Manual Insurance Quotes in Australia – Why Brokers Still Need Them

Technology continues to reshape the insurance industry, yet manual insurance quotes in Australia still play an important role for many brokers. While digital quotation platforms and insurer portals have made quoting faster and more automated, they don't always cover every client scenario or underwriting requirement.

For complex, unique, or non-standard risks, manual insurance quote processing in Australia remains necessary - especially when proposal forms, detailed risk information, or insurer-specific documentation is required.

Understanding when and why manual quotes are needed helps brokers manage workload, improve accuracy and maintain compliance, particularly as regulatory expectations from ASIC and AFCA continue to increase.

What Are Manual Insurance Quotes?

A manual insurance quote is a premium and coverage estimate prepared manually instead of via automated quoting platforms.

This process usually involves:

• Completing insurer proposal forms

• Collecting supporting documents (photos, financials, valuations)

• Emailing underwriting teams

• Answering follow-up questions

• Comparing multiple quotes manually

• Recording compliance notes and rationale

Manual quotes are commonly required when:

• The risk is complex or outside standard appetite

• The insurer is not available electronically

• The industry or product type needs special underwriting review

• Custom endorsement wording or exclusions are required

Why Brokers in Australia Still Need Manual Quotes

Despite digital progress, manual quoting remains necessary because many risks cannot be generated through standard systems.

Examples where manual quotes are still required:

• High-risk occupations

• Niche business industries

• Farm, construction, or marine insurance

• Commercial property with prior losses

• Non-standard drivers or claims history

• Custom cyber or liability requirements

Challenges Brokers Face with Manual Quote Processing

Manual quoting is necessary - but it comes with operational pressure.

Common challenges include:

• Time-consuming insurer follow-ups

• Repetitive data entry

• Keeping track of underwriting questions

• Comparing multiple quotes manually

• Documentation formatting

• Maintaining audit-ready compliance notes

• Delays during peak seasons
  

These challenges can reduce broker responsiveness and affect client experience.

Benefits of Having Manual Quotes in the Broker Workflow

Despite the workload, manual quotes offer important advantages:

• Greater flexibility and underwriting negotiation

• Better alignment with client-specific risk

• Improved placement outcomes

• Ability to access insurers not listed electronically

• More accurate tailoring of coverage

  
  

What Does a Manual Quote Workflow Look Like?

A standard workflow may include:

• Reviewing client details and coverage needs

• Completing proposal forms

• Requesting supporting documents

• Contacting insurer underwriting teams

• Tracking responses and follow-ups

• Comparing multiple insurer quotes

• Preparing recommendation documentation

• Recording compliance notes and advice justification

• Sending final quote and options to the client
  

For a busy brokerage, this workflow can consume hours - especially across multiple insurers and risks.brokers, manual quoting is not just useful - it's essential.

Accuracy and Compliance Considerations

With rising regulatory obligations under ASIC and AFCA, brokers must ensure:

• Data accuracy

• Consistent documentation

• Clear reasoning for insurer selection

• Evidence of client best interest duty

• Audit-ready communication records
  

Manual work means a higher chance of oversight unless processes are structured and consistent.

How Outsourcing Helps Brokers Manage Manual Quote Processing

Many brokers now use operational support models to handle back-office tasks - including manual quoting.

Outsourcing teams trained in Australian insurance workflows can assist with:

• Completing proposal forms

• Gathering underwriting information

• Following up insurers

• Maintaining version control

• Preparing quote comparison templates

• Updating CRM and file notes

• Ensuring compliance-aligned documentation
  

This approach helps reduce workload and ensures consistent turnaround times - even during CAT seasons or renewal spikes.

Conclusion

Manual insurance quotes remain a core part of the insurance broking industry in Australia. Despite digital tools, many risks require individual assessment, insurer negotiation, and tailored underwriting.

Rather than eliminating manual quoting, the goal is to manage it efficiently - balancing compliance, accuracy, and client service.

Interested in Streamlining Manual Quote Processing?

Posh Workbytes supports Australian brokers with trained insurance back-office teams who handle administrative processes, insurer follow-ups, and manual quoting support - so brokers can focus on clients, growth, and advisory work.

Connect with our team to discuss how we can support your brokerage operations.