Three Advantages of Using an Insurance Broker

When arranging insurance, you want to know you’re protecting the right things, paying for cover that suits your needs and getting help when you need it.

But how do you know which policy is right for you? And what happens if your circumstances change or you need to make a claim? This is where you start to see the advantages of using an insurance broker. Rather than leaving you to compare policies and work through the details yourself, a broker can help you understand your risks, find suitable cover and manage your insurance for you.

Here are three advantages of using an insurance broker and how they can benefit you.

1. Insurance that reflects your actual risks

Not every insurance policy will suit your circumstances, even if it appears to offer the protection you’re looking for.

When you use a comparison site or get an insurance quote online, the options you receive are based on the information you provide. However, the questions asked may not explore every aspect of your circumstances or all the risks you face.

This means you could end up with gaps in your cover or paying for protection that isn’t relevant to you.

How can a broker help you find suitable cover?

An insurance broker takes the time to understand your circumstances, whether that’s how your business operates, the work you carry out or the personal assets you need to protect. They can then identify risks you may not have considered, approach suitable insurers and explain important differences in cover, limits and exclusions.

For example, when arranging travel insurance, you’ll usually be asked about pre-existing medical conditions. But do you know exactly what your insurer expects you to disclose? Depending on the policy, this could include previous medical advice, treatment or medication within a set timeframe, even if you don’t consider yourself to have an ongoing condition. A broker can help you understand the questions and what information you need to provide. You can find out more in our guide to pre-existing medical conditions and travel insurance

Private client insurance can also be particularly important if you own a higher value home, jewellery, fine art or other valuable possessions. Your insurance needs may go beyond what a standard policy offers, and a broker can help you find more specialist cover that reflects the value of your property, possessions and the risks you face.

At Robison & Co, we take the time to understand your circumstances before recommending insurance. This helps us arrange cover that reflects your actual risks, rather than assuming one policy will suit everyone.

2. A dedicated broker who manages your insurance with you

Arranging insurance isn’t something you only need to think about once a year. Your circumstances can change, and when they do, it’s helpful to have someone who already understands your insurance needs.

You might move house, buy a new vehicle or take on a business contract with different insurance requirements. Having a dedicated broker means you have someone to speak to about these changes and how they could affect your cover.

Rather than having to contact insurers yourself or work through policy documents to understand your options, your broker can help you make changes, discuss your requirements with insurers and review your cover. They can then explain the options available to you, saving you time and taking some of the stress out of managing your insurance.

At Robison & Co, you’ll have a named broker who gets to know you and your insurance arrangements. This means you can speak to someone familiar with your circumstances, rather than explaining everything from the beginning each time you need help.

Whether you have a question about your policy or need to make a change, you’ll know who to contact for advice and support.

3. Support when you need to make a claim

Insurance is there to protect you when something goes wrong, but making a claim can bring its own questions.

What does your policy cover? What information will your insurer need? And who can you speak to if there’s a problem?

An insurance broker can explain the claims process, help you understand what information you need to provide and communicate with your insurer on your behalf.

For example, if your business suffers a fire or your home experiences significant damage, you’ll already have plenty to deal with. Having someone who understands your insurance and can guide you through the claims process can take some of that pressure away.

While your insurer is responsible for assessing your claim and deciding what your policy covers, your broker can help you understand what’s happening, answer questions, chase for updates and raise concerns with the insurer if needed.

At Robison & Co, our support doesn’t end when we arrange your policy. We’re here to help you through the claims process when you need us. If you’d like to understand more about the role of a broker, read our article on why you should use an insurance broker.

Could using an insurance broker benefit you?

Whether you’re arranging insurance for your business or protecting your home and possessions, having someone who understands your needs and can provide advice, and support can make a difference. If you’re considering using a broker for your business, the Financial Conduct Authority also provides guidance on what to consider when choosing one.

At Robison & Co, we’re an independent insurance broker based in Petersfield, Hampshire. We arrange personal and business insurance, taking the time to understand what matters to you and helping you find cover that reflects your circumstances.

If you’d like to talk through your insurance or get a quote, contact us on 01730 265500 or email hello@robison.co.uk.