Insurance advice: needs, costs and the mandate
Useful advice starts with your circumstances. A household, a self-employed person and an employer face different risks. The goal is a clear view of the cover needed, existing policies, gaps and overlapping protection.
Start with a clear objective
Is this your first policy, a review of existing cover or a response to a major change? Moving home, starting a business and hiring staff raise different questions from looking for a lower premium. Define your expected result: a policy review, comparison or ongoing adviser.
The relevant insurance areas and your objective are enough for the first request. Full policies, health details and identity copies do not belong in a general description. If documents become necessary later, clarify their purpose and a secure way to provide them.
Understand tied and untied advice
Tied intermediaries represent an insurer. Untied intermediaries owe loyalty to their clients and must be listed in the FINMA register. Tied intermediaries generally do not appear there. An absent entry therefore needs to be assessed in light of the person’s role.
Ask which insurers and insurance areas are considered. Registration does not show that every policy on the market is compared or that a proposal is suitable for you.
Compare equivalent advice services
Advice fees and policy premiums are separate costs. First compare the advice assignment, then the insurance quotes. Comprehensive support may look more expensive than a one-off comparison even though the work differs.
| Comparison point | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Scope | One-off review, new cover or ongoing support? |
| Selection | Which insurance areas and companies will be considered? |
| Result | Written comparison, recommendation and understandable reasons? |
| Follow-up | Are policy changes and help with claims notifications included? |
Who pays for the advice?
Advice may be financed by a direct fee, insurer remuneration or both. No separate fee therefore does not necessarily mean no remuneration. Untied intermediaries must disclose remuneration from insurers and other third parties.
Clarify the calculation and possible extras before appointing the adviser. Agree a work limit for hourly fees or an exact service list for a fixed fee. Without a defined scope, a general market price is not reliable. Requesting quotes on Quoti is free but does not replace this cost agreement with the adviser.
Agree a clear mandate
A broker mandate can cover the review and management of selected policies. Check which contracts it covers, what powers it grants and how it can end. Advice, policy administration and claims support should be clearly distinguished.
| Mandate item | What matters |
|---|---|
| Policies | Include only the areas you want covered. |
| Powers | May the adviser request information, change or conclude contracts? |
| Remuneration | Set out fees, third-party remuneration and extra services clearly. |
| Termination | Check notice, outstanding costs and the return of documents. |
Plan a switch after comparing cover
Do not cancel a policy solely because a lower premium has been advertised. Compare cover, deductibles, exclusions and the start of new protection. For policies subject to acceptance checks, the new insurer may impose different terms or reject an application.
Clarify the transition: who checks deadlines, submits the application and confirms the actual start of cover? An appointment, request or quote is not yet binding acceptance by the insurer.
Make the advice meeting useful
List your main insurance areas, changes in circumstances and questions about current policies. For a business, its activity and staff structure are useful; for individuals, the advice objective matters. A short description without sensitive details is enough for the first contact.
Ask for a reasoned recommendation: what risk does it cover, what alternatives were considered and why does it fit? This helps you assess the advice without first learning every policy condition.
Frequently asked questions
Is the request free?
Requesting quotes on Quoti is free. Agree whether the subsequent advice involves a direct fee or other remuneration before appointing the adviser.
Must I already know which policy I need?
No. Explain the situation you want clarified. A needs assessment can itself be part of the assignment.
Is every adviser in the FINMA register?
Untied insurance intermediaries must be listed; tied intermediaries generally are not. Establish their role before checking the register.
Can I request a review of just one policy?
Yes. Limit the request to that review and clarify whether a written result and comparison with alternatives are included.
Must I sign a broker mandate?
Different assignments need different arrangements. Check scope, powers, remuneration and termination before signing.
Can advice guarantee a lower premium?
No. Premiums, acceptance and conditions depend on the insurer and risk. Useful advice also explains benefits and restrictions.
