{"id":14819,"date":"2026-11-11T09:00:46","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T09:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exatoseguros.pt\/?p=14819"},"modified":"2026-10-29T10:45:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T10:45:37","slug":"the-role-of-the-insurance-broker-what-it-offers-compared-to-taking-out-a-policy-directly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exatoseguros.pt\/en\/o-papel-do-mediador-de-seguros-o-que-acrescenta-face-a-contratacao-direta\/","title":{"rendered":"The role of the insurance broker: what they bring to the table compared to dealing directly with the insurer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Insurance is a promise that is only put to the test when things go wrong. Taking out a policy directly online or at an insurer\u2019s branch is quick, but it leaves the customer to do all the work of comparing policies, understanding exclusions and looking after their own interests in the event of a claim. It is precisely this work that an insurance broker does for you.<\/p>\n

A role that carries real weight in the market<\/h2>\n

In 2024, there were 10,199 active insurance agents (6,416 individuals and 3,783 firms) and 68 insurance brokerages operating in Portugal, according to ASF figures cited by the ECOseguros (11 Dec 2025)<\/a>. Remuneration across the entire distribution channel, including banks, totalled 1,295 million euros, representing around 9 per cent of the 14,318 million euros in premiums. In most insurance policies for private individuals and SMEs, this remuneration takes the form of a commission already included in the premium, rather than an extra cost to the customer.<\/p>\n

Direct recruitment, agent or recruiter: who does what?<\/h2>\n

Law No. 7\/2019, which regulates the distribution of insurance in Portugal, recognises two categories of intermediaries: agents and brokers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
 <\/td>\nDirect recruitment<\/strong><\/td>\nInsurance agent<\/strong><\/td>\nInsurance broker<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Acts on behalf of<\/strong><\/td>\nThe insurance company<\/td>\nOne or more insurance companies<\/td>\nThe customer, acting independently<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Comparison of proposals<\/strong><\/td>\nOnly products from this insurance company<\/td>\nAmong the insurance companies it represents<\/td>\nAnalysis of a wide and diverse range of insurance products available on the market<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Personalised advice<\/strong><\/td>\nVariable<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes, based on an impartial analysis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Claims support<\/strong><\/td>\nThe insurance company is the other party<\/td>\nAccompanies and intercedes<\/td>\nYou can handle the claim on behalf of the customer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supervision<\/strong><\/td>\nASF<\/td>\nRegistration with the ASF and professional liability insurance<\/td>\nRegistration with the ASF, professional indemnity insurance and financial guarantee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brokers must be independent of any insurance company, both in terms of capital and management, and must work with several. Agents may be exclusive to one insurance company or represent multiple brands (ECOseguros<\/a>).<\/p>\n

What the law requires the mediator to do for you<\/h2>\n

The Insurance Distribution Directive, transposed by Law No. 7\/2019, has strengthened the duties of intermediaries towards their clients (ECOseguros, set-top box<\/a>). Before signing, you have the right to know:<\/p>\n