Why Market Access Matters: How Many Insurance Companies Is Your Broker Really Talking To?

By Jenny Holly Hansen | Langley News | October 23, 2025

When you ask your broker for a business-insurance quote, you might imagine they’re checking dozens of insurers to find your best rate. But in reality, many brokers only reach out to a small handful — usually five or six insurance companies.

Relying on such a short list of insurance companies limits your options. You might receive a competitive quote, but you won’t necessarily see the full range of coverage or pricing available in the marketplace.

The Hidden Cost of Limited Options

When a broker works with only a few markets, your business could miss out on specialized products that better fit your industry or risk profile.
For example:

• A contractor might benefit from an insurer that specializes in construction bonds and wrap-up liability.
• A tech start-up may need cyber or errors & omissions coverage that traditional markets don’t provide.
• A manufacturing firm might require global coverage for exports — something only a few insurers can properly underwrite.

Without broader access, these options never even make it to your desk.

The Power of a Broker with National Market Reach

That’s where brokers with extensive market access make all the difference.
Some larger or diversified brokerages can access 20 or more domestic and specialty markets — including:

• Lloyd’s of London for complex or international risks
• Specialty MGAs (Managing General Agents) that create custom insurance programs
• Niche carriers focused on cyber, marine, directors & officers (D&O), and other evolving needs

More markets mean more choice, better competition, and ultimately, better coverage at a fair price.

Jenny Holly Hansen: Access to 50+ Markets through Navacord

As a commercial insurance broker with Navacord Group — one of Canada’s largest and most respected brokerage networks.

Through Navacord, Jenny can access over 50 domestic and international markets, including specialty underwriters that most smaller brokers can’t reach. This allows her to:

• Compare dozens of quotes for your business — not just a few.
• Build customized insurance solutions for complex industries.
• Negotiate directly with underwriters for better terms and pricing.

It’s a powerful advantage for business owners who want both local, relationship-based service and national-level market access.

What This Means for Your Business

When your broker can shop more markets, you gain:

• Competitive pricing — because multiple insurers are truly bidding for your business.
• Tailored protection — not just a standard package that “mostly fits.”
• A strategic advisor who can pivot your coverage as your company grows or changes.

The Bottom Line

The next time you ask for an insurance quote, go one step further and ask:

“How many insurance companies will you actually reach out to on my behalf?”

Because in business insurance, the size of your broker’s market access can be the difference between adequate protection — and coverage that truly supports your success.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Navacord Group. With 19 years experience, she will well versed in the technical aspects of business coverages.

She can be reached at 604-3177 or jhansen@waypoint.ca   

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  

TAGS:  #Jenny Holly Hansen #Navacord Group #Market Access #Protect Your Business