If your business insurance renews in June, you may already know it can be a busy time for the insurance industry.
Many businesses choose June renewals because they align with the end of the financial year. However, this also means insurers are reviewing a high number of policies at the same time.
Moving your renewal away from this busy period may have some benefits, including:
1. More time for Insurers to assess your business
A quieter renewal period may give insurers more time to understand your business, assess your risks and consider the terms they can offer.
This can be especially helpful if your business has changed, your risks are more complex or your policy needs a more detailed review.
2. More opportunity for us to negotiate
Having more time can also give us greater opportunity to speak with underwriters, explore alternative markets and negotiate premiums and policy conditions on your behalf.
It allows us to thoroughly consider the options available and work with insurers to find the right solution for your business.
You May Be Able to Change Your Renewal Date
Many business owners with a June renewal assume they need to renew in June every year. In some cases, that’s not necessarily the case.
Depending on your insurer and policy, we may be able to arrange a one-off policy term of 8 to 16 months.
This could move your next renewal to a different time of year.
For example, if your policy currently renews in June, we may be able to extend the policy term so your next renewal falls later in the year, outside the industry’s peak renewal period.
Is It Worth Asking?
Changing your renewal date won’t suit every business.
We’ll look at your circumstances, see whether it’s an option and explain what may work best for you.
Planning ahead could give insurers more time to assess your business and give us more opportunity to negotiate the right cover and terms on your behalf.
We know when something goes wrong, making an insurance claim can feel like one extra hassle.
As a business owner we also know your priority is usually getting things back to normal or continuing to run with as little disruption as possible.
However, what you do after an incident can affect how smoothly your claim is handled.
As your insurance advisor, we are here to help guide you through the claims process. Here are five of the most common mistakes that can make a claim more difficult.
1. Waiting too long to notify us
One of the most common mistakes we see is waiting too long to report an incident.
You may think the damage is minor or you want to look into all details of what happened before contacting us.
However, it is best to let us know as soon as possible.
Early notification gives us the chance to understand what has happened and help you take the right steps.
Your policy may also have rules about when and how you need to report a claim.
Our advice: If something happens that could lead to a claim, contact us as soon as possible. Even if you are unsure whether you want to make a claim, we can help you understand your options.
2. Not keeping evidence
Good records can make a big difference during a claim.
Where it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of the damage. Keep receipts, invoices, repair quotes and other records linked to the incident.
It is also useful to keep emails and other messages about the incident. This may include conversations with contractors, suppliers or other people involved.
The more information we have, the easier it can be to understand what happened and assess the loss.
Our advice: Keep records of the incident, the damage and any costs. Don’t rely on memory alone.
3. Starting repairs too soon
We understand that when your business is damaged, you want to fix the problem straight away.
In some cases, urgent action is needed to make the area safe or stop the damage from getting worse.
However, starting non-urgent repairs before speaking with us may make it harder to assess the damage. The insurer may need to inspect the property or arrange an assessment before repairs begin.
Our advice: Contact us before starting non-urgent repairs. If urgent work is needed, take photos first where it is safe to do so and keep records of the work and costs.
4. Assuming something is covered
It is easy to think that if you have insurance, your loss must be covered.
But insurance policies can be complex. They can include different terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and excesses.
Cover can also depend on what happened and how the loss occurred.
Rather than making assumptions, talk to us about your policy and the situation. We can help explain what your cover may respond to and what steps you should take next.
Our advice: Don’t guess. If you are unsure whether something is covered, ask us before making decisions.
5. Not understanding your excess
Your excess is the amount you may need to pay towards a claim.
The amount can vary depending on your policy and the type of claim. Some policies may also have different excesses for certain events.
Knowing your excess before you need to make a claim can help you understand the possible cost to your business.
Our advice: Make sure you know what excesses apply to your policies. If you are unsure, we’re happy to explain them.
What should you do if something goes wrong?
EvEvery claim is different, but there are some simple steps you can take.
Make the area safe. Put the safety of your employees, customers and others first.
