Standing your ground

As direct insurers look to make gains in property underwriting, Edward Murray says brokers must act now if they want to retain their share of this market

When Direct Line's little red phone came hurtling over the hill in 1985, few foresaw the revolution its arrival would herald. Not content with their gains in the personal lines market, direct writers are now hammering on the door of the commercial market and many are asking just how secure brokers are in this sector, particularly when it comes to insuring risks on property.

Brokers up and down the country have seen an increasing number of direct policies created for the small shop and office end