What is the difference between Budget Direct and an insurance broker?
Budget Direct is a direct insurer. You purchase a policy directly from them, manage your account online, and lodge claims through their internal team. The process is fast and often price competitive for simple, standard risks.
An insurance broker, like Tank Insurance, acts as your independent representative. Brokers are not employed by any single insurer. Instead, they access a panel of insurers, compare options on your behalf, and advocate for you during the claims process. This independence is the core distinction.
When does using a broker add value over a direct insurer?
A broker's value becomes clearest in these situations:
- Non-renewal or declined cover. If your insurer decides not to renew your policy, a broker can access alternative markets, negotiate with underwriters, and find specialist insurers for harder-to-place risks. A direct insurer simply says no.
- Claims advocacy. When you lodge a claim with a direct insurer, you deal with their internal claims team. That team works for the insurer. A broker works for you, advocating externally to ensure your claim is handled fairly and efficiently.
- Complex or multiple policies. If you have home insurance, landlord insurance, and business insurance, a broker can coordinate all policies, identify gaps, and ensure you are not over-insured or under-insured across your portfolio.
- Non-standard property types. Direct insurers often struggle with properties outside the standard mould. We regularly help clients who have been with Budget Direct for years but find themselves declined or non-renewed when it comes to non-strata properties or block of units insurance. A broker can access specialist markets that cater to these property types.
- Time and expertise. Comparing policies, understanding exclusions, and navigating jargon takes time. A broker does this work for you, translating complex wording into plain language and recommending appropriate cover.
How do Budget Direct and a broker compare on key factors?
| Factor | Budget Direct | Insurance Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Insurer access | Budget Direct products only | Multiple insurers on panel |
| Claims handling | Self-service with internal claims team | Broker-advocated, external representation |
| Non-renewal options | Limited: must find new insurer yourself | Broker sources alternatives, negotiates terms |
| Non-strata / block of units | Often declined or limited options | Access to specialist property markets |
| Personalised advice | General guidance only | Tailored recommendations based on your situation |
| Complex or non-standard risks | May decline cover | Access to specialist and underwriting markets |
| Price | Often competitive for simple risks | Focused on value: right cover, not just cheapest |
| Your time investment | You compare, purchase, and manage | Broker handles research and administration |
How does the claims process differ?
With a direct insurer, you lodge your claim through their portal or call centre. From that point, you deal with the insurer's internal assessors and claims handlers. Their role is to assess the claim according to the policy terms. If disputes arise, you navigate them alone.
With a broker, you have someone who understands the policy, knows the insurer's processes, and can push back if a claim is unfairly delayed or disputed. Brokers manage the paperwork, follow up on your behalf, and escalate issues when necessary. This external advocacy often results in faster resolution and fairer outcomes.
Real-World Scenario: What happens when your insurer will not renew?
The situation: A property investor had been insured with Budget Direct for years on their block of units held on a single title. At renewal, Budget Direct advised they would not continue cover. The reason was not claims history. They had simply changed their appetite for blocks of units entirely.
This is not an isolated case. Since the second half of 2025 and into 2026, we have seen this pattern repeatedly. Direct insurers tightening their criteria and exiting certain property types, leaving long-standing policyholders scrambling for alternatives.
The problem: Direct insurers offer their own products only. When they decline to continue cover, you are left to start from scratch with another provider, often with limited guidance and no relationship to fall back on.
The broker difference: A broker can access their full panel of insurers, present your risk to multiple underwriters, negotiate terms, and secure alternative cover. In many cases, brokers can also access specialist markets that do not deal directly with the public. Where a direct insurer closes the door, a broker opens several more.
What does Tank Insurance offer?
Tank Insurance is an Australian insurance brokerage specialising in:
- Home insurance (owner-occupied)
- Landlord insurance (investment property, including high-risk or non-standard properties)
- Non-strata insurance (for properties without a body corporate)
- Block of units insurance (for owners of entire blocks)
- Business insurance (Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Cyber, Management Liability, and more)
We provide manual policy reviews, dedicated claims support, and access to a broad panel of insurers. Our focus is on ensuring you have the right cover, not just the cheapest premium.
Summary: Which option suits you?
Choose Budget Direct if:
You have straightforward insurance needs, prefer self-service, and are comfortable managing your own claims.
Choose a broker like Tank Insurance if:
You want independent advice, access to multiple insurers, help navigating complex risks, and someone advocating on your behalf when it matters most. This is especially true for landlords and property investors with non-standard holdings.