In today’s challenging economy, businesses need every competitive advantage possible not only to thrive, but also to survive.
That’s why partnering with the right insurance brokerage firm can and will make a difference. The age of choosing an insurance agent or broker because he or she is your relative or friend, or because he or she invites you to a big lunch every month, are gone.
“The right choice of insurance brokerage firm will result in a major cost savings and important balance sheet protection,” says Jerry G. Kysela, resident managing director of Aon Risk Services, Inc. “The wrong choice can lead to over-payments on your current insurance spend and, even worse, major gaps in insurance coverage, which may lead to significant financial losses.”
Smart Business spoke with Kysela about insurance and how to find the broker that’s right for you and your business.
How should you decide what type of insurance broker is right for your individual needs?
First, let me note that competing insurance brokerage firms in what is a limited insurer marketplace generally does not produce results. Market competitions generally lead to several insurer declinations, resulting in less options for the client, not more. The key to selecting a broker is to craft a plan that includes a program audit process, an interview process and/or a request for proposal.
A program audit or review process could involve one particular program (property, casualty, management liability or benefits), or it could include all of them. This will require a significant investment in time and may include an up-front fee by a third-party insurance broker. Commitments may need to be made to move the program to the third-party broker, dependent upon what is uncovered in the audit process. Make sure the scope of the review is fully understood, including deliverables. The broker should have clients of similar size and industry class, as well as a robust benchmarking capability internal to the firm in order to provide a credible review.
The interview process is generally a less formal process involving a request to meet with the management and proposed account service team of an insurance broker(s). This by nature would be based more on the capabilities of the insurance brokerage firm.
A request for proposal is a formalized process where a set of questions is developed and a formal written response is crafted. This may include elements of an audit and/or interview process. You need to refine the process to only the insurance brokerage firms that have the capabilities to represent a company in your industry.
If you are pursuing this process because of service concerns or turnover involving your current insurance broker, that broker should not be included in the process. The decision to leave the incumbent should be made up front if there are service issues. Limit the field based upon what you know now. You are not doing the local or regional agency any favors by including it in your process if it has little or no real opportunity to win your business.
What should a business look for in an insurance brokerage firm?
There are major differences from one insurance brokerage firm to another. First and foremost, financial condition is important. An insurance firm that is thriving will continue to be able to invest in professionals and resources, which drive value to clients. Conversely, some large brokers have had extensive and ongoing restructuring and reductions in force, which has led to continual disruptions in client service.
You’ll want to ask about the brokers’ commitment to transparency and have them include a copy of their transparency policy. Also, does the brokerage firm have industry and product practice groups? Note, one or two individuals in a single office does not constitute an industry practice.
Also, find out about the firm’s international capabilities. Many middle market companies have global operations or have established operations in China. An owned network of offices means the broker has made the commitment to serving the global needs of its clients. Be concerned if the insurance brokerage firm is working through an affiliated network, as it will not be able to control service guidelines and results.
It’s a good idea to get client references from similar-sized organizations. Ask for an overview of the value the insurance brokerage firm has driven into its organization. Also, what is the benchmarking capability of the insurance firm? Does it include cost issues, limits, retention levels, etc.? Is it internal to the firm, which is preferred?
Insurance market leverage is equally important. What is the premium volume the insurance firm brokers into the insurance market? A low relative volume will clearly impact the insurance firm’s ability to negotiate the best program and lowest cost.
Other questions you should ask are: Especially given the past year, what is the firms process for keeping you up to speed on insurer solvency? What has the firms experience been in reducing total cost of risk for its clients? What risk management information systems do they offer?
How can you build a strong relationship with your insurance broker?
Your insurance brokerage firm truly needs to have a partnership with you, similar to an insider relationship. Include your broker in meetings to help him or her to understand your short and long-term goals and corporate strategy. A great insurance program must not only be appropriate today, but also must have an eye on the future. Your broker should have some access to and a relationship with the senior most levels of your firm, perhaps via an annual stewardship report and meeting.
A positive relationship between a client and an insurance broker will always drive great value. Chemistry is important to communication. A mutually beneficial professional relationship between the client and the insurance brokerage firm will deliver great results both today and in the future.
Jerry G. Kysela is the resident managing director of Aon Risk Services, Inc. Reach him at [email protected] or (216) 623-4150.
