The Legacy of Chris Barry: Choosing a Broker You Can Trust

At Beqfin, we are proud to share the enduring wisdom of our founder, Chris Barry. His insight into the insurance world, specifically when it comes to brokers, remains as relevant today as it was over a decade ago. In 2012, Chris penned an article that cut to the heart of a vital issue in the industry: too many brokers are not true brokers but representatives of specific underwriters. Now, as we reflect on his words, we are reminded of the importance of transparency, independence, and client-focused service.

Too Many Brokers Are Reps, Not True Brokers

In Chris’s words, “Too many brokers are representatives for a specific underwriter or insurer rather than being true impartial brokers.” This remains a dangerous practice in the insurance industry. When brokers act more as reps than independent advisors, clients lose the assurance that their best interests are at the forefront. At Beqfin, we believe that clients deserve better. This is why we ensure that, through our in-house insurance broker, Keep On Trucking, our customers receive impartial and transparent advice. When a fleet owner, truck driver, or mechanic taps into our financing support, Keep On Trucking steps in with immediate insurance solutions tailored to the needs of our clients. We’re not tied to just one underwriter, and that’s what sets us apart.

What You Should Know About Your Broker

In today’s ever-evolving insurance landscape, it’s easy for hidden costs, admin fees, and questionable alliances to slip under the radar. As Chris once highlighted, there are too many policies with unnecessary “add-ons” that bulk up premium costs. This is why we urge clients to ask the hard questions. Does your broker have an agreement with the underwriter for admin or claims processing fees? Is your premium reflecting the real cost of cover, or are there hidden extras that could surprise you when it’s time to make a claim? Chris was a strong advocate for biannual reviews of policies, and we stand by that practice. Policies need to be regularly updated to reflect any changes in your fleet. Don’t let old information or unnecessary extras cost you when they shouldn’t. Take the time to ask your broker to walk through a mock claim with you – it’s the ultimate way to know where you stand before you’re in a real-life situation.

Impartial Brokers Walk Tall

What holds true with Beqfin’s Keep On Trucking is that we don’t offer admin fees or unnecessary incentives. Our service isn’t designed to boost hidden costs but to provide you with genuine, independent advice. When you choose Beqfin, you’re choosing a broker that walks tall in its independence. Our loyalty lies with you, the client – not the underwriter. And this is exactly what Chris would have wanted.

Choosing a Broker Who Puts You First

Chris always believed that the relationship with your broker is the most important part of any new insurance policy. That’s why we encourage you to insist on transparency. When receiving comparative quotes, make sure your broker walks you through each one, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages. Only then can you make a fully informed decision about which underwriter is right for you. At Beqfin, we honor Chris Barry’s legacy by upholding these values in every interaction. We continue to challenge the status quo, offering out-of-the-box solutions in an industry often hampered by old habits. Our goal is to ensure our clients receive not just competitive insurance but also the peace of mind that comes with knowing their broker is working solely for them.

Want to Know More?

If you’re interested in learning more about how Keep On Trucking can assist with your insurance needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us on 087 8067 390 or send an email to admin@keepontrucking.co.za Let us help you protect your fleet with solutions tailored to your unique needs. Read Chris Barry’s original article from 22 November 2012, “What You Need to Know About Your Broker” on BizCommunity here: https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/357/85882.html