Prevent further damage. Take reasonable steps to protect your property where it is safe to do so.
Document the incident. Take photos and videos and write down what happened.
Contact us. Let your broker know as soon as possible.
Keep your records. Save invoices, receipts, quotes and other documents.
Importantly we are here to help, ask questions. If you are unsure what to do, speak with us before taking action.
The best time to review your insurance is before a claim
A claim can highlight whether your insurance still matches your business needs.
Your business may have changed since your policy was first arranged. You may have bought new equipment, increased your stock, moved premises, hired more employees or changed how you operate.
That’s why regular insurance reviews are important.
At East West Insurance Brokers, we work with you to understand your business and help you make informed decisions about your insurance.
If your business has changed, speak with your broker. We can review your cover and help make sure it still suits your needs.
Because the best time to find a gap in your insurance is before you need to make a claim.
Most business owners think Business Interruption insurance only covers damage to their own premises.
But when we review a client’s cover, we look at more than their own business.
We also consider the businesses they rely on, such as suppliers, customers and storage providers.
If one of these businesses is affected, it could also disrupt your business and reduce your income.
This is where Contingent Business Interruption cover can help.
How Can Contingent Business Interruption Cover Help?
Your business does not need to be directly damaged to suffer a loss.
If a business you rely on is affected, it could cause delays, lower sales or lost income.
When we review Business Interruption cover with our clients, these are some of the key areas we encourage them to think about.
1.Your Suppliers or Manufacturers
Many businesses rely on suppliers for products, materials or equipment.
But what would happen if one of your key suppliers could no longer deliver?
If their premises are damaged, it could delay your business and affect your income.
For example:
A dressmaker cannot source fabric after a supplier’s warehouse is damaged by fire.
A café cannot receive deliveries after a bakery supplier is damaged by a storm.
A construction company faces delays after a supplier’s factory is damaged by fire.
Depending on your policy, Contingent Business Interruption insurance may help cover the financial impact.
This is something we recommend considering if your business relies heavily on a small number of suppliers.
2. Your Customers
Sometimes, the disruption can come from the other side of your business; your customers.
If a major customer is affected by an insured event, they may not be able to operate as normal. They may reduce or stop buying your products or services.
For example, imagine you supply products to a restaurant that is damaged by a storm and needs to close for repairs.
While the restaurant is closed, they may not be able to purchase from you. If they are a major customer, this could have a real impact on your income.
If your business relies on a small number of key customers, Contingent Business Interruption cover may help protect your income.
3.Third-Party Storage Facilities
We also see businesses storing stock at warehouses or storage facilities they do not own.
If that location is damaged, it could delay orders and affect your ability to trade.
Your policy may provide protection if the storage facility belongs to another business.
However, we also recommend checking that any stock stored at third-party locations is properly insured.
Two Important Things to Know
Contingent Business Interruption cover can provide valuable protection, but there are some important limits to understand.
1. The Damage Must Be Covered
For your claim to be covered, the damage will usually need to be something your Property Damage insurance would cover.
For example, your supplier’s warehouse is damaged by flood, but your Property Damage policy does not include flood cover.
In this situation, your Business Interruption claim may not be covered.
This is why we always encourage our clients to look at their Property Damage and Business Interruption insurance together. The two covers can work closely together when a claim occurs.
2.Your Claim May Be Limited to 20%
Many insurers place limits on claims involving suppliers, customers or storage facilities that are not specifically listed on your policy.
A common limit is 20% of your Business Interruption Sum Insured, although this can vary between insurers and policies.
For example, if your Business Interruption Sum Insured is $500,000, your claim for an unnamed supplier, customer or storage facility may be limited to $100,000.
For a business that relies heavily on one key supplier or customer, that limit may not be enough.
When we review your policy, we can help you understand these limits and whether they provide enough protection for your business.
Is Your Insurance Keeping Up With Your Business?
Your business does not stay the same forever.
You may work with new suppliers, gain bigger customers, hold more stock or change the way you operate.
