MITBA offers a service to help businesses and consumers find a broker they can trust. To find a broker, click here: "Broker Finder." You will benefit most by developing a close business relationship in which the broker understands your future plans, associated risks, and how you prefer to conduct business.

Before selecting a broker, there are some basic questions you need to have answered, especially when looking for business insurance. For example:

• Do you need business or domestic coverage?
• Are you looking for special services, such as special risk management services or technical advice?
• Would you prefer to work with a small or large firm?

Ask the brokers you've selected to provide you with an expression of interest or a proposal. From the expression of interest, you'll get a sense of which one may be right for you. This should detail:

• Their qualifications and registration with official bodies or associations.
• Who would service the account.
• Their experience with your type of business.
• Their range of services.
• The size of their "typical" client.
• How they bill for their work.
• Referees.

If you are a business, you might then ask the broker to make a presentation. During the presentation, you should look for:

• Business compatibility.
• Level of commitment.
• How they propose to solve your insurance problems.
• The competitive advantages of their firm over any others you may have selected.

Once you've made a decision, include a review period in the relationship with your broker. This allows both parties to discuss any issues of concern and see if the relationship is working.

Contact a broker today and have peace of mind, knowing that you have purchased the correct protection to cover the risk.