Switching broker · Hard market · 2026

Your insurer won't renew you — where to turn

Being non-renewed is unsettling, but it usually says more about the market than about you. A specialist broker can normally re-place the cover.

Part of: When to switch business insurance broker

In short

Insurers withdraw from whole trades, tighten their appetite, or non-renew individual risks — frequently for reasons unrelated to your own record. It rarely means you're uninsurable. A broker who knows which markets are still writing your class can re-place the cover, sometimes through a specialist insurer or Lloyd's. The key is to act early — don't leave it to the final week before your policy ends.

Why insurers non-renew

They're exiting your class or pulling back in a hardening market.
Their appetite has changed and your trade no longer fits it.
A claims trend across your sector — not necessarily your own claims.
You've grown beyond the size or risk profile they write.
A one-off underwriting decision that another insurer won't share.

What to do now

Start early — give a broker weeks, not days, to work the market.
Pull together your claims history and current renewal terms.
Use a broker with access to specialist and Lloyd's markets, not just the mainstream.
Whatever happens, don't let your cover lapse — a gap can be worse than a higher premium.

An insurer's "no" is one insurer's view. The right broker knows who's saying yes.

Frequently asked

Does being non-renewed mean I can't get insured?

No. It usually reflects one insurer's appetite. Other insurers, often specialist ones, may write your risk happily, which is what a broker is for.

Will I have to pay much more?

Not always. Sometimes another insurer prices it similarly. A broker markets the risk to find the best available terms rather than accepting the first number.

Can a broker access insurers I can't approach directly?

Yes. Specialist insurers, managing general agents and Lloyd's syndicates are generally reached through brokers, not the public.

What if my policy runs out before I find cover?

Tell a broker immediately. Avoiding a gap is the priority; they can often arrange cover quickly or hold interim terms while finalising.

Been non-renewed? Don't wait.

Send us your renewal and claims history and a named Apex broker will work the specialist market to re-place your cover before it lapses.

Get re-placed → Request a callback

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