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We all know that insurance is important to protect a business from risk, especially in these uncertain times. But the idea of researching and comparing insurance options can seem daunting. This is why many business owners turn to brokers for help with insurance. But how to find an insurance broker for business? That is the question.
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But it’s not just about finding any insurance broker – it’s very important to find the right insurance broker for your business. Contrary to popular belief, not all insurance brokers are the same.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of quality insurance brokers. As of 2021, there were 881,500 insurance brokers and agencies in the US.
So while this is good news when it comes to commercial insurance brokers, browsing through so many options can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. And really, who has time for this? Besides, who even had to do this?
We have compiled this guide with ideas and tips to help you find an insurance broker for your business.
Let’s get down to business.
How to Find an Insurance Broker: Broker vs Agent
First of all, it is necessary to clarify the difference between insurance brokers and agents.
In the insurance industry, an agent represents one or more insurance companies and distributes the insurer’s products. Agents act as intermediaries and provide potential buyers with information from the insurance companies they represent.
A broker is an insurance expert who represents individuals and companies who wish to purchase insurance. Brokers work with clients to create the best insurance plan for their needs. And since the broker is not required to sell policies to any particular insurance company, they can choose between options to find the best coverage at the best price. Moreover, in some states, insurance brokers have fiduciary obligations to clients, which means that they are required by law to act only in the interests of their clients.
Main conclusion? Insurance agents represent insurance companies and insurance brokers represent insurance clients (aka you).
What Insurance Brokers Offer Business Owners
As a business owner, you already have enough to worry about if you have the right insurance to protect your business. That’s where the advantage of a commercial insurance broker is.
With an insurance broker, you get an expert advisor who understands the nuances of your business and the risks involved, ensuring there are no gaps in your insurance coverage. In essence, the broker becomes a strategic partner for your business.
Here is what the best insurance brokers offer to business owners:
impartial advice
Remember, an insurance broker works for you, not an insurance company. They focus on finding the best coverage that suits your business needs and, most importantly, provide unbiased advice. By working with someone who has your best interests in mind and not the interests of the insurance company, you can be sure of your broker’s intentions and direction.
Support Request
Sudden loss, damage or injury causes stress. Add to that gathering the necessary information for a claim, knowing who to contact, and understanding the claim process, and it can quickly become overwhelming. Luckily, an insurance broker can ease some of the stress of filing a claim. In addition to helping you file your claim, the broker must also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and work to resolve the matter quickly and efficiently.
Variety of options
You know the saying: “Variety makes life better?” This can even apply to insurance. Since brokers are not required to promote a particular insurance company’s products, they can select different insurers on your behalf. They may also frequently contact insurance companies that you, as a consumer, cannot contact directly.
Individual service
With insurance brokers, you are more than just a policy number. This is because brokers focus on building relationships and learning about the needs and preferences of their clients. This, in turn, means brokers can match you with policies that are right for you and your business. This personalized service can also mean that policies are tailored to your business. Best of all, a relationship with a reliable insurance broker who understands your business can give you the confidence that your business is protected.
Expert opinion
Exploring insurance options can be confusing and tedious. What do all legal terms mean? What kind of insurance does your business need? With a broker, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. The broker should be able to help you understand insurance requirements, legal terms, policy terms and exclusions. The experience of the broker is especially helpful when it comes to the fine print – they make sure that no detail is overlooked and no surprises arise in the future. And since the broker is working in your best interest, they should be available to answer questions and offer advice when needed.
Risk management support
Every business faces risk. Having the support to manage these risks is a vital asset for business owners. A good broker can help you improve your risk management policies and procedures to ensure your business is protected.
Working with insurers
You may be wondering, “What is insurtechs?”
Following in the footsteps of fintech, insurtech is a mixture of the words “insurance” and “technology”. Insurtechs are companies that use technology to innovate and improve the traditional insurance model. Using innovative tools such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, insurance companies like Embroker are improving business processes, efficiency and customer experience in the insurance industry.
Customers expect fast and efficient service in today’s rapidly changing world. And although at first it may seem that insurers pose a threat to insurance brokers, in reality everything is different. Because the goal of insurtech is not to replace brokers, but to create a more efficient way to deliver insurance products to the businesses that need them most.
Insurtechs offers brokers the opportunity to find more dynamic solutions for clients. With increased efficiency, brokers can use insurance technology to get quotes faster and lower costs for clients. In turn, insurance company innovation allows brokers to do what they do best: build relationships.
When brokers don’t have to spend countless hours filling out quote forms, they have more time to advise clients on their risks, provide personalized support, and grow their clientele. In fact, it’s a win-win for everything.
Questions to ask potential insurance brokers
Once you’ve found a potential insurance broker that meets all of your requirements, you’ll want to ask questions to make sure you’ve found a reliable and trustworthy partner to work with. Here are some examples of questions to ask potential brokers:
1. What types of businesses do you work with?
This is the most important question to ask any potential broker. You want to learn about their experience helping businesses like yours. For example, a broker who has mainly worked with large manufacturing companies will most likely not be suitable if you are an IT consultant (and vice versa).
2. What are your qualifications?
Feel free to ask the broker about their professional qualifications and ongoing training. Just keep in mind that a broker’s résumé alone will not give a complete picture of what it will be like to work with him.
3. What is your communication policy?
Everyone has their own preferences in communication methods. Whether you prefer face-to-face meetings or online business management, it is important to find a broker with a communications policy that suits your preferences. You’ll also want to know how quickly they respond to messages. After all, you want to make sure you are dealing with someone who will be available when you need them. Also, check if there is a point of contact outside business hours.
4. How do you help clients with complaints?
Nobody wants to sue, but if you need to, you want to know that your broker has your back. Ask any potential broker to clearly explain the claim process so that you don’t run into any surprises if you ever have to file a claim.
5. How can you help manage risk?
While a broker will most likely not study your business and conduct a detailed assessment of all areas of risk, it should help identify potential problem areas and provide insight into steps you can take to mitigate risk and liability.
6. Do you offer personalized rules?
Not every business conforms to a certain form. If your business has unique features that make it different from traditional business practices, you can take advantage of specific policies. A good broker will be willing to work with you to create an insurance plan that suits your needs and ensure you don’t pay for unnecessary coverage.
Bottom line
The right insurance broker can be the key to protecting your business from day-to-day risks. This professional support can be a huge competitive advantage in today’s volatile market.
While we’d be fooling ourselves if we said price doesn’t matter when buying insurance, brokers are more than just price buyers – they’re strategic partners who care about your business’ best interests. Think of it this way: good insurance brokers know they succeed when you succeed.
When it comes to how to find an insurance broker for your business, you’re not just looking for a good seller. Instead, you need someone you can build a relationship with and trust to support and advise your business.
At Embroker, we have experienced brokers to help you with any questions you may have about insuring your business. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, looking for commercial insurance for the first time, or exploring new options, our insurance experts have you covered. To learn more about protecting your business, you can view coverage options on our digital platform or contact one of our experienced brokers at any time.
Now that you know how to find an insurance broker for your business, is your current insurance solution enough? If not, changing your insurance company has never been easier. To learn how to do this, simply upload your policy to Embroker here. We will provide you with a free estimate, put you in touch with an insurance specialist and show you what business insurance really is.
Changing insurers is easy. Let us show you.
Upload your policy and let us begin the process.
Download your policy
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