Business Owner's Desk
Plain-language insurance guidance
Practical answer
Broker versus insurer: who does what?
The broker advises and arranges; the insurer accepts and carries the risk.
The short answer
A broker commonly helps identify exposures, approach markets, compare terms, arrange documentation, and support claims. The insurer decides what it will cover, issues the policy, collects premium, and determines claims under the contract.
What to do now
- 01Agree the broker's scope, fees or commission, service standards, and renewal timetable.
- 02Ask who has authority to bind cover and obtain written insurer confirmation.
- 03Direct material facts and change notifications through traceable written channels.
- 04For claims, clarify who will notify, collect documents, meet the adjuster, and challenge calculations.