That is why we recommend reviewing your insurance regularly.
We encourage you to ask yourself:
What would happen if my main supplier stopped operating?
What if my biggest customer could no longer trade?
Could my business continue if my stock was damaged at another location?
How long could I continue operating if a key business partner was affected?
If the answers raise some concerns, it may be time to review your cover.
As your broker, we can help you understand your policy, explain any limits and look at whether your current cover still meets your needs.
A quick conversation with us today could help you identify a gap before you need to make a claim.
At 19 years old, Chantelle Rogers joined her family’s transport business without knowing where it would take her.
Eighteen years later, she is helping lead the company alongside her brother.
But becoming a business leader was never part of a carefully planned career path. In fact, transport wasn’t even her first choice.
Chantelle had a passion for scuba and was close to completing her training as a diving instructor when her asthma brought that dream to an unexpected end.
With scuba diving no longer an option, Chantelle tried a few different jobs, before making the decision to join her family’s business.
That decision would shape the course of her career.
Starting from the ground up
Rogers Transport was founded by Chantelle’s parents, Gary and Val Rogers, with just one truck before growing into a company with 60 trucks; providing transport, logistics and warehousing services across Australia.
But Chantelle didn’t walk into a leadership role. She started in administration and worked her way into accounts and the warehouse before moving into operations. With every new role, she learned more about the business and the people who kept it moving.
Over the course of 18 years, Chantelle built her skills, gained experience and developed a deep understanding of the business her father had created.
In 2022 Gary stepped back from the day-to-day running of the business and handed the reins of leadership to Chantelle and her brother, Brad.
After years of working at Rogers Transport, she was now trusted to help lead and grow the business.
The biggest challenge? Building the right team
One lesson Chantelle has learned as a leader is that you can’t grow a business by trying to do everything yourself.
Delegation is an important part of leadership, but finding the right people is about more than simply finding someone who can do the job.
In the transport industry, there are many moving parts that need to work together. Having the right people in the right roles helps keep the business running smoothly, while finding people who align with the company culture and work well with the wider team creates a stronger foundation for growth.
Over the past years, Chantelle has built a strong and supportive team around her and she’s excited to continue growing it with people she can trust to help keep the business moving forward.
Then there’s motherhood
Just as Chantelle was finding her feet in her new leadership position, she took on another life-changing role: Mum.
Today, she is a mother to a busy two-year-old while also growing a transport business.
And if there is one thing she wants other women to know: Balancing motherhood with running a business is hard. Really hard.
There isn’t always a clear line between being a mum and being a business owner. Some days, Chantelle is focused on the business. Other days, motherhood comes first. And on many days, she is doing both at once.
Her schedule can change quickly. Plans need to move. And there isn’t always much time to stop and catch her breath.
But Chantelle wouldn’t have it any other way.
She genuinely cares about both her family and the business. She is passionate about what she does and wants to see the company continue to grow.
It’s a lot to juggle, but it’s a challenge she is willing to take on.
Making it work takes a village
For Chantelle, having a strong support network isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Her advice to other women, particularly mums considering leadership, is simple: be prepared and surround yourself with people who support and understand you.
At work, Chantelle has her father, Gary, and their COO, Josh to turn to for guidance, advice and a fresh perspective when she needs to talk through an idea or decision.
At home, she has a supportive husband who understands that work sometimes extends into evenings and weekends, with both sharing the demands of family life.
For Chantelle, success isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about having the right people around you to help keep you moving forward.
And with so much of her life centred around work and family, she’s also learned the importance of making time for herself.
For Chantelle, that’s baking, a creative outlet that helps her switch off, reset and recharge. Whether it’s decorating a cake for a family celebration or baking late at night after work, it’s a small but meaningful part of her life.
Building what comes next
Rogers Transport has already faced its share of challenges, including losing 11 trucks in the 2011 floods and 30 trucks in the 2022 floods.
Despite these setbacks, the business has continued to grow.
