [31](https://www.contractornerd.com/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Public company statements reviewed September 16, 2026; no customer transaction, policy or independent service verification.; verified: 2026-09-16.)<br><br>ContractorNerd’s licensing page assigns quotes, binding and insurance transactions to ContractorNerd Insurance Services, LLC, with servicing supported by its licensed agents and partners. Its terms allow submissions through insurers and intermediaries. Confirm the producer-of-record arrangement for your StartupInsurance.ai placement. [30](https://www.contractornerd.com/insurance-licenses/ "Insurance Licenses") [31](https://www.contractornerd.com/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Public company statements reviewed September 16, 2026; no customer transaction, policy or independent service verification.; verified: 2026-09-16.) |
| Application process | The public commercial path starts with a Contact Us inquiry. The empty form inspected on 16 September 2026 asks for first and last name, email, optional phone, insurance needed, and a description of operations, plus a required choice among Need A Quote, Other, or Would like to speak with someone. Submitting the form does not display a premium or bind coverage. [12](https://www.heffins.com/contact-us/ "Contact Us") (Evidence: Verified; scope: Chrome inspection of the unsubmitted Contact Form 7 on heffins.com/contact-us/. No fields completed and no submission. Downstream underwriting not tested.; verified: 2026-09-16.)<br><br>Heffernan tells technology buyers to work with a specialized broker who assesses the business and gathers quotes from insurers. Its cyber team says it determines exposure, shops the market, presents options, and guides coverage selection. Quick Insure is a separate path that markets faster quotes for selected personal and short-term business products. The reviewed pages do not promise a universal quote or binding turnaround for a growth-stage technology program. [7](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance") [9](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/cyber-insurance/ "Cyber Security Insurance") [13](https://www.heffins.com/quick-insure/ "Quick Insure") [12](https://www.heffins.com/contact-us/ "Contact Us") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Service descriptions. Technology-page FAQ “how do I get” language is educational process copy, not a measured SLA.; verified: 2026-09-16.) | The online intake starts with coverage choices and shows subsequent sections for company details, financials, employees, claims, existing insurance and signature. Its initial choices are D&O, cyber, technology E&O, employment practices, fiduciary, crime and general liability. Only the public starting screen was inspected; quote delivery and binding were not tested. [29](https://quotes.startupinsurance.ai/ "Apply for Startup Insurance | StartupInsurance.ai") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Public company statements reviewed September 16, 2026; no customer transaction, policy or independent service verification.; verified: 2026-09-16.) |
| Servicing and renewals | Heffernan says clients get claims services, loss control, HR consulting, and risk-management support alongside insurance placement. Its modern-brokerage page describes digital access to documents, program details, and service-activity status, plus tools such as TrustLayer for insurance verification. These are company-described servicing features. [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [23](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/modern-brokerage-solutions/ "Modern Brokerage Solutions") [10](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/claims-advocacy/ "Claims Advocacy") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Official feature descriptions only; no authenticated client account or measured service levels.; verified: 2026-09-16.) | The company offers a free review of existing policies and a customer contract, promising a written assessment of AI exclusions and contract gaps within 48 hours. That timing and the review’s completeness have not been independently tested. [28](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/company/ "Company | Startup Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Public company statements reviewed September 16, 2026; no customer transaction, policy or independent service verification.; verified: 2026-09-16.)<br><br>The company advertises self-service certificates, centralized policy documents and renewal tracking. These operating services were not tested in an authenticated account. [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Public company statements reviewed September 16, 2026; no customer transaction, policy or independent service verification.; verified: 2026-09-16.) |
| Claims assistance | Heffernan describes full-service claims consulting from intake through resolution, including workers’ compensation strategy, carrier liaison, and experience-mod analysis; 24/7 medical triage; and advocacy on general liability, auto, and property claims, including litigation support. The marine-cargo program separately describes a claims division with authority to adjust, settle, and issue payments on that program. These statements document claimed assistance. They do not establish that a claim will be paid or that reported speed or savings figures are independently verified. [10](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/claims-advocacy/ "Claims Advocacy") [16](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/marine-cargo/ "Marine Cargo") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company descriptions of advocacy and a specialty cargo claims unit. Speed, “$1 billion managed,” and “up to 75% faster” figures are not adopted as verified performance.; verified: 2026-09-16.) | The reviewed StartupInsurance.ai homepage and company page, plus ContractorNerd’s insurance-services terms, did not establish a dedicated claims-reporting process or an assigned claims advocate for startup policies. Obtain the insurer’s notice instructions and clarify the agency’s assistance; the public descriptions do not establish claims-handling quality. [27](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/ "Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review") [28](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/company/ "Company | Startup Insurance") [31](https://www.contractornerd.com/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms and Conditions") (Evidence: Not found in reviewed sources; scope: Scoped public-source absence; intake questions about past claims are not evidence of claims servicing.; verified: 2026-09-16.) |
| Fees and compensation | A public fee schedule, commission percentage, or premium range for Heffernan’s ordinary business-insurance or technology brokerage was not found on the reviewed homepage, business, technology, contact, privacy, or Quick Insure pages. Request an account-specific disclosure of brokerage fees, insurer commissions, contingent or supplemental compensation, and any separately billed services. Absence of a published schedule does not mean the work is unpaid. [1](https://www.heffins.com/ "Heffernan Insurance Brokers") [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [7](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance") [12](https://www.heffins.com/contact-us/ "Contact Us") [5](https://www.heffins.com/privacy-statement/ "Privacy Statement") [13](https://www.heffins.com/quick-insure/ "Quick Insure") (Evidence: Not found in reviewed sources; scope: Public commercial pricing search on 16 September 2026. Educational FAQ dollar ranges and Irish Heffernan.ie commission PDFs are out of scope and were not used.; verified: 2026-09-16.) | ContractorNerd discloses possible insurer/intermediary commissions, buyer-paid fees and contingent compensation. Fees can include platform, technology, policy-handling or consulting charges; not every charge applies to every policy. It says applicable fees are disclosed before binding or agreed before charging. A technology access fee, if charged, is generally non-refundable under its stated terms. Request the agreement and amounts applicable to your StartupInsurance.ai quote; the free review is not a promise of fee-free placement. [32](https://www.contractornerd.com/compensation-disclosure/ "Compensation Disclosure") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Disclosure of the identified operating agency; no StartupInsurance.ai-specific signed fee agreement or amount reviewed. Disclosure says signed agreements control.; verified: 2026-09-16.) |

