The surplus line filing fee is a service charge that Ethos applies only when we manage the surplus line filings on your behalf. It is not a general administrative or processing fee, and it is not applied to every policy.

• $350 if you have requested that we handle the surplus lines filing.
• $0 if you intend to handle the surplus lines filing yourself,
• $0 if the policy does not require surplus lines filing.

This fee is charged only when Ethos performs the surplus line filing for a given policy. If no filing is required, or if you manage the filing yourself, no fee is charged.

Surplus lines filings can be complex and time-intensive. When Ethos manages this process, we take on several responsibilities, including:

• The purchase and maintenance of surplus lines licensure in nearly every U.S. state.
• Preparing and submitting filing documents in accordance with state requirements.
• Following up on due diligence documentation.
• Resolving issues or corrections when filings are flagged or returned.
• Paying associated taxes and fees as required by the state.

This work involves operational, compliance, and financial tasks that go beyond standard policy placement. The $350 surplus lines filing fee supports the resources and attention required to oversee these filings effectively.

Yes, although many wholesalers also charge an additional blanket administrative and/or policy fee designed solely to increase their revenue on any particular policy placement. Ethos does not take that approach. Instead, we apply a flat $350 surplus line filing fee only when we are directly managing the filing for a given policy. If we do not handle the filing, we do not charge the fee.

Because Ethos typically retains only half to two-thirds of the commission paid to our retail customers on any particular placement, the surplus lines filing fee often determines whether a placement is profitable or not. This is especially true for smaller placements. As a result, waiving this fee is unusual. Still, there are a number of scenarios where waiving the surplus lines filing fee might make sense. For that reason, we are open to the discussion.

Many retail insurance agents prefer to avoid the administrative burden, compliance risks, and tax payment requirements involved in surplus line filings. By asking Ethos to manage the filing, you can focus on your clients while we ensure everything is submitted, resolved, and paid correctly. This fee supports the value and relief that comes with outsourcing a high-risk, high-touch task to a trusted partner.