Choose an insurance adviser and present your risk

IntroductionAs a business owner and/or employer you will probably use two types of insurance adviser.General and commercial risk insurances are dealt with by an insurance broker. You will need to identify the type of insurance you need so that you can find a suitable broker for your business.

Life assurance, protection and health insurance are dealt with by independent financial advisers (IFAs). Insurance brokers and IFAs act as intermediaries between you and an insurance company.Alternatively, you can contact insurance companies directly, but you might find it easier to use an insurance broker or IFA.

This guide explains the issues involved in choosing both types of adviser and how to present your risk details. Some firms offer both IFA and broker services but if your adviser does not deal with a particular type of insurance they should be able to direct you to an alternative provider. See the pages in this guide on where to get advice on choosing a broker and where to get advice on choosing an indep An insurance broker for general and commercial risks, such as motor insurance and employers' liability insurance.

Relevant information is a broadly-defined term and if you have any doubt at all regarding the relevance of information you should declare it.Your adviser can assist in deciding the relevance of information submitted to the insurance company.Insurance brokers, advisers and other insurance intermediaries are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and you should make sure that your adviser has FSA authorisation.endent financial adviser.