Australian insurance brokers are bucking global trends and increasing their share of the market’s distribution network each year.

Deloitte Actuarial and General Insurance Lead Partner Elaine Collins says insurers around the world are transforming their distribution networks with the internet, call centres and direct mail and improving their performance – and everywhere but Australia brokers are losing market share.

Speaking at the Sydney and Melbourne launch of the Deloitte Global Insurance Industry Outlook, Ms Collins said the growth of sales over the internet and through call centres is changing the business of selling personal lines.

But the story is different in Australia where brokers are increasing their share of the market. “In Australia brokers are an additional and growing part of the distribution network,” she said. “Insurance brokers’ market share is growing year on year.”

The report says insurers that employ agents need to provide them with support for practice development and marketing.

“Although most insurers have seen this as a goal for years, achieving it requires a sophisticated understanding of agent needs and remains an ongoing challenge,” the report said. “To that end, some insurers offer agents specialised training, back-office support and toll-free lines. Providing agents with access to an online portal with strong capabilities is another essential tool.”

National Insurance Brokers Association CEO Noel Pettersen says the fact the Australian insurance brokers are increasing their share of the distribution network is not surprising. He says statistics have revealed that when consumers make the choice to use a broker they continue to do so.

“Brokers are vital in assisting consumers navigate the complexity of making the right choice for their insurance needs,” he said.