Here's an honest article from a broker: not everyone needs an intermediary, and not in every situation. Taking out cover online is a great tool – but in certain situations, human judgement saves money, time and disputes. The dividing line can be drawn – here it is.
- The online route is strong when the situation is simple and typical: one car, one driver, clear use, no extras.
- A broker earns their value where there's complexity: financing, mixed ownership roles, extras, unusual use – and at claim time, if a dispute arises.
- The two aren't enemies: good division of labour means the machine calculates, the person weighs it up.
When taking out cover online can be enough
In a typical, simple situation – an average car, an experienced driver, a garage, no extras and no financing – online calculators give a good result, quickly. Even here, the risk isn't in the channel but in the input: a badly chosen deductible, or an extra cover skipped out of habit, is just as much a mistake online as it is on paper – the article on signing mistakes is aimed at online buyers too.
When a broker adds real value
Five situations where human judgement pays off: 1) Financing – requirements, the assignment clause, continuity. 2) Mixed ownership roles – family, company. 3) Extras, modifications, unusual use. 4) An older or unusual car – where the depreciation rule decides. 5) And most importantly: a stalled or disputed claim – where help is what's at stake. Plus the ongoing layer: a review if warranted or on request, so the policy doesn't fall out of date.
What does it cost – and how do the two fit together?
I don't charge the client a fee for advice – the intermediary's remuneration is paid by the insurer; that's how the market normally works, and we talk about it openly. The division of labour is a peaceful one: feel free to get a quote online – I step in where the judgement starts: setting the structure, comparing offers by content, and helping you with your case. The decision is yours at every point.
Not sure whether you need a broker? This conversation is free too – book a free 20-minute consultation →
