The basic tenets of the broker's role were described by Lloyd's of London in the eighteenth century.

To paraphrase:

Insurance brokers are more than just experts who shop the market for the best packages on behalf of their clients. They are also advocates for the insured at every level.  It is the broker's duty to:

• assess the insured's needs
• represent the insured's risks favourably to the insurer
• obtain the best terms for the insured when placing insurance
• in the event of a claim, arrange settlement, collect money from the insurer and settle quickly.

In addition to preparing and ensuring the correct execution of the policy, it is also the broker's responsibility to pursue any claims the insured makes. In the event of any dispute between the insured and the insurer, the broker works on behalf of the insured.

Many things have changed in the centuries since Lloyd's described the broker's role. Here at Whitbread, we believe that the ethical underpinning of that role is not one of them.