British brokers are having a hard time getting their clients’ claims paid as UK insurers get stricter during the economic slump.

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) says research has found 67% of brokers say they’re finding getting claims paid in the downturn is hard work, while 93% say they regularly negotiate up to a 20% increase on settlements.

The situation has slumped in the past year, with almost 10% more brokers saying they had to fight for payouts.

BIBA CEO Eric Galbraith says insurers are tightening their belts and applying stricter interpretations of policy wordings, but brokers are achieving fairer results by application of their “expert knowledge”.

One broker surveyed secured a £1800 ($3020) settlement for a lost laptop when initially the insurer dismissed the claim entirely. Another claim, for flood damage, received an initial offer of £9500 ($15,944) but the final payment was increased to £17,500 ($29,366).

“Many consumers do not have the experience or knowledge to negotiate claims payments themselves,” Mr Galbraith said. “Brokers know how to evidence and support negotiations through their understanding of policy wordings, relevant case law and their relationship with the insurer.”