New British research shows 87% of brokers regularly negotiate an increase of up to 20% on claim payment offers made by insurers.

A survey by the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) revealed 91% of brokers have secured an increased payment for a claim and 58% have had to fight harder during the recession.

Of those surveyed, 94% claim they overturn a claim rejection either occasionally or often.

BIBA CEO Eric Galbraith says insurers are tightening their belts during the prevailing hard times and scrutinising claims and policy wordings more carefully.