Why Use an Insurance Broker

Choosing to work with a professional insurance broker can make a real difference to your business. From personalised advice and expert knowledge, to hands-on-claims support and ongoing policy reviews, brokers help ensure your cover actually protects what matters – without the stress and guesswork.

 

Read on below to discover the key benefits of partnering with a broker.

Small business owners tend to be born optimists – passionate, resilient, and driven. But let’s be honest, running a business in Australia comes with its fair share of challenges. From rising costs and shifting regulations to workplace risks and cyber threats, every day brings something new to manage. That’s why having an insurance broker in your corner can be a great asset. A good broker does more than just find you a policy. They help you understand your risks, protect your operations, and step in when you need support the most.

What Exactly Does an Insurance Broker Do?

An insurance broker takes the time to understand your business, its risks, and your goals, then finds insurance cover that suits your needs and budget. They're experienced in comparing policies across multiple insurers, and can explain differences in cover in plain English.

 

Whether you're a tradie, retailer, consultant, manufacturer or something in between, a broker ensures your cover actually matches your risks, and avoids the common traps that lead to denied claims or unexpected gaps.

Remember, an insurance broker doesn't work for the insurance companies; they work for you and have a vested interest in the ongoing success of your business.

The Key Benefits of Using an Insurance Broker

Expert Advice

Understand exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Brokers offer a higher-quality service, foster personal relationships, and are not aligned to any insurer.

Saves You Time

No more spending hours comparing confusing quotes and dealing with the fine print. Brokers save each client an average of 11 hours per year.

Works For You

Your broker works for you, not the insurance company. They advocate for your interests.

Claims Support

Someone to fight for you when things go wrong. Brokers save their clients an average of 2.5 hours during the claims process.

Avoid Mistakes

Get your business name, cover type, and inclusions right from day one, so you're properly protected when it matters.

Better Value

Brokers can access competitive policies you may not find yourself, often negotiating better premiums or conditions.

What a Broker Really Does - Before and After You Buy

Many people assume a broker’s role ends once the policy is placed, but that’s far from the truth. A professional broker supports your business through every stage of the insurance journey - from assessing your risks and setting up the right policy, to managing claims, staying compliant, and reviewing your cover each year.

The chart below highlights the full suite of pre-sales and post-sales services a broker provides - and what’s often missed when you go it alone.

Want More Proof?

For further insights into the value insurance brokers deliver, Deloitte Australia published a landmark research report in September 2020. It highlights how brokers benefit not only their clients, but also insurers, the economy, and broader society.

We’ve pulled together the key findings into a quick-read infographic.

Using an Insurance Broker vs. Going Direct

Insurance broker providing expert advice

Beyond the Policy - Long-Term Business Value

Price-conscious owners often assume it’s cheaper to go direct to an insurer. But that’s not always the case, especially when you consider the ongoing service and risk advice that brokers provide at no extra cost.

Specialised brokers (like our team at Midland) can also assist with:

These aren’t just extras - they’re part of the value a broker brings. Over time, that ongoing relationship helps keep your business protected and prepared.

0 %

of SMEs agree the claims process would be "much harder" without the support of a broker.

Your Business Is Unique. Your Insurance Should Be Too.

No two businesses are the same, which means your insurance shouldn’t be either. A good broker takes the time to understand your operations, goals, and risks - not just to place a policy, but to provide ongoing support as your business evolves.

Investing in the right broker relationship can bring long-term value. When your broker understands how you operate and where you're headed, they can consistently deliver the most suitable and cost-effective cover to match.

Insurance broker benefits and support

Contact Us

If you’d like personalised advice or simply want to review your current insurance setup, our team is here to help.

At Midland Insurance Brokers, we work with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of industries. Get in touch today to speak with an experienced broker who understands your risks and can help you find the right cover, without the jargon or guesswork.

You can get in touch with us via our website form, by emailing us at contact@midlandinsurance.com.au, or by giving us a call on 1300 306 571.

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Gary Perera

Senior Insurance Broker

With 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Gary is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland with extensive knowledge across a wide range of business sectors. He specialises in insurance for breweries, distilleries, cafés, restaurants, and manufacturing businesses, bringing a depth of practical insight to every client engagement.

Known for his thorough and considered approach, Gary takes the time to understand how each business operates before delivering clear, tailored insurance solutions. A committed professional, he has completed numerous industry qualifications and is a proud member of ANZIIF, maintaining his expertise through ongoing education and regular engagement with industry developments.

Outside of work, Gary is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys running, football, and cricket. He remains driven by a simple principle: continuous improvement and delivering the highest standard of advice to his clients.

Angus Matheson

Angus Matheson

Senior Insurance Broker

With more than 21 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Angus is a Senior Insurance Broker specialising in Road Freight Transport insurance. He is recognised for his deep understanding of the transport sector and his ability to deliver tailored risk solutions that address the operational and commercial challenges faced by transport businesses.