Now, Chantelle is looking ahead to the future. She is excited to carry on her father’s legacy and grow the company that all started from a single truck…
Insurers have significantly tightened their underwriting over the past 12 – 18 months, and the level of data required before quoting has increased acrosss the board.
What’s changed?
Insurers are now scrutinising risk information far more closely than they used to. Where a brief overview may have been enough in the past, underwriters today want specifics: detailed claims histories, updated asset values, current risk management practices, workforce numbers, and revenue breakdowns. We are essentially asking for the works.
It’s not about being difficult. It’s about insurers protecting their books in a tougher market.
And here’s the reality: incomplete or vague information leads to higher premiums, coverage restrictions, or declined quotes.
Why we’re asking (again)
We know it can feel repetitive. You provided this information last year, and your business hasn’t changed significantly. Why do we need it all over again?
Because insurers treat every renewal as a fresh underwriting exercise. They’re reassessing your risk profile based on current information, not last year’s data. If we don’t provide comprehensive, accurate details upfront, we lose negotiation power, and potentially you may lose more as a result.
What good information gets you:
Sharper pricing – Underwriters price what they understand. The clearer the picture, the tighter the premium.
Broader coverage – Detailed risk information helps us argue for better terms, higher limits, and fewer exclusions.
Faster turnaround – Complete submissions avoid the back-and-forth that delays quotes and eats into your renewal timeline.
More options – Insurers are more willing to quote and complete when they have confidence in the information.
Our commitment to you
We are not asking for details to tick boxes. We’re asking to secure the best possible outcome for your business. Every data point you provide gives us leverage to negotiate on your behalf, and in this market, that leverage matters.
We also get that you’re busy. If there’s a way we can make the renewal process easier by pre-filling forms, scheduling a quick call instead of lengthy emails, or consolidating requests, please let us know. We’re here to make this work for you, not add to your workload.
What this means for your business
The more detail we have, the harder we can push for competitive terms. It might feel like extra effort now, but it translates directly into better cover and better value when renewal time comes.
As always, if you’ve got questions about what we’re asking for (or why), we’re happy to walk you through it.
For Martin Turner, recruitment has never been just about filling roles. It’s about helping people find opportunity, guiding careers, and building connections that can genuinely change lives.
As one of the founders of TTG, Martin has spent more than three decades helping businesses find the right people and supporting individuals to step into roles where they can thrive.
Along the way, he’s navigated economic downturns, industry challenges, and delivered some of Australia’s largest recruitment projects.
His journey into business wasn’t part of a grand plan. After building a career in human resources and recruitment consultancy, Martin and a group of colleagues saw an opportunity to do things differently.
In 1991, four founders took a leap of faith and launched TTG. More than 30 years later, that decision has grown into a trusted recruitment business that has helped thousands of people and organisations find the right fit.
Riding out the storms
Like many long-standing businesses, TTG has weathered its share of challenges.
From the Global Financial Crisis to COVID-19, there were times when hiring slowed, projects paused, and confidence in the market dropped. As Martin explains, recruitment is closely linked to business activity. When clients slow down, hiring slows too. When confidence returns, recruitment picks up again.
One constant challenge throughout the years has been cash flow, particularly when working with large organisations that come with complex processes and longer payment cycles.
Despite this, Martin credits the team’s resilience and adaptability for the business’s continued growth.
A project close to home
While TTG has partnered with major organisations across Australia, one project stands out.
When Brisbane’s public transport network changed from Go Card to contactless payments, Translink asked TTG to help with the rollout. The team was tasked with recruiting 140 employees for a large customer engagement campaign.
For a relatively small team, it was a major undertaking. They interviewed hundreds of candidates, onboarded successful applicants, coordinated training programs, and provided ongoing performance management throughout the project.
What began as a single recruitment assignment grew into a trusted three-year partnership, a clear reflection of the team’s ability to deliver great results.
Helping people find their place
While large projects are rewarding, what keeps Martin motivated is simple: helping people find work they truly enjoy.
