The role of broker in the claims process - Top 5 things to know

Have you suffered a loss and need to make an insurance claim? Be it personal or business related, the claims process is when a broker really proves their worth. The broker provides an integral service to ensure a smooth and successful outcome is achieved following an insured loss. In case of an unfortunate event you need to make a claim, you will realize the true value of working with an experienced broker.

The broker is a trusted partner ready to communicate with the client.

• When something goes awry, the broker is the client's point of contact. Having a personal relationship with clients means that you can feel comfortable calling your broker to fix your problem. Buying your insurance online or from a large, unknown entity means you do not have a dedicated point of contact. With a broker, you always know who to call, and its easy to speak to your broker to explain what caused the loss.

• The broker is an experienced professional who understands the ins and outs of the claims process. The broker truly takes care of everything for the client. Assisting with completing the forms and collating the necessary documents and information required to support your claim, the broker takes the complexity out and converts the process into simplicity, guiding the client in the right direction. The broker reads the fine print and the fully policy coverage. The claims is lodged with insurer on client's behalf, handling all communication so that the client can focus on running their business smoothly.

• The broker has a strong relationship with the insurer as they work daily with insurance companies. This enables broker to deal better with them and come to the resolution you deserve. Your broker ensures that the claims is presented to the insurer in a clear and legible way to assist in a speedy settlement. To do this broker ensures that the insurer has everything they need to say YES to the claim and in a timely manner

• When things are not as straightforward with a claim, the broker can negotiate on behalf of the client with the insurer to get maximum benefits they are entitled to under their policy. As the broker know the client's policy so well, they can handle the disputes or issues in an expert manner. The broker's knowledge and technical expertise is far superior to that of the claims staff who work in claims departments.

• After a major loss, the broker will make an onsite visit to assess the loss and can also accompany clients for meetings with Assessors and Loss Adjusters when required. A broker provides comprehensive risk management from the start of the relationship. The broker will assess and analyse the client's property or business in order to prevent the losses from occurring in the first place, advising ways of minimizing risks and helping the client to choose the best possible coverage for their needs. The broker will work hard to ensure that the correct cover is given to clients, so that when a loss does occur, they have the adequate cover to protect them financially.

The broker works hard to ensure that the outcome is as they would expect if it were their own loss. We focus on personal relationships in our organization, and when you partner with us, we get to know you as a client and work fully to understand your risks.