SMEs are more than content with their brokers and have an increased awareness of the role brokers perform, according to new research.

A survey involving 750 telephone surveys and 10 focus groups conducted by Cameron Research Group for Zurich Australia finds 87% of SMEs are “very satisfied” or “fairly satisfied” with their broker, while only 3% are “unsatisfied” or “very unsatisfied”.

A total of 84% of the SMEs surveyed are either “very satisfied” or “fairly satisfied” with their recent claims experiences.

The same percentage do not get a “second opinion” on their insurance and deal only with their incumbent broker.

Around 28% of respondents felt their awareness of insurance brokers and the role they perform has increased over the past two years.

National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) CEO Dallas Booth today welcomed the findings.

“The results are reassuring and reflect the desire of NIBA and the NIBA board for brokers to be seen as the trusted advisers,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.