Many young professionals come to him unsure of what they want to do. Sometimes, they only know what they don’t want.
Martin enjoys helping them discover opportunities they may not have thought about and guiding them towards careers that suit their skills, goals, and personality.
For him, helping people build a career they love is the most rewarding part of the job.
Lessons learned along the way
After more than 30 years in business, Martin has learned plenty but one lesson stands out: don’t do it alone.
Building strong relationships with mentors, advisers, and trusted partners can make all the difference when challenges arise.
He also believes in the importance of delegation; surrounding yourself with capable people and trusting them to do what they do best, so he can focus on growing the business.
Life beyond recruitment
Outside of work, Martin has discovered a new passion: winemaking.
What started as a hobby is slowly growing into a business. He plans to obtain a wine licence and one day sell his own wines, with the profits going towards charitable causes that are close to his heart.
When he’s not in the vineyard, you’ll likely find him watching rugby on TV. A proud Welsh rugby fan, he rarely misses a match.
After decades spent helping others build their careers, Martin continues to explore new passions of his own. And if his journey has shown anything, it’s that great opportunities often begin with a willingness to take a chance.
One of our landscaping clients faced a costly setback when the incorrect fuel was accidentally added to their work vehicle, causing significant damage.
With the vehicle off the road, their ability to operate and generate income was immediately affected.
At first, the insurer approved the claim. However, four weeks after lodgement with no additional information provided, the insurer reversed their decision.
They advised that they misread the policy and that the claim, including both repairs and downtime would not be covered.
This sudden change left our client feeling confused and under pressure. The business had already been disrupted and the claim outcome had shifted.
Our role as your insurance claim support
This is where our team stepped in to provide them with insurance claim support.
Our insurance claim support team reviewed the situation and challenged the insurer’s decision. We highlighted a few key points:
The client had been open and honest from the start
The insurer had already indicated the claim would be covered
The delay in changing the decision put the client at a disadvantage
The insurer finally agreed to cover the repair. However, they still declined the downtime insurance claim.
We didn’t stop there. Given that downtime cover had been clearly discussed earlier with the insurer, we continued to push the matter further.
We escalated the case to a Dispute Resolution Officer. We also continued negotiations over several months to seek a fair outcome.
The outcome
After persistent follow-up and strong advocacy from our insurance claim support team, the insurer agreed to cover both the repair and the downtime claim.
This result made a real difference to our client. It helped them recover financially and get their business moving again.
Key takeaways:
Insurance claims do not always go smoothly. Decisions can change, and the process can feel overwhelming.
This is where having a broker can make a real difference.
Without insurance claim support, many business owners do not have the time or energy to challenge claim decisions or navigate disputes. Some may even accept an outcome that is not fair.
When you work with a broker, we handle the claim process for you. We advocate on your behalf as your insurance claim support and deal with the insurer directly.
You can focus on your business, knowing you have someone in your corner when it matters most. Learn more about our claim services. here.
Running a business comes with risks. Accidents, property damage, and legal claims can happen at any time, even when you’ve done nothing wrong. That’s why liability insurance is so important.
At its core, liability insurance is triggered when a claim of negligence is made against you or your business. Even if you did nothing wrong, defending yourself in court can be very expensive. Liability insurance for businesses helps cover both the costs of being found negligent and the significant expenses involved in defending a claim.
Liability insurance protects your business if someone says you caused them financial loss, injury, or property damage. It covers both any compensation you might owe and the legal costs of defending yourself.
This coverage is essential because defending a claim, even if you did nothing wrong, can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Liability insurance makes sure you don’t have to pay these costs yourself.
What does Liability Insurance cover?
Liability insurance is meant to protect you from:
Claims of negligence – if someone alleges your actions (or failure to act) caused them financial loss, injury, or property damage.
Legal defence costs – including lawyer’s fees, court filing costs, expert witnesses, and settlement negotiations.
Damages or compensation – if you are found liable.
This applies to a wide range of scenarios, from a customer slipping on your premises to damage caused to someone else’s property while on a job site.
