For most insurance placements, no. We're compensated by the carriers we place your coverage with. Our advisory work, benchmarking, compliance support, and claims advocacy are all included in the relationship. For employee benefits, we're transparent about how we're compensated and happy to walk through it with you.

What makes Fredriksen different from other brokers in Idaho?

Three things. We're independent, so we work for you and shop multiple carriers on your behalf. We're Idaho's only UBA partner, which gives us access to the largest health plan benchmarking database in the country. And we're family-owned, which means your relationship is with people who have a personal stake in how you're treated, not a corporate office in another state.

What areas do you serve?

We're based in Boise and serve businesses, families, and individuals throughout Idaho. For employee benefits and commercial insurance, we work with employers of all sizes statewide. For Medicare and individual health, we serve anyone in Idaho. Some of our commercial programs extend beyond state lines depending on the client's operations.

Can you handle all of my insurance in one place?

Yes. That's one of the things we do best. Employee benefits, commercial property and casualty, personal home and auto, Medicare, and individual health. One advisor, one team, one relationship that covers everything. When your business insurance, your employees' benefits, and your personal coverage are all managed by the same people, nothing falls through the cracks.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

How do I know if my current benefits plan is competitive?

We benchmark it. Using UBA's national health plan survey, we compare your premiums, plan design, employer contribution, and cost trends against similar employers in your industry and region. The analysis takes about a week, it's complimentary, and there's no obligation to change anything. Most employers are surprised by what they find.

How many employees do I need to offer benefits?

Two. That's the minimum for a group health plan in Idaho. Dental, vision, life, and disability can be added at any size. Even very small employers have options, and we help you find the right ones for your budget.

Do you help with open enrollment?

Yes. We show up to your enrollment meetings, present plan options to your employees in language they understand, answer their questions, and provide materials that make the decision easier. Most clients tell us it's the most valuable thing we do because it saves their HR team hours of work and reduces employee confusion.

INSURANCE (PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL)

How often should I review my insurance?

At minimum, annually at renewal. But we also recommend a review whenever something significant changes: you buy a building, add vehicles, start a new business line, renovate your home, or acquire a rental property. Your coverage should keep pace with your life and your business. We build those check-ins into the relationship.

Can you help if I already have a broker?

Absolutely. We offer no-obligation reviews of your current coverage. We'll tell you what's working, what's missing, and whether you're overpaying. If your current program is solid, we'll tell you that too. There's no pressure to switch, and most people appreciate having a second set of eyes on something this important.

What carriers do you work with?

Dozens. Progressive, Nationwide, Auto-Owners, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, Safeco, Travelers, Hartford, and many more across both personal and commercial lines. For employee benefits, we work with every major health carrier in Idaho. Being independent means we shop the market and place you with the carrier that fits best, not the one that pays us the most.

What is the difference between an independent broker and a captive agent?

A captive agent represents one carrier (State Farm, Allstate, etc.) and can only sell that company's products. An independent broker like us represents you and shops your coverage across many carriers. We find the best fit from the full market. You get more options, better pricing leverage, and an advisor whose loyalty is to you, not to a carrier.

MEDICARE

When should I call you about Medicare?

Three months before you turn 65. Your Initial Enrollment Period starts then, and there are decisions to make (Original Medicare vs. Advantage, which supplement plan, which Part D) that are easier to navigate with help. If you're losing employer coverage at any age over 65, call us as soon as you know your end date. Timing matters, and deadlines are strict.

Will I pay more for my Medicare plan if I use a broker?

No. You pay the exact same premium whether you enroll through us, through the carrier directly, or through the medicare.gov website. Our guidance, plan matching, and annual reviews cost you nothing. The carrier compensates us, and you get a local person who explains your options and follows up every year.

Do you review my Medicare plan every year?

Yes. Every fall during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), we review your current plan against new-year options. If your prescriptions changed, if your doctors left a network, or if a better plan became available, we tell you. No charge, no obligation, every year. Most of our Medicare clients have been with us for years because of this.

CLAIMS & GETTING STARTED

What happens when I have a claim?

You call us. Not the carrier's 800 number. Us. We help you file it, coordinate with the adjuster, advocate for your interests, and push for resolution. Having a local broker means you talk to someone who knows your policy and will work the issue until it's handled. That's the difference between having an agent and having an advisor.

How do I get started with Fredriksen?

Call us at (208) 375-0009, email hello@fredinsure.com, or fill out the form on any page of our site. Tell us what you're looking for (or tell us you're not sure), and we'll set up a conversation. No pitch, no pressure. We'll listen, learn your situation, and come back with a plan. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.