Peter Chamberlain, managing director of allinsure – one of Canberra’s most recommended business insurance brokers. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
There are a few unavoidable expenses that come with running a business. Insurance is one of them.
If you’re in business, chances are you already know that some types of insurance are compulsory, like workers compensation if you have employees or working directors. Other insurance types, such as building insurance, commercial motor vehicle, theft or public liability are optional, but help provide protection against a wide range of business risks that you may face.
The right combination of insurance policies can reduce financial uncertainty and protect both your own livelihood, and that of your employees. Common types of business insurance include business interruption, public and products liability, property damage, theft, machinery breakdown, tax audit, glass and transit.
But there’s no reason to navigate the complicated business insurance landscape alone. A business insurance broker (also known as an insurance adviser or intermediary), works for you and not the insurer, helping you de-mystify the process and ensure you end up with affordable, comprehensive cover that meets your need.
What makes a great business insurance broker?
Whether you’re looking for a specific type of policy or need some advice on what you should be insuring, an insurance broker can provide valuable insights and become a key business partner – just like your accountant or lawyer.
Here’s what to consider when choosing one:
- Qualifications and experience. Don’t be afraid to ask about your broker’s educational background and qualifications. They must have an Australian Financial Services Licence and be either a Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker (QPIB) or Certified Insurance Professional (CIP), and ideally your broker should be diploma qualified.
- Value for money. The best business insurance isn’t necessarily through the cheapest provider. Do your research to ensure that you’re getting comprehensive cover for a competitive price.
- A tailored approach. Each risk and business is different, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to insurance. It’s okay to not know exactly what you need in an insurance policy. A good broker will work with you to understand your business and its requirements, provide advice on which risks to insure, and help you determine an appropriate level of cover to ensure you are protected.
- Access to a range of products and insurers. Not all policies are equal. It is important to be aware of coverage, exclusions and additional benefits that can vary from product to product. A particular insurer could have up to 20 versions of a business insurance package, depending on the distribution channel that you purchase it from. Some insurers may only deal with brokers or have products that are exclusive to the broking market. A good broker has buying power that gives them access to a vast range of products and reputable insurers to ensure they present you with the best options.
- Advice and choice. When you engage an insurance broker, you are asking them to provide you with financial advice. The decision-making process rests with the business owner. A good broker should take the hassle out of insurance, present you with the options available and provide you with the tools to make an educated decision for your business.
- Someone who will be your advocate at the time of a claim. You purchase an insurance policy to protect you when you need it most. Claims can be complicated, so an experienced business partner who understands you and your business is crucial to making the process as pain free as possible. A good broker works with you and the insurer to achieve the best outcome possible, while some brokers choose to outsource their claims management to others.
- Honesty and integrity. Do your homework about the broker you’re considering. Have they been in business for a long time? What do other businesses say about their services? Are they committed to being honest and transparent?
The best business insurance brokers in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
allinsure
allinsure knows that running a business is difficult enough without having to weigh up insurance policies on your own.
Proper business insurance is vital, but with policies that cover everything from product liability to theft, electronic breakdown, tax, employee issues, and everything in between, how can business owners know which to choose?
allinsure’s talented business insurance brokers expertly take on all the crucial legwork needed to identify tailored policies and reputable providers.
When it comes to research, comparing coverage, and in-depth policy analysis, they have every client well cared for.
allinsure brokers work to deeply understand the individual needs of every business they support. No two businesses are the same, so it’s important to find a policy that truly suits every facet of company life.
No matter their size, most businesses are more than just a money-making enterprise. They are someone’s pride and joy, the result of years of hard work.
With more than 120,000 clients, allinsure is trusted by business owners all around Australia to take care of their interests.
The allinsure team has long been recognised for its leadership in and dedication to Canberra’s community.
Most recently, they took out the top spots in Philanthropy & Community Service and Authorised Representative of the Year at the 2025 Insurance Business Excellence Awards.
"The service we’ve received from allinsure has been nothing short of impeccable," N&J Dahl Pty Ltd says online.
"Right from the start, Tate and his team spent a great deal of time getting to know us and our business structures to ensure we’re able to run safely and securely… Their proposed changes meant less policies to keep track of and a significant cost saving."
Strive Insurance Services
With 20 years of experience in the insurance industry and a passion for providing high quality service, Jamie Fluke and the team at Strive Insurance Services provide business and personal insurance services, including business insurance packages made up of various types of cover depending on your business' unique needs (i.e. fire & perils, business interruption, burglary/theft and goods in transit).
Strive Insurance Services is an authorised representative of NAS Insurance Brokers, so it has access to wide range of competitive insurance products. By getting to know you and your business personally, Jamie makes sure you get the insurance cover you really need.
Capital Insurance Brokers
Based in Fyshwick, Capital Insurance Brokers can help you with a wide variety of business insurance options. Its dedicated and qualified team are experts in seeking the best terms that suit your needs, ensuring that your business insurance portfolio is cost effective, and presenting the terms to you so you know exactly what you are and aren't covered for.
Capital Insurance Brokers can assist with everything from professional indemnity insurance and directors and officers liability cover, to tax audit insurance and corporate and domestic travel insurance.
JV Business Insurance
JV Business Insurance can help you with all things related to business insurance, from ACT workers compensation to professional indemnity, business insurance and liability insurance.
Based in Weston Creek, JV Business Insurance is a corporate authorised representative of Insurance Advisernet Australia, which means it has the buying power to offer competitive premiums from a range of insurers.
Whilst you’re looking for business insurance brokers, you might also like to check out our articles on the best insurance brokers, best workers compensation insurance brokers, best strata insurance brokers, best public liability insurance brokers and best construction and trades insurance brokers in Canberra.
For more information on financial and professional services, read through our articles on the best business lawyers, best business advisors, best business succession planning services, best mortgage brokers and best commercial mortgage brokers our city has to offer.
Your experience buying business insurance in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the business insurance brokers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a business insurance broker do?
Business insurance brokers provide a range of services. They can research to get you the best deal on a business insurance policy. They can provide advice on the type and level of insurance you need. They can also act as your advocate if you need to make a claim.
How do I know if I’m getting value-for-money from my policy?
A business insurance broker is across a wide range of insurers and policy types. They can share this knowledge with you and discuss options with you.
Do business insurance brokers need to be licensed?
Yes they do. They must have an Australian Financial Services License and be either a practicing Insurance Broker (QPIB) or Certified Insurance Professional (CIP). Ideally they should be diploma qualified.
How do I choose the best business insurance broker?
Do your homework and conduct some research. You’ll want to look online to see how long the business insurance broker has been operating. You can also check their credentials. In addition, you can check online for reviews of their business.
Will my business insurance broker decide which is the best policy for me?
Business insurance brokers can give you well-informed advice and they can explain the pros and cons of various options. They can’t decide what you should do, however. The final decision on what policy to take out rests with the business owner.