What is the trigger? Negligence
The most common trigger for liability claims is an allegation of negligence. Negligence doesn’t mean you intended to cause harm, it could simply mean someone believes you failed to take “reasonable care.”
For example, a cafe owner might be sued if a customer slips on a wet floor and becomes injured. Another scenario could be a tradesperson being sued if their work is alleged to have caused property damage.
How does it protect your business?
You don’t need to lose a case to lose money. Even if you haven’t been negligent, defending yourself in court can be extremely expensive. Lawyers’ fees, expert reports, and court appearances can quickly add up to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Liability insurance covers these defence costs, so your business can keep running while the case is ongoing. Without it, you might have to pay out of pocket, which could be a financial blow many businesses can’t handle.
Do you need liability insurance? A broker would know
Liability insurance is not just protection for when mistakes happen. It’s protection against the rising costs of legal disputes and claims, even when you’ve done everything right.
Understanding the level of protection you need can be complex, which is why speaking with an experienced broker can make all the difference. And whether you have questions about your current cover, need guidance on policy options, or want to explore a quote, our team is here to help.
Contact our team at he***@******om.au to discuss your options or request a free quote. Let’s work together to secure your business and keep it thriving.
We are incredibly proud to share that two of our senior leaders have been recognised in the Insurance Business Asia-Pacific Elite Women 2026 list, one of the most prestigious acknowledgements of female leadership in the insurance industry across the region.
This year, 70 women across Asia, Australia and New Zealand were named from a field of nominees assessed on leadership impact, influence, innovation and commitment to progress. To have two leaders recognised from our organisation is something we don’t take lightly.
A Big Moment for a Small but Mighty Team
We are a collection of businesses spanning insurance, underwriting, SaaS and premium funding and we turned 40 last year. For a team of just over 40 people, having two leaders named on a list of this calibre is, frankly, a big deal. And we’re going to own that.
Rebecca: Driving Strategy and Technical Excellence
Rebecca, our Chief Insurance Officer, has been instrumental in shaping the technical and strategic heart of our business. She brings deep insurance expertise and a forward-thinking approach to everything she touches and her seat on the Women in Insurance board reflects a commitment to the industry that extends well beyond our four walls.
Kate: Building a Culture Designed to Thrive
Kate, our Chief People Officer, joined with a rich background in diversity, equity and inclusion and has been a driving force behind building a workforce that is genuinely designed to thrive. Not by accident but by design.
Transforming the Business from the Inside Out
What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is what it represents about the way these two leaders have worked together. Over the past year, Rebecca and Kate have collaborated to reshape how our organisation operates from the inside out by building the team by design and redesigning team structures, shifting the focus from presence to output, embedding a values-driven culture, and overhauling the systems our people use every day.
The Results Speak for Themselves
The results speak for themselves: employee turnover reduced by 80%.
Read that again. Eighty percent.
In an era where talent retention is one of the greatest challenges facing businesses of every size, that number is extraordinary and it didn’t happen by chance. It happened because two leaders decided that engagement, culture and people-first thinking weren’t soft initiatives. They were a business strategy.
Building the Future of Work
As we look ahead, our focus continues to evolve. We are actively exploring how AI and emerging technologies can be integrated into our workforce ecosystem in ways that support our people to stay engaged, energised and not overwhelmed. The future of work is something we’re building intentionally, not reacting to.
Looking Ahead with Pride
We are proud of Rebecca and Kate. We are proud of the team that surrounds them. And we are proud to be the kind of organisation, at 40 years young, that still has the appetite to do things differently.
Congratulations to all 70 Elite Women recognised across Asia-Pacific this year. You can read the full report via Insurance Business Asia-Pacific.
FLEXIOriginally launched in the 1980s as a premium funding service helping clients pay insurance premiums in instalments, our platform has evolved to support brokers in offering flexible payment options.
Today, Flexigrow also provides business management software, enabling business owners to manage operations in one streamlined platform. CTA button:VISIT OUR WEBSITE
