SMEs predict a secure future for the broking community and increasingly recognise the need for effective risk management, according to a survey.
General Insurance Market Association (Gimra) research found that 57% of respondents cited the time-saving benefits of using a broker.
And 63% could not identify a disadvantage in using a broker.
In addition, 62% of SMEs were "very satisfied" with their broker, compared with only 37% who were satisfied with their direct insurer's service.
The survey found that 77% of respondents recognised a future need to use a broker.
Gimra chairman Carl Wong said: "These results belie the industry forecasts of the past few years warning of the demise of the broker as telephone and internet sales increased.
"They represent a resounding endorsement of the quality of broking available in the UK insurance market."
SMEs were also questioned on the perceived usefulness of risk management, with 83% seeing advice as either very or quite useful.
Gimra's member companies now account for a substantial majority of all general UK insurance premiums.
