Switching broker · Continuity · 2026

Your broker has retired or the firm has closed — what happens to your policy?

It's more common than you'd think, especially with smaller firms. The good news: your insurance doesn't go anywhere. The job is making sure someone's still looking after it.

Part of: When to switch business insurance broker

In short

If your broker has retired, sold up, or simply closed the doors, your policies remain in force — they're contracts with the insurer, not the broker. What you lose is the person who knew your business and handled renewals, changes and claims. Sometimes the book is passed to another firm; sometimes you hear nothing until a renewal turns up from a stranger, or worse, doesn't turn up at all. Appoint a broker of your own choosing before renewal, get your policy documents and claims history, and you're back in control.

What to do straight away

Confirm your policies are still in force — the insurer's name and policy numbers are on your schedule.
Find out who, if anyone, has been given your account. You're not obliged to stay with them.
Ask for your full documents: schedules, wordings, and claims history for the last five years.
Diarise every renewal date so nothing lapses in the gap.

Choosing where to go next

You can appoint any broker you like — the insurer will accept a change of agent.
A specialist in your sector will often improve on cover that was set up years ago and rolled over since.
Use the change as a full review: limits, sums insured and activities may not have been looked at properly for some time.
Get the new broker in place before renewal, so the handover and the re-marketing happen together.

The risk isn't the policy vanishing. It's a renewal quietly lapsing because nobody was watching it.

Frequently asked

Is my policy still valid if my broker has closed?

Yes. Your policy is a contract with the insurer and stays in force regardless of what happens to the broker.

Do I have to use the firm my old broker passed my account to?

No. You can appoint any broker you choose. A transfer of your account to another firm doesn't bind you.

What if renewal comes and no one contacts me?

Contact the insurer directly using the details on your schedule, or appoint a new broker who will handle it. Don't let the policy lapse while you wait.

How do I get my old policy documents?

Ask the insurer for copies if the broker's records aren't available. A new broker can request them on your behalf.

Broker retired? Put your cover in safe hands.

Send us your schedule and renewal dates and a named Apex broker will take over the account — and review it properly while we're at it.

Take over my cover → Request a callback

Apex Insurance Brokers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 724952). This page is general information, not advice.