Home insurance direct v via broker

calypso_rhapsody

My household insurance is due for renewal at the end of the week.  The premium is breath taking but reflects the high rebuild cost and listed nature of the building. Two brokers (who specialise in high value property insurance) have tried to find alternative cover but have failed to find another company willing to quote.  I have also approached NFU but our rebuild cost exceeds their maximum. 
So looks as if I am stuck with the current provider. One of the two brokers has offered me a discount if we move the policy from being a direct policy to one via him  This is tempting - about one month's premium saving over the year.
But I am concerned that I might in future be regarded as a 'new' customer and lose whatever benefits there may be for being a longstanding customer - no claims has been mentioned though not overtly shown in policy documents unlike with a car.
My disaster scenario is that i save this one month's premium this year but then end up with an insurer who declines to renew next year when this year's attempts suggest that getting alternative cover is nigh on impossible,
Any advice or experience?  Please!

XRS200

Is he talking about transferring the current policy?  If so, why be concerned about being a new customer.

I doubt anyone on the internet can give you the comfort you seek.  Explain your concern to the broker

DullGreyGuy

How much is breathtaking?
What are your sums insured?
What category of listed building?

Are you sure the product is identical? Most insurers don't sell the same terms both direct and via brokers, the difference can be immaterial in most circumstances but it is a consideration beyond just price. 

There isn't too much benefits of loyalty, as a new customer a claim in the first few days may undergo more scrutiny than someone that just renewed for the 10th time but in most cases honest claims are ultimately paid. If you were to be in that position you can easily advise them that you were formerly and recently a customer and you've just changed distribution channel and they can check for themselves.