Nine in 10 brokers say providers should redirect non-standard risks to specialists

Almost nine in 10 insurance brokers feel that mainstream providers – including banks and composite insurers – should actively redirect non-standard customers to specialist insurers and MGAs.

This is according to a survey of 99 brokers involved in the non-standard market, commissioned by MGA Prestige Underwriting and released today (30 September 2025).

The firm said that this finding revealed concerns that “surging demand for non-standard insurance is exposing a growing gap in cover” and that industry collaboration will be needed to close such a protection gap.

The survey additionally found that 79% of polled brokers had seen an increase in enquiries from non-standard customers over the past year, which Prestige Underwriting said was increasingly leading brokers to turn to specialist underwriters when they were looking to place complex risks. For example, 42% of respondents went to MGAs before traditional insurers to place complex, non-standard risks.

Safety net

Alison Williams, managing director at Prestige Underwriting, said: “Brokers are sending a clear message that as the non-standard market grows, we need to ensure no customer falls through the cracks.

“It’s encouraging to see such optimism and growth in specialist enquiries, but it is tempered by the concern that too many individuals are being declined cover outright. Brokers rightly expect insurers to step up with a solution. Simply turning non-standard customers away is no longer acceptable under a customer-centric approach.

“We fully support industry efforts to introduce clear signposting for declined risks and we stand ready to help insurers ensure that every customer finds appropriate cover, no matter how unusual their insurance need.”