Whether you are protecting a business, safeguarding personal assets or managing complex risks as a high-net-worth individual, choosing the right insurance partner is essential. The insurance market contains hundreds of products, inconsistent pricing and varying levels of protection. Working directly with one insurer limits your options. Appointing a broker gives you expertise, market reach and ongoing support that significantly improves your outcomes. net worth individual, choosing the right insurance partner is essential. The insurance market contains hundreds of products, inconsistent pricing and varying levels of protection. Working directly with one insurer limits your options. Appointing a broker gives you expertise, market reach and ongoing support that significantly improves your outcomes.
To show the difference at a glance, here is a quick comparison of what clients receive with a broker versus going direct.
Broker vs Direct: What You Really Get
| Stage | With a Broker | Going Direct |
| Finding the Right Cover | Access to multiple insurers and tailored advice | Limited to one insurer’s products |
| Pricing | Negotiated premiums and market competition | Standard pricing with no negotiation |
| Claims | Full support and advocacy for faster, fairer outcomes | Handle claims alone, higher chance of disputes |
| Ongoing Support | Administration, updates and renewals managed for you | All admin and follow-up sits with you |
Why appoint a broker instead of going direct?
At Sovereign Insurance Services, we work exclusively for our clients. Our team of five brokers compares the market, negotiates terms and structures cover for both businesses and individuals. Direct insurers can only offer their own products, but our advice is impartial and designed to secure the most suitable protection at the most competitive price.
We also provide full support throughout the year, including onboarding, changes to cover, renewals and complete claims handling. This means your protection stays aligned with your needs and you avoid the administrative burden.
The measurable benefit for businesses and individuals
Independent research shows clear advantages for anyone using a broker.
Businesses and private clients consistently achieve better pricing. Deloitte found that one in three clients paid more before switching to a broker, and other studies show annual savings of around £1,200 when cover is brokered. In practical examples, property portfolios arranged through brokers delivered annual savings of more than £1,000.
The time savings are equally significant. Deloitte’s analysis found that brokers reduce the time spent arranging insurance by around 11 hours, with claims assistance saving a further 2.5 hours per claim. In more detailed case reviews, annual administration for complex arrangements dropped from 40 hours to as little as 5.
The difference is most visible during claims. Broker supported clients achieve an 87% first time acceptance rate, compared with 62% for direct customers. Payouts tend to be around 35% higher and settlements are reached roughly 40% faster. With a broker, you have someone advocating on your behalf, ensuring you receive the full benefit of your policy. supported clients achieve an 87 per cent first time acceptance rate, compared with 62 per cent for direct customers. Payouts tend to be around 35 per cent higher and settlements are reached roughly 40 per cent faster. With a broker, you have someone advocating on your behalf, ensuring you receive the full benefit of your policy.
Brokers also help protect against underinsurance. Industry reports show that around 40% of clients were underinsured or uninsured before working with a broker, with more than 60% unaware of gaps in their cover. Brokers conduct detailed reviews for both businesses and individuals, ensuring cover reflects real exposures, whether operational, personal or related to high-value assets. value assets.
Finally, a broker opens the door to the wider insurance market. Most brokers work with multiple insurers, giving clients access to specialist products and more competitive pricing. Direct buyers have no such advantage and are far more likely to experience challenges during the claims process.
What Sovereign does for you
We conduct a full market review and negotiate directly with insurers to secure the right protection at the right price. Our recommendations are clear and written in straightforward language, ensuring you understand your options.
Once your cover is placed, we take care of ongoing administration, mid term adjustments, renewals and full claims support. This level of service benefits businesses with complex exposures as well as individuals with significant personal assets.
