I'm not sure where these stories of huge commissions for renewals come from. I don't work in the insurance industry, but I work with some people who do. Commissions vary, but do not approach $600. You might be referring to the Global News story that said
"Global News obtained a copy of the broker remuneration plan for 2019 that shows a fee structure ranging from the 3.11 per cent base premium for drivers with no discount to 19.93 per cent for drivers with the highest safe driver discount."
https://globalnews.ca/news/4823459/...n-when-safest-drivers-get-optional-insurance/
Notice that the 19% level is for people who have the 43% safe driver discount. So on a $1,000 policy the commission would be $190. That same $190 would comprise a smaller percentage commission for people who receive no safe driver discount because the same coverage would cost much more.
Yes, that is common practice in any province where I have bought insurance. ICBC doesn't pay anything for that. The insurance agency pays an employee to sell the insurance at dealerships. The insurance agency bears the cost of the service. They do it because they can get lots of standard commissions by being the exclusive agency at the dealership.
This is standard for any significantly tangible asset. When a company that uses expensive equipment (e.g., front end loaders, printing equipment, refrigeration units, etc.) buys used equipment the transaction attracts taxation.
Most things in a thrift store, like The Salvation Army, including used items, are taxable.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/t...-clubs-charitable-organizations-societies.pdf