
When it comes to securing the right insurance for your business, whether at renewal or for the first time, there are several key factors to consider and pitfalls to avoid. A well-prepared and thoughtful presentation of your business can make a significant difference in securing the best cover at the most competitive terms. Here’s how to present your business in the best light to insurers and ensure you get the cover you need.
The Importance of a Quality Insurance Presentation
First impressions matter, especially when dealing with insurance providers. If your business insurance presentation is poorly written, too brief, or lacks key details, it can reflect negatively on your business and may even impact whether an insurer is willing to offer you cover.
Take the time to work closely with your broker to thoroughly discuss your business. Be transparent about your operations, processes, and any areas of risk. More importantly, highlight the steps you’ve taken to mitigate those risks. A knowledgeable broker will be able to present your business in the best possible light, ensuring insurers have a clear, well-rounded understanding of your operations.
It’s also important to avoid simply handing over your existing insurance policies to a new broker and asking them to “beat the price.” This limits the broker’s ability to add value and prevent errors or omissions from being replicated in your new insurance program. Instead, a fresh approach, with careful consideration of your unique risks and needs, can lead to more tailored and effective cover.
Choosing the Right Insurance Broker
Not all insurance brokers are created equal, and professional qualifications are an important factor to consider when selecting a broker for your business. While formal qualifications are not mandatory in the insurance industry, membership in professional organizations like the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) demonstrates a broker’s commitment to high standards.
When assessing a broker’s suitability for your business, consider the following:
- Does the individual hold CII qualifications?
- Does the firm hold CII Corporate Chartered Status?
- Does the broker have relevant experience within your industry?
Experience in your specific sector is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from other clients in your field. A broker who understands your industry’s nuances is far better equipped to secure the best terms for your insurance.
Avoid “Flooding the Market”
Approaching multiple brokers may seem like a good strategy to cover all your bases and find the best terms. However, brokers often work with the same insurers. If several brokers approach the same insurers, this is known as “flooding the market.”
This tactic can backfire. Insurers may become frustrated when they receive the same presentation from multiple brokers, reducing their likelihood of providing a competitive quote. Instead, insurers may choose to focus their resources on clients they’re more likely to win, which can lead to less favorable offers for you.
Our advice is to work with a trusted broker who understands your business needs. If you do wish to engage with more than one broker, limit the number involved and carefully manage which insurers are being approached. This ensures a more focused and effective approach to securing the best possible terms.
Targeting the Right Insurers
A scattergun approach to finding the right insurer rarely yields the best results. Insurers maintain records of past quote requests, and if they’ve quoted for your business multiple times without success, they may be less inclined to provide a serious quote in the future.
This can be particularly problematic when an insurer’s appetite for risk changes. For example, after a few years of declining your business, an insurer may now be an ideal fit—but because of your past submissions, they may no longer be interested in quoting for you.
To avoid this, work closely with your broker to target only those insurers who are likely to have a genuine interest in your business at that time. This helps you secure more accurate and competitive quotations.
Get Expert Guidance for Your Business Insurance
Securing the right insurance cover for your business requires more than just comparing prices. A clear, detailed presentation and selecting the right broker and insurers are essential steps to ensure you get the protection you need.
For more tips on presenting your business to the insurance market or to discuss your specific needs, contact Champion Insurance Group today at 03330 430 430. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the insurance landscape and secure the best possible cover for your business.