Should small businesses use an insurance broker?

When it comes to buying insurance, the choices are simple: do it yourself or use an insurance broker.

While it may be easier to go direct, especially with the growing availability of online products, a broker can provide you with added value and assistance when you most need it.

Price isn’t everything

Small businesses on tight margins are very aware of costs, so it’s easy to always opt for the cheapest product. But when it comes to insurance, choosing the cheapest option can have expensive consequences.

If a policy appears too good to be true, it’s likely to be just that. You may find that when it comes time to make a claim, you aren’t covered for what you need. Insurance brokers are able to compare policy prices and features to ensure you not only get value for money, but you are also fully covered for your requirements.

Covering all bases

While there is a number of online sites that can do an instant comparison of insurance companies and policies, these offerings don’t take your specific situation into consideration.

A broker can provide a thorough assessment of your insurance needs and find a policy that better suits your specific needs. It may take a little longer than getting an online recommendation, but you can rest assured that you’ll get the coverage you need.

“If a policy appears too good to be true, it’s likely to be just that”

Know who you’re dealing with

Buying insurance direct may be easy and straightforward, but what about when you need to make a claim?

We’re all familiar with the frustration of waiting on hold for a customer representative to get to us, only to be transferred to another department to deal with your particular request.

When you work with a broker, not only do you have an established relationship with the person who advised you on your policy, if you need to make a claim, you can hand the process over to them, leaving you free to run your business.

Lack of understanding a major risk

Michael White, Steadfast’s Broker Technical Manager, says the greatest risk of dealing with your insurance needs yourself is not understanding the product you’re buying. “Some policies, such as business interruption insurance, are quite complex,” he says.

“Liability policies can also be confusing. If you don’t fully understand what you’re buying, then what you end up with may not be the most appropriate product for you. But you won’t know that until it comes time to make a claim.”

He adds the advantages of using a broker come into their own when there is a high value claim.

“If someone’s business premises has been destroyed and they have a $300,000 claim, then it can be very time-consuming compiling all the information needed to complete the claim,” he says. “This is when you’re going to want someone who knows about insurance to be managing that process for you.”

Never used an insurance broker before? Talk to Steadfast today about all the benefits we can bring to your business.

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