## Related Reading

- [What Is Heffernan Insurance Brokers?](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/heffernan)
- [What Is StartupInsurance.ai?](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/startupinsurance)

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- [Coverdash vs Heffernan](https://spot.insure/compare/coverdash-vs-heffernan)
- [Coverdash vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/coverdash-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Cowbell vs Heffernan](https://spot.insure/compare/cowbell-vs-heffernan)
- [Cowbell vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/cowbell-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Embroker vs Heffernan](https://spot.insure/compare/embroker-vs-heffernan)
- [Embroker vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/embroker-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Founder Shield vs Heffernan](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-heffernan)
- [Founder Shield vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/foundershield-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Gallagher vs Heffernan Insurance Brokers](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-heffernan)
- [Gallagher vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/gallagher-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Harper vs Heffernan](https://spot.insure/compare/harper-vs-heffernan)
- [Harper vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/harper-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Heffernan vs Hiscox](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-hiscox)
- [Heffernan vs HUB International](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-hub-international)
- [Heffernan vs Kinro](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-kinro)
- [Heffernan vs Layr](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-layr)
- [Heffernan vs Lockton](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-lockton)
- [Heffernan vs Marsh](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-marsh)
- [Heffernan vs Mylo](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-mylo)
- [Heffernan vs Newfront](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-newfront)
- [Heffernan vs ERGO NEXT](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-next-insurance)
- [Heffernan vs Pie Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-pie-insurance)
- [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs Relm Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-relm)
- [Heffernan vs Resilience](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-resilience)
- [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs RiskCube](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-riskcube)
- [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs Risklytics Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-risklytics)
- [Heffernan vs TechInsurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-techinsurance)
- [Heffernan vs The Hartford](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford)
- [Heffernan vs Travelers](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-travelers)
- [Heffernan vs USI](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-usi)
- [Heffernan vs Vouch](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-vouch)
- [Heffernan vs WithCoverage](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-withcoverage)
- [Hiscox vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/hiscox-vs-startupinsurance)
- [HUB International vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/hub-international-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Kinro vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/kinro-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Layr vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/layr-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Lockton vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Marsh vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/marsh-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Mylo vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/mylo-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Newfront vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/newfront-vs-startupinsurance)
- [ERGO NEXT Insurance vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/next-insurance-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Pie Insurance vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/pie-insurance-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Relm Insurance vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/relm-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Resilience vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/resilience-vs-startupinsurance)
- [RiskCube vs StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/compare/riskcube-vs-startupinsurance)
- [Risklytics vs StartupInsurance.ai Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/risklytics-vs-startupinsurance)
- [StartupInsurance.ai vs TechInsurance](https://spot.insure/compare/startupinsurance-vs-techinsurance)
- [StartupInsurance.ai vs The Hartford](https://spot.insure/compare/startupinsurance-vs-the-hartford)
- [StartupInsurance.ai vs Travelers Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/startupinsurance-vs-travelers)
- [StartupInsurance.ai vs USI](https://spot.insure/compare/startupinsurance-vs-usi)
- [StartupInsurance.ai vs Vouch](https://spot.insure/compare/startupinsurance-vs-vouch)
- [StartupInsurance.ai vs WithCoverage](https://spot.insure/compare/startupinsurance-vs-withcoverage)

