There was once a time when getting a quote for public liability insurance meant having to make an appointment with a local insurance broker.
Thankfully those days are well behind us!
Today there are many different ways to get quotes for public liability insurance in mere minutes, or even seconds if you can click fast enough.
There are still options though, with various ways to obtain a quote depending on your needs.
In this guide we’ll look at some of the different options as well as the pros and cons.
If you just want a quote, simply click here – online public liability quote.
Direct Insurers
The direct insurance companies are all pretty good these days with their online offerings.
When we say ‘direct insurers’ we’re talking about the types of names you’d see advertised on the TV. Think names like NRMA, AAMI, Suncorp etc.
They provide the insurance, as well as marketing it and providing all ongoing service.
Most of these insurance companies can provide small business owners with an instant quote for public liability insurance.
Pros:
- You know who you’re dealing with.
- Mostly big dependable brands.
Cons:
- Only show their own quotes, so you’ll still have to spend time shopping around.
- Their call centre support is not always suitable for small business owners, especially if your business is specialised or has more complex risks.
Insurance Brokers
Not all insurance brokers still operate in the dark ages, and some are now just as good as the big direct insurance companies when it comes to their online offerings.
By using an insurance broker with a good online system you can get the best of both worlds, with the ease of instant quotes and buying online, but with improved support from a specialist broker.
The level of online functionality can vary when using broker websites. For example some sites can just give a quote, and you still need to call or fill out paperwork to actually buy the insurance.
But some brokers, such as Trade Risk, have the ability for users to get quotes and buy their policy online, with the documents emailed instantly!
Pros:
- You’ll generally be dealing with more specialised staff.
- Can you also expect more personalised service.
- A broker will be there on your side at claim time. Not the insurer’s side…
Cons:
- May not offer 24/7 call centres like the big direct insurers.
- Online systems are not always as good as the direct insurers.
Comparison Websites
A growing player in the insurance market over the last decade is comparison websites.
You may have heard names like iSelect, Compare The Market, Finder.com.au etc.
These websites don’t all compare public liability insurance, but they are some of the major players in the comparison space.
Comparison websites are supposed to assist you with comparing a range of quotes from different insurance companies, then allowing you to go ahead with purchasing the policy.
One such site is BizCover. Their site typically compares quotes from three different insurance providers, allowing you to choose the one you prefer.
Pros:
- Compare multiple quotes from a single website.
- May have improved call centre hours compared with insurance brokers.
Cons:
- They don’t compare all insurers, so you still have more shopping around to do.
- You’re generally still dealing with a call centre rather than a dedicated insurance broker.
An Important Consideration
Something very important to look out for when you’re considering which type of service to use is how the company is dealing with you.
For example when you deal direct with an insurance company, they are obviously acting for themselves.
This means in the event of a claim, they will legally be doing everything in their own interest, not your interest.
When you deal with an insurance broker, they are the opposite. They are legally required to act in your best interests, and NOT the insurer’s interest.
This can make a big different at claim time or in the event of a dispute, as your broker’s job is to get the best outcome for you.
It can get more complicated with brokers though, especially when they have a system that enables online quotes and purchased.
In some cases they will be operating under a ‘binder’ agreement, which then means they ARE acting for the insurance provider, and not for you.
For most people none of this will matter, but it still may be worth looking into when comparing options.
With the comparison websites, generally they will always be acting for the insurer, and not for you.
This certainly doesn’t mean they don’t have your best interests at heart, but from a legal perspective, they are acting as an agent for the insurance provider and not for you.
Conclusion
As you can see there are a few different ways that you can obtain insurance quotes on public liability and other forms of business insurance.
Just like most things in business, there are plenty of pros and cons to each one, and the best option for you will depend on your own needs and preferences.
If you have a spare hour or so to spend on your public liability insurance (which you should, given how important it is) then why not try a bit of each?
It wouldn’t take a great deal of time to get a few quotes from the direct insurers, a broker or two, and a comparison website.
Then you’ll get a feel for the difference in pricing, and perhaps most importantly, which of them you feel most comfortable dealing with.
Whichever way you go, remember that public liability insurance is absolutely vital to most small businesses, so make sure you get it right.
