The Unseen Thread: What a true broker-insurer partnership looks like

Remember that feeling when you found a partner who just got it? Not just understood the business, but truly saw your vision, shared your dedication, and was ready to roll up their sleeves and build alongside you, come what may? In a world that often feels like a rapid-fire series of fleeting interactions, finding that kind of commitment can seem like a nostalgic whisper from a bygone era.

We believe that feeling isn't a relic of the past; it's the very bedrock of success, especially in the world of short-term insurance. We’ve all seen the question posed: "Whatever happened to commitment? To being there. To showing up. To seeing things through. To staying, no matter what." For many, the cynical answer follows: "It became too hard; it costs too much."

But for us, that’s where the story truly begins. Because we fundamentally disagree. For us, showing up isn’t just good practice; it’s our bottom line. That’s why we are committed to paying out 100% of valid claims, being there when your client’s car breaks down or their business experiences interruptions. It’s the law we live by, and it’s a law that extends unequivocally to our valued broker partners.

The unwavering "Being There"

In a marketplace that constantly shifts, the need for a stable unwavering partner is paramount. We understand the daily complexities you navigate. Moreover, we recognise that a vast majority of consumers still prefer to build a relationship with a broker who understands their needs. They value regular face-to-face meetings and sound advice. These are the clients who value the personal touch and expert counsel you provide.

This is precisely why our commitment to "never not there" isn't a platitude; it's a tangible promise. Our broker consultants are ready to assist with complex cases, strategic advice, and we can provide dedicated quoting help through our quoting hub. This meticulous attention to operational excellence, supported by our committed back-office team, frees you from administrative burdens so you can focus on what you do best: nurturing those vital client relationships.

Cultivating shared growth

True partnership thrives when both parties are invested in each other’s growth, enabling you to not only serve your current client base but also diversify and grow. Our Broker Training Academy and Broker Toolkits empower you with the latest insights and resources across our full product range of Personal-, VAPs-, Commercial- and Specialist Liability lines, helping you adapt your approach for different age groups and product segments. Whether it’s tailoring advice for younger clients just

starting their financial journey or crafting sophisticated solutions for established commercial businesses, we provide the knowledge.

Furthermore, our robust underwriting support allows you to confidently expand your offerings, while our outsource agreements and direct advice fee debiting can streamline your operations. For those looking to embrace digital avenues, our digital solution for Personal Lines brokers offers a substantial 50% once-off fee on every new policy, providing a powerful tool to reach digitally-savvy demographics and open new revenue streams.

And for the long term, we stand with you. We can assist in ensuring smooth succession, should you decide to leave the profession. Our openness to discussions around the purchase of books and taking over of portfolios can honour your legacy by providing continuous, high-quality service to your clients.

Our Sisekelo enterprise and development programme supports the growth and development of existing and new black-owned SME brokerages to create sustainable and profitable businesses across urban, peri-urban, and rural markets. We’ve already provided R15 million in financial support and created three hundred job opportunities.

In the end, it all circles back to that fundamental question: "Whatever happened to commitment?" For us, the answer is clear: it’s alive and well, woven into every interaction, every service, and every strategic decision we make. It’s the unseen thread that binds us, forming a partnership where "being there," "showing up," and "seeing things through" isn’t just an aspiration – it’s the very foundation upon which we build success, together.

Speak to our broker team today, to learn more about growing together.

Auto& General is a licensed non-life Insurer and FSP.