Broker or agent, the decisive difference
In Germany insurance is mostly arranged through intermediaries. There are two fundamentally different roles involved. An insurance agent represents one or more companies and works on their behalf. An insurance broker acts on behalf of the client and represents that client's interests towards the insurer.
We work exclusively as brokers. We hold no participation in insurance companies, and no company holds a participation in us. So there is nobody whose products we would have to place by preference.
What that means in practice
The market is hard to survey. In Germany alone more than 120 companies offer tens of thousands of tariffs, and across the European market that figure multiplies further. On top of that come terms that insurers grant exclusively to individual intermediaries. Sifting through that choice and reducing it to what a specific case needs is our work.
We start by analysing the risk, put it out to a sufficient number of companies, compare cover, terms and premium, and negotiate special terms where risks are unusual. Once cover is in place we look after the contract on an ongoing basis, adapt it when something changes, and handle the entire claim if it comes to that. That last point in particular is where the quality of advice shows.
Three specialist departments under one roof
Founded in 1962, we have worked for medium sized companies for more than 60 years and build concepts against industrial and transport risks. For private individuals and families we compare across a large number of providers, from motor through health to occupational disability cover. And since 1974 we have developed our own solutions for sport, in watersport, in skiing and snowboarding and for outdoor businesses.
All three areas have specialist departments of their own here, staffed by salaried colleagues. There is no commission driven sales force at SüdwestRing.
What our mandate costs us, and what it costs you
The remuneration for our advisory, broking and service work, known as brokerage commission, is customarily borne by the insurance company. It forms part of the insurance premium. Any differing arrangement, for example with so called net products or with a pure review of existing policies without a mandate, is expressly agreed with you in writing beforehand. We receive no other benefits.
All the mandatory information about our company, our registration and the criteria by which we select the companies we work with can be found in our customer information.
Come and meet us.
A first conversation is without obligation and costs you nothing. Afterwards you will know whether we suit each other.