Brokers facing difficulties in securing coverage for smaller fleets – Direct Commercial

More than half of brokers are having trouble securing coverage for smaller fleets, according to new data.

Published by Direct Commercial today (14 January 2025), the data showed that 56% of brokers faced such difficulties in the last quarter, only a slight improvement from 60% earlier in the year.

This comes after data published by the MGA in September 2023 revealed that 83% of brokers felt there were not enough specialists or insurers offering capacity for haulage, waste disposal and courier journeys within the commercial motor market.

In turn, Direct Commercial launched its Haul in One product on eTrading platform Acturis in August 2024, to support brokers facing coverage challenges for single commercial vehicles.

Joe Hantson, deputy chief executive at Direct Commercial, said: ”Direct Commercial is proud to be at the forefront of this sector, providing innovative solutions like Haul In One to address brokers’ needs.

”We are well-positioned to help our broker partners thrive in a dynamic and competitive market.”

Growth anticipated

Direct Commercial obtained the figures using its broker barometer, which surveyed 60 UK brokers operating in the commercial motor market.

Despite coverage concerns, the data also revealed that 96% of brokers anticipate growth in the coming year.

The figures also revealed that rated capacity remains a priority for brokers, with 50% identifying it as business critical and 19% describing it as important.

Hantson said: “These results reaffirm the robust confidence brokers have in the growth of the commercial motor fleet market.”