Is AIS the same as an agent?

No! There is a very big difference. The agent acts on behalf of one or more insurance companies and can only sell what they have to offer. On the other hand, we act on behalf of you, the client. We are legally obliged to act in your best interest. We are not tied to any specific insurer and therefore free to arrange the best deal for you.

How is AIS paid?

A commission is paid by the insurance company with which we place your insurance. Therefore the cost to you the client is zero! If we undertake additional work for you on a consultancy basis, then it is possible that a fee will be charged. This will always be negotiated in advance. By law any additional charge by a Broker must be fully disclosed to the client.

Why should I use AIS?

Our job is to help you to deal with the complex questions which insurance raises. We provide convenience, choice and expertise. Convenience, because we can normally handle all the insurance policies you need. Choice because we deal with a range of insurers and will suggest the contract which best fits your particular circumstances. Expertise, because we spend our working lives learning about insurance; we know far more about it than you have the inclination or time to learn.

How can I be sure I'm not going to be sold a policy just because it pays high commission?

It's certainly not in our interest to do that. In this profession reputation is everything! We want to keep you as a client for the long haul, and won't if you are sold an unsuitable policy for the sake of a higher commission. If you're really worried about this, you can ask us to explain several different policies options to you.

Surely, though, it's cheaper to go direct to an insurance company.

Insurers have to pay for administration, either through commission to an insurance broker or by employing staff themselves, while some direct writers incur heavy costs on expensive advertising. So you won't find it any cheaper to go direct to an insurer. In fact, you are likely to get better value by dealing through AIS, since we are able to ensure that you get the cover that is right for you at a competitive price. Additionally, the high volume of business we place with Insurers gives us an increased buying power advantage not available to a client who deals direct with an Insurer.

I judge my insurance policies by cost. Is that right?

No, because you may not be comparing like with like. Covers can vary - Insurers can vary as well, in how strict they are in interpreting the terms of the policy, and how quickly they settle claims. All these things are changing from day to day. It's our job to know which insurer is likely to meet your needs best - as well as to consider the cost. The three factors to consider in selecting an insurance policy are security, cover and cost - in that order.

So if we go to AIS we'll get a wide choice of insurers, the advice of professionals whose job it is to know the market and a company on OUR side who understands insurance?

Correct !!