## Sources

### [Heffernan Insurance Brokers Official Website](https://www.heffins.com)

1. [Heffernan Insurance Brokers](https://www.heffins.com/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; What we offer; Independent since 1988; Built for what’s next; footer copyright and License #0564249; Quick Insure; Get a quote; Propeller bond-portal disclaimer. Accessed 2026-09-16.
2. [Our Story](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/our-story/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Headquartered in Walnut Creek; nationwide presence; founded 1988; employee owned; niche practices including technology. Accessed 2026-09-16.
3. [Our Locations](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/locations/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Nationwide coverage heading; Walnut Creek corporate headquarters; Bay Area and other California offices; Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, Northeast, Southeast, Honolulu; London Costero listing; footer License #0564249. Accessed 2026-09-16.
4. [Walnut Creek](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/locations/walnut-creek/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Corporate headquarters; founded 1988 in Walnut Creek. Accessed 2026-09-16.
5. [Privacy Statement](https://www.heffins.com/privacy-statement/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Collection for professional services; disclosure to non-affiliated third parties to solicit quotations from insurance carriers; website content developed in the United States and intended for U.S. users except where otherwise specified. Accessed 2026-09-16.
6. [Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Basic coverages list; corporate and executive protection list; alternative risk capabilities; claims, loss control and risk-management services; industry practice links including Technology and Claims Advocacy. Accessed 2026-09-16.
7. [Technology Company Insurance](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Pre-IPO and venture-funded heading; mid to late stage specialization; global expansion copy; self-insurance strategies; Key Markets list; Why heffernan broker history; Joseph Talmadge practice leader. FAQ treated as educational, not a product catalogue.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
8. [Small Business Insurance](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/small-business/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Sole proprietors to fast-growing companies; types of coverage we can provide; industry list including Technology. Accessed 2026-09-16.
9. [Cyber Security Insurance](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/cyber-insurance/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Cyber risk team that determines exposure, shops the market, presents options, and guides coverage selection. FAQ cost ranges treated as educational, not a price schedule.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
10. [Claims Advocacy](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/claims-advocacy/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Full-service claims consulting; workers’ compensation strategy and carrier liaison; medical triage; general liability, auto and property advocacy; vendor compliance tools. Outcome and speed claims are company-reported.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
11. [Health Insurance services](https://www.heffins.com/employee-benefits/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Heffernan Benefit Advisors; large and small group employee benefits, dental, vision, life and disability, voluntary benefits, Medicare; Administration and Advocacy. Accessed 2026-09-16.
12. [Contact Us](https://www.heffins.com/contact-us/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Unsubmitted Contact Form 7: First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Insurance Needed, Description of Operations; Select Need A Quote / Other / Would like to speak with someone; Submit. No premium displayed.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
13. [Quick Insure](https://www.heffins.com/quick-insure/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Fast quotes for personal and business insurance; business tiles including Short Term General Liability, Surety, Special Event Insurance, Peer-to-Peer Car Rental; Trusted Providers copy without named carriers. Accessed 2026-09-16.
14. [Short-Term General Liability](https://www.heffins.com/short-term-general-liability/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Partnership with Thimble Insurance Services for on-demand general liability; eligibility, pricing and coverage may vary by state; non-binding indication disclaimer. Accessed 2026-09-16.
15. [Construction & Contractor Liability Insurance](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/construction/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; We offer customized builders risk coverage; contractor sectors served. FAQ cost percentages treated as educational.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
16. [Marine Cargo](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/marine-cargo/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Coverage options including marine cargo, E&O and surety bonds; in-house underwriting authority; exclusive access to major insurance carriers (unnamed); dedicated claims division with settlement authority. Accessed 2026-09-16.
17. [Transportation Insurance](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/transportation/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Appointed with top transportation carriers (unnamed); trucking and final mile delivery subsectors; exclusive and sponsored products including auto liability, motor truck cargo, umbrella, workers’ compensation, cyber and management liability. Accessed 2026-09-16.
18. [Healthcare Insurance for Health Care Services](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Medical Malpractice listed among healthcare services; relationships with the nation’s top insurance carriers (unnamed); captives and self-insurance options. Accessed 2026-09-16.
19. [Home Care Business Insurance](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/homecare/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; We offer comprehensive coverage for list including workers’ compensation, general and professional liability, EPL, owned auto, non-owned and hired auto, crime, employee dishonesty bond, cyber, medical billing E&O, and property. “Covering all states” is company-reported, not a verified eligibility schedule.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
20. [Private Equity and M&A](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/private-equity-and-ma/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Representation & Warranty (RWI) Insurance; transactional risk list including contingent, environmental, tax and litigation buyout; HIB Private Equity and M&A Practice. Accessed 2026-09-16.
21. [Heffernan Network Insurance Brokers](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/heffernan-network-insurance-brokers/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Formerly OLI Insurance Services; wholly owned subsidiary; agency acquisition and perpetuation; exclusive carrier access described for partner agencies. Accessed 2026-09-16.
22. [London, UK – Costero Brokers](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/locations/costero-brokers-ltd/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Costero Brokers Ltd. London office listing; full-service London brokerage; link to costerobrokers.com. Accessed 2026-09-16.
23. [Modern Brokerage Solutions](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/modern-brokerage-solutions/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Independent brokerage; digital document access and service activity status; TrustLayer and Quick Insure mentions; AI workflow claims for claims administration. Outcome claims are company-reported.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
24. [Heffernan Insurance Brokers Acquires Kristin Manwaring Insurance Associates, Inc.](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heffernan-insurance-brokers-acquires-kristin-manwaring-insurance-associates-inc-302860809.html). Heffernan Insurance Brokers via PR Newswire; 26 August 2026 release; Walnut Creek; independent brokerage; F. Michael Heffernan, President and CEO; License #0564249 in about block. Accessed 2026-09-16.
25. [SkyKnight Invests in Heffernan Insurance Brokers to Support the Platform’s Continued Growth](https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/skyknight-invests-in-heffernan-insurance-brokers-to-support-the-platforms-continued-growth). InsuranceNewsNet reprint of SkyKnight Capital BusinessWire; 22 July 2019 announcement; minority investment; ESOP recapitalization; Mike Heffernan quote on retaining employee ownership. Historical ownership event; current cap table not independently verified.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
26. [California License Number Search](https://cdicloud.insurance.ca.gov/cal/LicenseNumberSearch). California Department of Insurance; Search form inspected 16 September 2026; no license-number query submitted; page showed empty search results (“No data”). No status or legal-name conclusion drawn from the empty form.. Accessed 2026-09-16.

