10 tips to help streamline online SME referrals

A recent QBE Q Academy session brought together insights from our SME Underwriters on how brokers can help streamline online referrals and placements.

The discussion explored common referral triggers, the information we often require, and practical ways to present submissions more clearly. Here are 10 tips to help make the online SME referral process more efficient.

Supporting clearer submissions

Providing complete and accurate information from the outset can help us assess referrals more efficiently and gain a clearer understanding of your client's business.

What constitutes a "complete" submission will vary depending on the risk and cover requested. During the session, our underwriters shared practical guidance on how to present a business's operations, activities and exposures more effectively, and highlighted some of the information gaps that can lead to follow-up questions.

Streamlining placements

When we talk about streamlining placements, we're referring to providing a clear and consistent picture of the insured's business, operations and risk exposures.

The more effectively a risk is presented, the easier it is for us to understand the exposure and determine appropriate cover and terms. If additional context or clarification is needed, our underwriters are available to support you through the referral process.

System enhancements and practical updates

As we continue to enhance our systems and underwriting processes, some changes may affect how referrals are submitted and assessed.

One example discussed during the session was the contractor payments field. In the past, this field could sometimes be left blank, making it difficult to determine whether contractor exposures existed or had simply not been considered.

Providing this information upfront can help reduce the need for additional follow-up and support a more efficient referral experience.

Contractor considerations

Contractor arrangements can be an important consideration when assessing liability exposures.

The session explored some of the distinctions between employees and contractors, the information we may require where contractor exposures are identified, and examples of how cover may respond under our Business Package and Farm Package products.

Understanding these considerations before submitting a referral can help ensure the relevant information is available when needed.

Embargo periods

Following significant weather events such as floods, cyclones, bushfires or severe storms, embargoes may be introduced in affected areas.

During an embargo period, the ability to place new business or make changes to existing policies may be restricted, and additional information may be required before cover can be considered.

Our underwriters shared practical insights into how embargoes operate and some of the circumstances where exceptions may be available.

Survey referrals

We've reduced a number of survey referral triggers, however some referrals still require specific information to be provided at the point of submission.

The session outlined the different types of surveys that may apply, the exposures that can trigger them, and examples of situations where further review may be required.

Providing clear and relevant information upfront can help support a more efficient assessment process.

Property risks and multiple tenants

For investment properties with multiple tenants, accurate classification remains an important consideration.

Using the correct ANZSIC classification for each tenant helps ensure we understand the nature of the exposures involved and can apply the appropriate coverage considerations and policy clauses.

Taking the time to classify tenants correctly can help avoid unnecessary delays and reduce the likelihood of referral rework.

Farm exposures and vehicle classes

Farm risks often involve a wide variety of vehicles, plant and equipment, which can be classified differently depending on how they are used.

The session provided guidance on how we typically consider vehicles such as motorcycles, tractors and harvesters, as well as associated attachments and accessories.

Understanding these classifications can help ensure the correct information is captured at the time of submission.

Business Package clauses

Our Business Package product includes a range of optional clauses that can help tailor cover to an insured's individual circumstances.

Examples discussed during the session included clauses that may extend business activities, recognise additional interested parties or clarify the insured entities covered under the policy.

Identifying these requirements early can help support a smoother placement process.

Additional considerations

The session concluded with a range of practical tips covering topics such as indexing and frequently asked broker questions.

While every risk is different, providing clear, accurate and complete information at the outset can help minimise delays and support a more efficient referral experience.

Watch the webinar

Want to explore these topics in more detail and hear directly from our SME Underwriters?

Watch the full Q Academy session to learn how we assess online SME referrals and discover practical ways to improve referral quality and efficiency.

Q Academy 2026 SME Business Expo

Give us an hour of your time and we'll share practical insights to help streamline your online referrals.