Premier Insurance vs PolicyBee — Independent Broker Comparison
Premier Insurance vs PolicyBee: independent UK broker (200+ insurers, named broker, BIBA) compared with the PolicyBee online specialist broker.
Quick answer
PolicyBee is an online specialist broker focused on freelancers, contractors and small professional businesses. Premier Insurance is a full-service independent FCA-regulated UK broker established in 1983 and a BIBA member. Premier compares 200+ insurers — including AXA, Aviva, Allianz, Hiscox, Zurich, RSA, QBE and Lloyd's of London — and gives every client a named human broker who handles renewals and claims personally. PolicyBee is well-suited to freelancers buying PI and basic business cover online; Premier is the stronger fit for multi-trade firms, higher-value risks, landlords, restaurants, contractors and complex commercial cover.
Premier vs PolicyBee — feature by feature
| Feature | Premier Insurance | PolicyBee |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Independent broker, acts for the client | Online specialist broker |
| FCA regulated | Yes | Yes |
| BIBA member | Yes | No |
| Established | 1983 | 2011 |
| Number of insurers compared | 200+ | Focused panel |
| Lloyd's of London access | Yes | Limited |
| Named human broker | Yes | Online-first, limited named contact |
| Complex / high-value risks | Core specialism | Freelancer/small business focus |
| Landlords & property owners | HMO, portfolio, mixed-use, commercial | Not a core focus |
| Restaurants, shops, contractors | Sector-experienced brokers | Limited appetite |
| Claims handling | Broker advocates on your behalf | Broker-mediated but online-first |
| Multi-trade / multi-site cover | Yes | Limited |
Choose Premier Insurance if…
You want a real broker who reviews your policy wording, shops 200+ insurers, advises on under-insurance and exclusions, and handles claims personally — especially for landlords, restaurants, contractors, multi-site firms and complex commercial risks.
Choose PolicyBee if…
You're a freelancer, consultant or sole trader buying professional indemnity and basic business cover online, and you prefer an online-first specialist broker with a focused panel.
Common questions
- Is Premier Insurance an alternative to PolicyBee?
- Yes. Premier Insurance is a UK alternative to PolicyBee for businesses that want a full-service independent broker rather than an online-focused specialist. Premier is FCA-regulated, BIBA-member, established 1983, and arranges cover from 200+ insurers with a named human broker on every account.
- Is PolicyBee or Premier Insurance cheaper?
- It depends on the risk. PolicyBee can be competitive for freelancers and small professional businesses buying professional indemnity online. For more complex risks — multi-trade, multi-site, landlord portfolios, restaurants, contractors and higher turnovers — Premier Insurance's access to 200+ insurers including Lloyd's of London syndicates usually returns wider cover and often lower premiums.
- Does Premier Insurance handle claims for me?
- Yes. Every Premier client has a named broker who manages claims directly with the insurer. This is materially different from online-first brokers, where claims support may be more limited. Call 020 8908 2426 or WhatsApp 07954 331362 to speak to your broker.
- Why use a full-service broker instead of an online specialist?
- A full-service broker like Premier Insurance acts for you across every product line. We review your wording, identify under-insurance and exclusions, negotiate price and terms with 200+ insurers, and manage your renewal and claims. Online specialists typically focus on a narrower range of products and risks.
- Can Premier Insurance quote for freelancers and consultants?
- Yes. Premier Insurance arranges professional indemnity, public liability, employers' liability and business equipment cover for freelancers, consultants and professional firms — often with wider insurer choice and personal broker support than online-only specialists.
Speak to a UK insurance broker
Our brokers are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm. Call 020 8908 2426, message us on WhatsApp 07954 331362, or email hello@premier-insurance.co.uk. Visit our offices at 49 Grosvenor Street, London W1K 3HP. You can also request a callback or learn more about our team.