### [StartupInsurance.ai Official Website](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/)

27. [Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/). StartupInsurance.ai; Current live HTML: hero; What we place; The paperwork runs itself; carrier panel; Straight talk. Fresh direct fetch supersedes older browser-cached homepage.. Accessed 2026-09-16.
28. [Company | Startup Insurance](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/company/). StartupInsurance.ai; The story; founders; The free policy check; legal footer. Accessed 2026-09-16.
29. [Apply for Startup Insurance | StartupInsurance.ai](https://quotes.startupinsurance.ai/). StartupInsurance.ai; Initial coverage selection and seven-step navigation; no submission made. Accessed 2026-09-16.
30. [Insurance Licenses](https://www.contractornerd.com/insurance-licenses/). ContractorNerd; Company information; licensing status table, California row. Accessed 2026-09-16.
31. [Terms and Conditions](https://www.contractornerd.com/terms-and-conditions/). ContractorNerd; Sections 1, 2 and 2.A: agency role, submissions, servicing and compensation. Accessed 2026-09-16.
32. [Compensation Disclosure](https://www.contractornerd.com/compensation-disclosure/). ContractorNerd; Sections 2–9: transaction roles, commissions, buyer fees, contingent compensation and information requests. Accessed 2026-09-16.

Updated 2026-09-16. Last verified 2026-09-16. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. [Editorial policy](https://spot.insure/editorial-policy). To suggest a correction, [contact Spot](https://spot.insure/contact) with the page URL and supporting source.

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