Broker demand for policy flexibility more than doubles in commercial motor

Over 80% of brokers have described the ability to complete mid-term adjustments (MTAs) quickly and accurately as “business critical” when dealing with commercial motor fleet policies. 

This is according to the latest Direct Commercial Broker Barometer, which surveyed 111 UK commercial motor brokers between 14 April and 6 July 2026. 

The findings reveal a significant increase in the importance brokers place on policy flexibility compared with previous Direct Commercial Broker Barometer research, conducted in late 2024, where only 37% of brokers described policy flexibility as business critical.

The latest barometer also showed that 21% of brokers reported improvements in completing MTAs across the commercial motor market over the past 12 months, while 60% said processes remained broadly unchanged.

Joe Hantson, deputy chief executive at Direct Commercial, said: “What this research shows is that speed, accuracy and flexibility around policy changes are now becoming major differentiators between insurers and MGAs.

”Fleet businesses increasingly expect insurers to respond quickly when vehicles, drivers or operational requirements change because delays can create unnecessary disruption and administrative pressure.”

Investing in digital trading

Nevertheless, parts of the commercial motor market are clearly increasing investment in digital trading capability, broker platforms and operational service improvements.

Hantson added: “At Direct Commercial, we have continued investing in our portal and operational capabilities because brokers increasingly want trading partners that combine specialist underwriting expertise with practical, responsive service delivery.”