Broker vs insurer · Switching
Will my insurer still cover me if I switch broker?
Reviewed by Apex Insurance Brokers · Published 15 July 2026
The most common broker-switch anxiety: does the insurer stop covering me? No — the policy stays with the insurer. The broker is the intermediary, not the underwriter.
How broker and insurer relate
Your PI is issued by the insurer — not the broker.
The broker is your agent for arranging and servicing the placement.
You can switch broker without switching insurer.
You can switch insurer without switching broker.
Both can be switched at once, but rarely necessary.
What the insurer needs to know
- Broker of Record change — formal notification.
- Any material change in your firm's information.
- Any new claims or circumstances arising since last update.
- Continued fair-presentation duty applies.
- Renewal timing and any changes in structure.
What the insurer typically doesn't care about
- Why you switched broker.
- Which broker you moved to.
- Whether your previous broker approves.
- The commission arrangements between broker and firm.
Insurer response scenarios
- Standard case: insurer acknowledges Broker of Record change; policy continues unchanged.
- Renewal case: new broker approaches insurer at renewal; standard process.
- Difficulty case: insurer may ask about the change; usually curiosity, not obstacle.
- Refusal case: very rare. Would only occur if insurer suspected the change hides something material.
What if the new broker doesn't have a relationship with your insurer
Not uncommon — specialist brokers may not have every insurer.
Two paths: work with the existing insurer through direct contact, or move to a new insurer at renewal.
Continuity of retroactive date matters more than continuity of insurer.
Broker-insurer relationship building is standard and takes time.
Practical steps at broker switch
- Notify the current broker of the change (revoke their TOBA).
- Sign new TOBA with new broker.
- New broker issues Broker of Record letter to insurer.
- Insurer acknowledges — usually within 5-15 working days.
- Continuous cover confirmed.
Frequently asked
Does the insurer decide whether to accept the new broker?
Almost never. Broker of Record change is standard practice; insurers accept as routine.
Does the new broker need the insurer's approval?
The insurer must accept the new broker as the intermediary. Standard practice, not requiring approval.
What if the insurer refuses to work with my new broker?
Vanishingly rare. Would signal a specific issue with the new broker rather than with you.
Do I need to switch insurer when switching broker?
No. Broker and insurer are separate relationships.
What happens to my policy if my new broker becomes insolvent?
Policy stays in force. Insurer would handle claims directly or through the FCA's procedures.
Does the FCA regulate broker-of-record changes?
Yes — standard framework via FCA rules. Nothing unusual for the broker switch itself.
Related
- How to switch PI broker without disruption
- Directly authorised vs Appointed Representative
- Insurance broker's own PI MIPRU 3
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 724952. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570.