Angus takes an empathetic, client-first approach, investing the time to understand each business, its priorities, and its risk profile before providing advice. A committed professional, he holds accreditations with NIBA, ANZIIF, CIP, and QPIB, and remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing education and professional involvement. His focus is on delivering reliable protection that supports business continuity and long-term confidence.

Sarah Grose

Sarah Grose

Senior Insurance Broker

With more than 17 years’ experience in the insurance industry -including 16 years with Midland - Sarah brings deep expertise and a genuine commitment to helping clients protect what matters most. Having held a range of roles across the business, including management positions, she has a well-rounded understanding of both client needs and the broader insurance landscape.

Sarah specialises in small to medium-sized business insurance, with particular expertise in the film and television sector, self-storage, and, more recently, breweries and distilleries. Her approach is focused on making insurance clear, practical, and tailored to each client’s circumstances. Known for her approachable and solution-focused style, Sarah builds long-term relationships grounded in trust, reliability, and understanding.

She holds a Diploma of Insurance Broking and remains actively engaged in ongoing professional development to ensure her advice stays current and relevant.

Andrew Woff

Andrew Woff

Senior Insurance Broker

With close to 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Andrew is a Senior Insurance Broker at Midland specialising in heavy vehicle and equipment insurance, as well as cover for breweries and distilleries. He is particularly well regarded for his ability to secure tailored, cost-effective solutions for assets involving motors, wheels, or tracks, alongside his strong understanding of the risks unique to alcohol production businesses.

Andrew works with a wide range of clients, from sole traders through to large-scale operations, and is known for his clear communication, flexible approach, and commitment to personalised service. A QPIB-accredited broker and member of NIBA, he maintains high professional standards and remains focused on delivering practical, well-considered advice.

Outside the office, Andrew is a proud father of three and an active community volunteer. His interests in music, electronics, mechanics, and brewing reflect the same curiosity and hands-on mindset he brings to his professional work.

Scott McMurtrie

Scott McMurtrie

Senior Insurance Broker

Scott is a Senior Insurance Broker with over 12 years’ experience supporting Australian small and medium-sized businesses. He specialises in tailored insurance solutions across the Film & Entertainment, Transport, and Manufacturing sectors, delivering advice that reflects each client’s specific risks and operations.

With a strong focus on understanding how businesses work in practice, Scott provides clear, relevant cover recommendations backed by ongoing professional development and industry engagement.

Outside the office, he enjoys AFL, soccer, and music, and values building long-term client relationships founded on trust and reliability.

Beau Runnalls

Beau Runnalls

Senior Insurance Broker

Beau is a senior insurance broker at Midland with seven years of industry experience supporting businesses across Australia. He works across a broad range of sectors, with particular expertise in earthmoving, heavy equipment, trades, and the winery industry.

Known for his attention to detail and measured approach, Beau focuses on delivering insurance solutions that are clear, practical, and free from unnecessary complexity. He remains actively engaged in professional development, ensuring his advice reflects current industry standards and best practice.

Beau places strong value on collaboration and long-term client relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and football, reflecting his team-oriented mindset and active approach both professionally and personally.

Alex Petkovic

Alex Petkovic

Senior Insurance Broker  |  Development & Service

With 27 years of experience in the insurance industry, Alex is a senior broker at Midland, recognised for his depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and straightforward approach. While he works across a broad range of businesses, he has a particular focus on clients in the construction and building sectors.

Committed to keeping insurance clear and practical, Alex places a strong emphasis on honesty and client-first advice. He remains actively engaged with industry developments through ongoing professional development and research, and is also a natural mentor, regularly supporting and guiding emerging brokers within the team.

Joshua-Kerr

Joshua Kerr

National Sales Manager

Joshua is Midland’s National Sales Manager, with more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry. His expertise spans a wide range of insurance solutions, with particular depth in the winery and brewery sectors.

Taking a considered, people-focused approach, Joshua works closely with clients to understand how their businesses operate and the risks they face, allowing him to deliver insurance solutions that are both practical and relevant. He is known for his ability to make complex insurance concepts clear and approachable.

Outside of work, Joshua has a strong connection to community, having spent several years coaching junior basketball and serving as Vice President of a children’s basketball club. Staying closely attuned to industry developments, he is committed to helping clients make informed insurance decisions that support their long-term success.

Justin-Lane

Justin Lane

Director

Justin is a Director at Midland and has been part of the business since 2003. With more than two decades of experience, he works closely with small businesses across Australia, helping them secure insurance solutions that genuinely reflect the way they operate.

Known for his practical, solution-focused approach, Justin places strong emphasis on clarity, reliability, and long-term client relationships. His depth of industry knowledge and consistent, hands-on service have seen him become a trusted adviser to many business owners over time.

Damien Lane

Director

Since 2001, Damien has been central to Midland’s evolution, bringing more than two decades of industry experience and a strong commitment to client-focused service. His expertise spans a wide range of sectors, with recognised depth in the brewery and distillery space.

Working with independent brewers across Australia, Damien helps clients navigate complex operational risks with practical, grounded advice. He is known for his industry knowledge, clear communication, and ability to build enduring client relationships.

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