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Often much over-looked when considering the purchase of insurance is the service aspect that will accompany the actual policy, after all none of us intend to make a claim so we’ll not have to worry about making use of its features and benefits, will we?
It never ceases to amaze me at the ever increasing numbers of new customers that make contact with us almost pleading to end the misery of having to navigate through ever more complicated methods of communication with their insurance provider.
More often than not these are the larger “faceless” corporations or e-commerce providers that seem to have perfected the art of being evasive!
I realise that in many instances insurance is a price sensitive purchase, however remember than no two policies are the same and that you will receive differing levels of service depending upon the price you pay.
The only way to establish the real value of your insurance policy is when you come to make a claim, at which point it may already be too late.
Am I saying you should expect to pay double just to get the right policy? Absolutely not, we wouldn’t have been in business for over 35-years had we not remained competitive.
If you truly want value for money, contact an independent broker, one like Ashbourne, only then can you guarantee a thorough search of all available insurance markets and guess what? If you need help and assistance, prior, during or even after the life of the policy, we will answer your calls personally or invite you to come visit our office to discuss face to face.
In addition because we offer a full range of products; business, home, motor and travel we provide you with a “one-stop-shop”.
Totally endorse what the guys at Ashbourne are espousing. At Sparta we are enthusiastically supporting brokers to the buying public. Our recent youtube videos focus exclusively on why buying from a broker is a ‘no brainer’.
Here’s an extract:-
10 Reasons Why You Should Use an Insurance Broker
Buying insurance direct is easy. Buying the right insurance, however, can be very difficult indeed and getting it wrong often proves costly.
Why it pays to use a broker.
1. Expertise
You can approach your broker with all of your insurance queries. Brokers will work with you to understand the type of lifestyle you lead and have experience in arranging insurance to meet the individual needs that you and your family may have.
2. Personal service
Your broker will become a dedicated Client Manager and create a bespoke policy based on an in-depth telephone interview and, in some cases, a visit to the risk address.
3. Simplicity
Insurance brokers set out to create a holistic approach for their clients. This often means creating a single, portfolio policy that incorporates home, travel and motor insurance with one renewal date.
4. Searching the market
A broker will take the onus off of you and will search the market on your behalf for the most appropriate insurance cover for you and your assets. The broker will collate a number of options and will explain the cover type and small print of each option to help you choose cover which meets your insurance needs.
5. Access to specialist underwriters
Brokers have access to specialist underwriters and syndicates which often aren’t accessible to the general public. If you have a specialist collection of art or jewellery then it is crucial that you have cover from an underwriter who understands the intricacies of the collection.
6. Helping you through the small print
Insurance documents are complicated and it is easy to overlook the small print. A broker is an insurance specialist; alerting clients to vital details such as exclusions, and policy excesses is what they do.
7. Accurate valuations
According to the ABI’s guide ‘Is your Home Underinsured’, research shows that one in five British households do not have a sufficient cover. It’s a worrying statistic that proves just how difficult it can be to accurately assess the true value of your home and its contents. A broker will help you avoid the most common pitfalls.
8. Re-broking
Many people simply tick the boxes when it comes to renewing their policy each year, but changes such as building works, acquisitions or dispositions may well affect the value of the risk. If you have gone through a broker, then your Client Manager will carry out a re-broking exercise before renewing the policy, asking questions about possible changes to your circumstances to ensure that the valuations are still accurate and you have the relevant level of cover.
9. Help with making a claim
Making a claim can be a stressful business. If you’ve gone through a broker, then you have someone working on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
In the event of a loss, you will also be asked to produce inventories and paperwork proving the value of what you are claiming against. A broker would not only have helped you ensure that this paperwork existed and was up to date before the loss but can also keep electronic copies if you wish.
10. Part of your team
A broker will work as part of your existing team in a similar way as your Land Agent or Accountant does. If you use a broker then they will be happy to work directly with you or a professional intermediary.
Making sure that you have the right type and level of insurance is crucial to ensure that you and your family have the protection you require. Finding the right insurance can be time consuming and confusing but by working with a broker you can rely on them to help you ensure that you are adequately protected.
It’s all about trust. Trust Ashbournes, they care until it hurts and put the needs of their customers above all else.
Steve Bennett
CEO – Sparta Group
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