When insurance becomes difficult to arrange
You may have been declined at renewal, found that an important activity is excluded or discovered that standard insurers cannot offer the limits of cover your business needs. It can be frustrating, particularly when you need an answer before a contract starts or your current policy expires.
A decline does not tell you what every insurer will do. It does tell you that the reasons for the decision need to be understood before approaching another market. We’ll listen to what has happened, review the insurance you need and explain what information an insurer is likely to ask for.
Clear Insurance advises businesses whose operations or insurance history need more individual attention from underwriters. Where suitable options are available, we can approach insurers that consider risks outside standard market appetite. We’ll be clear with you about the terms offered, any limitations and the choices you have.
If you have a renewal deadline or a contract that requires cover, tell us when you get in touch.
Who we help
A business can be difficult to insure for many reasons. Its industry may be unfamiliar to standard insurers, its activities may have changed, or a previous claim may affect the options available. We look at the circumstances of your business rather than treating a decline as the whole story.
These are examples, not a test you need to pass. If your business spans several activities or does not fit a neat category, tell us what has made insurance difficult and we can discuss whether we may be able to help.
Why insurance can become hard-to-place
Sometimes the main issue is a combination of these factors. Understanding the combination is more useful than sending the same application to more insurers without changing the information they receive.
How we approach your insurance
1. We listen to what has happened
Tell us what your business does, what cover you need and what response you have received so far. You can share your current policy, renewal terms, insurer correspondence or relevant contract requirements. We’ll let you know what further information would help.
2. We review the insurance question
We consider the activities, people, property and obligations that the insurance needs to reflect. We also look at where existing cover may be restricted or where an insurer has asked for more detail. If a separate risk and insurance review is recommended, we’ll explain its scope before you decide whether to proceed.
3. We approach suitable markets
Where there is a reasonable basis to seek terms, we’ll identify insurers whose appetite may fit your circumstances and present the information they need to assess your business. An approach to a specialist market does not guarantee that cover will be offered. We’ll keep you informed of the response.
4. We explain your options
If terms are available, we’ll explain the cover, exclusions, conditions, excesses and premium so you can make an informed decision. If an insurer cannot offer what you need, we’ll tell you what the response means and discuss any practical next step within our insurance advice role.
5. Ongoing care
Your business may change after cover is arranged. Let us know about new activities, contracts, premises or claims so we can discuss whether your insurance needs another look.
“Clear Insurance has been our trusted allied health insurance provider for many years. They offer comprehensive coverage and personalised recommendations. Their knowledgeable advisors and proactive approach have been invaluable, especially during industry changes. Their efficient claims handling process and commitment to customer service make them an outstanding choice.”
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the outstanding service provided by Lisa and her team from Clear Insurance in renewing our new insurance policies. Their dedication, attention to detail, and responsiveness made the entire process seamless and stress-free. They took the time to understand the needs of our business and found us the best available coverage at competitive rates. We highly recommend anyone looking for a knowledgeable and reliable insurance partner to get in touch with Lisa and the team from Clear Insurance!”
“We’ve been so impressed at the high-quality service provided by Clear Insurance. They were very thorough when assessing our insurance needs, ensuring that they completely understood our business before making any recommendations. Thank you, Lisa and the team!”
“Clear Insurance has become a key partner for WorkSafe Connect. Lisa and the team have ensured that we understand the risks associated with our business interests and have helped us decide on the cover we need. From taking over an existing set of policies to the full re-marketing of our portfolio, the quality of service, transparency of advice and responsiveness to any request is outstanding. In Clear Insurance, we feel that we are working with a partner who wants the best result for our business and is helping us achieve success.”
“I have had such a good experience with Clear insurance. They recommended to me many changes to my old policies and in less than 4 months the difference saved me $80,000 so I am over the moon. They absolutely know their area of expertise. Thank you to Clear insurance and yes, I can’t recommend them enough.”
“Clear Insurance completed an in-depth analysis of our insurance coverage, identifying our organisation was under-insured. They provided a comprehensive proposal specific to the context that we work in and our growth as a business. It is evident to me, Clear Insurance work diligently and tirelessly to truly understand the needs of their clients to protect them against potential risks.”
“All the work you guys do to help us, we are really grateful.”
“I note your disclosure of the Advisor Service Fee and think that this adds veracity to the insurance renewal process.”
“It’s refreshing to get great service!”
*These testimonials represent individual client experiences. Results vary based on circumstances, requirements, business operations, and market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a business “hard-to-place” for insurance?
It usually means standard insurers are unwilling to offer the cover sought or will only offer it with restrictions that need closer attention. The reason might be your activities, claims history, property, contract requirements or a combination of factors. We’ll look at the particular reason in your case before discussing possible markets.
Can you help if another insurer has declined my business?
We can discuss the decline and assess whether there are suitable insurers to approach. It helps to see what the insurer said, the cover you requested and any relevant claims or business changes. Another insurer may reach a different decision, but we cannot promise that cover will be available.
Will hard-to-place insurance cost more?
It may, but there is no reliable standard percentage. The premium and terms depend on your business, the cover requested, claims experience and the insurers willing to consider it. We’ll explain the terms offered and any trade-offs between price and protection.
How long will it take to find out whether cover is available?
That depends on the complexity of your business, the information available and how quickly insurers can assess it. If you have a renewal, tender or contract deadline, tell us at the start. We can then explain what information is needed and keep you updated on progress.
What should I have ready for an initial conversation?
Start with a short description of your activities, your current policy or renewal notice, and any decline or proposed restriction you have received. Claims information and contracts that specify insurance requirements may also be useful. You do not need to assemble a perfect submission before speaking with us; we can tell you what else is needed.
Could my insurance options change later?
Yes. Insurer appetite and your business circumstances can change. A new activity, different claims experience or revised contract may affect the terms available at a future renewal. We can review those changes with you when they arise, without promising that a particular insurer or premium will become available.
Next Steps
If insurance has become difficult to arrange, start with a no-obligation conversation. Tell us what your business does, what cover you need, what insurers have said so far and when you need a decision.
We’ll explain whether we may be able to help and what the next step would involve. You can then decide whether to take it further.
Contact Clear Insurance by submitting our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 1300 721 132 or email info@clearinsurance.com.au.
General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement. You can read the duty of disclosure and our Financial Services Guide for more information. Clear Insurance Pty Ltd. ABN 41 601 916 689. AFSL No. 548953.
Last updated: 30 September 2026