Do You Get More on a Claim with a Broker?

Why Having a Broker Can Mean a Higher Claim Payout Than Going Direct

When it comes to insurance, most people focus on the premium — but the real value of your policy is tested at claim time.

And here’s something most people don’t realise:

Policyholders with a broker often receive a higher percentage of their claim paid out than those using direct insurers.

Why? It’s not just about the product — it’s about having someone on your side who knows how the claims process works and how to advocate for the best result.

Here’s how it works:

Brokers Help You Get Paid What You’re Entitled To

Industry data shows that individuals or businesses working with a broker are more likely to:

• Have their claim paid in full (or close to full)

• Avoid unnecessary disputes, exclusions, or short payments

• Receive faster resolutions with fewer headaches

In fact, according to some industry insights from ANZIIF and Insurance Council of Australia:

Claim fulfilment rates are consistently higher (by 10–15%) when a broker is involved, especially during larger or more complex claims like property damage, business interruption, or liability.

Why Are Broker Claims Paid More Often?

1. We Help Lodge the Claim Correctly

As brokers, we prepare, review and guide you through the claims process. That means:

• Ensuring correct information is submitted

• Avoiding accidental inconsistencies that delay or lower payouts

• Backing your claim with the right documentation from day one

  
  

One small error in a direct claim (like wrong dates, incomplete descriptions, or missing photos) can lead to a reduced settlement or outright denial.

2. We Know the Policy (and the Insurer)

We work with policy wordings and claims every day. We speak the insurer’s language. We know:

• What your rights are

• What they are obliged to pay

• What can and cannot be excluded

Brokers challenge underpayments and question unjustified denials — something most direct customers may not feel equipped to do.

3. We Advocate For You

In a direct insurance claim, you're alone. With a broker, you're not. We represent your best interests — not the insurer’s — and we’re not afraid to escalate if:

• A claim is delayed

• A decision seems unfair

• The settlement offer doesn’t match the policy wording

In many cases, just the broker being involved prompts more responsive handling and fair outcomes — especially in mid to large claims.

Real-World Example

A business suffers storm damage, and both roof and electrical systems are affected.A direct claim client receives a partial payout due to "wear and tear" deductions.A brokered client with the same level of damage submits a claim with structured quotes, risk records, and escalation notes — and receives a full payout based on clean documentation and advocacy.

Same event. Same cover. Different result.

Summary: Why Brokers Deliver Better Claim Outcomes

Advantage	With Broker	Direct Insurer
Help lodging the claim	✅ Yes	❌ Often DIY
Maximise claim entitlement	✅ Yes	❌ You must self-review
Challenge short payments	✅ Yes	❌ You're on your own
Claims advocacy	✅ Broker works for you	❌ You deal with the insurer directly
Settlement time	Often faster	Can be slower or inconsistent

Final Thought

Insurance is complex. Claims are stressful. Direct insurers want to settle fast and minimise costs — but that works against you when you're not supported.

Having a broker doesn’t just save you time — it can literally mean more money in your pocket when it matters most.

Need help with a claim or want a second opinion on a payout you've received? We’re in your corner.