The verdict in three sentences
Wix is enough for an independent broker who wants a clean presence and 2 or 3 simple forms, but it stalls once you need multi-step quotes or a link to an agency management system. WordPress is the best compromise for 80 % of brokerages, provided it is maintained. A custom build makes sense when quote forms feed a CRM or client portal and data security becomes a selling point.
The three options compared
Amounts are 2026 market estimates for the Miami area. They help frame a budget and do not replace a quote.
| Criterion | Wix | WordPress | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build cost | 0 to 2,000 USD (if a provider helps) | 5,000 - 12,000 USD | 12,000 - 25,000 USD |
| Subscription or hosting | 20 - 45 USD per month | 20 - 60 USD per month | 25 - 100 USD per month |
| Quote request forms | Basic, 1 to 2 steps | Multi-step via plugin | Full business logic |
| CRM or agency system link | Limited | Possible via plugin or API | Native |
| Design flexibility | Medium | Good | Total |
| Maintenance needed | Low | Monthly (updates) | Quarterly |
| Portability | Low (locked content) | Good | Good if code delivered |
| Time to launch | 1 to 3 weeks | 4 to 8 weeks | 8 to 12 weeks |
Total cost over 3 years
| Item over 36 months | Wix | WordPress | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build | 1,500 USD | 8,000 USD | 18,000 USD |
| Subscription or hosting | 1,260 USD (35/month) | 1,440 USD | 2,160 USD |
| Maintenance | 0 USD | 4,320 USD (120/month) | 3,240 USD (90/month) |
| Plugins and licences | 500 USD | 1,100 USD | 0 USD |
| Likely rebuild at 24 months | 4,000 USD | 0 USD | 0 USD |
| Estimated total | 7,260 USD | 14,860 USD | 23,400 USD |
Wix looks unbeatable, but growing brokerages often end up migrating, which adds a rebuild. As a reference, Kolonell website packages run from 1,220 to 1,830 EUR (Starter), 1,830 to 3,050 EUR (Growth) and 3,050 to 5,340 EUR (Premium), and a simple custom application starts at 3,810 EUR. These are Kolonell's prices, not market averages.
Compliance: licensing, disclosures and data privacy
A broker site collects sensitive data: household details, income, health history for life and disability cover. Compliance is not optional.
| Requirement | What the site must show or do | Watch-out per option |
|---|---|---|
| Florida agent licence | Licence number, agency name, link to DFS verification | Easy on all three |
| Carrier and compensation disclosures | Appointed carriers, how you are paid, complaints contact | Dedicated page on all three |
| Consent for contact | Clear opt-in for calls and texts (TCPA) | Wix: limited options |
| Health data | HIPAA-ready hosting if stored | Wix and shared WordPress: unsuitable |
| Form security | HTTPS, anti-spam, encryption, logging | WordPress: plugins to maintain |
| Privacy policy | Document each form and its use (GLBA privacy notice) | Independent of the tool |
If your forms collect health data, neither Wix nor WordPress on shared hosting is suitable. This is often what tips brokers toward a custom build or WordPress on dedicated hosting.
Mini case study
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Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Maria, owner of a 4-person insurance brokerage in Miami, receives 20 quote requests per month by phone today. With a multi-step WordPress form at 8,000 USD, she expects 45 requests, a 15 % close rate and an average first-year commission of 380 USD per policy. Gain: 25 requests x 15 % x 380 USD = 1,425 USD per month. The 3-year cost of 14,860 USD is covered in about 10 months. The custom build at 23,400 USD only pays off if CRM integration saves at least 8 hours of re-keying per month.
FAQ
Is Wix secure enough for an insurance broker?
Wix offers consent and security tools, but data location and retention options remain limited. Beyond 50 quote requests a month or any health data, a controlled solution is safer.
How much does WordPress maintenance cost for a brokerage?
Between 60 and 180 USD per month depending on plugin count and backup frequency. An unmaintained WordPress site becomes vulnerable within 6 to 12 months.
Where should my licence number appear?
It should be easy to find, usually in the footer and on an about or legal page, alongside the agency name. It takes under an hour to add, whatever the option.
When is a custom build really justified?
When your forms feed an agency management system, a client portal or real-time rating. Below 30 requests a month, WordPress is usually enough.
Can I move from Wix to WordPress later?
Yes, but content exports poorly and the design must be redone, for 3,000 to 5,000 USD. Planning for growth avoids paying twice.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your lines of insurance, your request volume and your compliance needs, and we will recommend the right option with an indicative budget and timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
