10 reasons it’s smarter (and safer) to get life insurance through an adviser
You know what’s more confusing than trying to pick a health fund? Trying to understand insurance policies. Especially when the fine print makes your brain melt.
We get it. The DIY route feels quicker, cheaper, easier. But spoiler alert: insurance through an adviser isn’t just for the rich and overly cautious. It’s actually the smarter, safer, and in many cases—cheaper—way to go.
Let’s be real. Reading a 100+ page Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is right up there with watching paint dry. And yet, that’s exactly what most people sign up for when they try to DIY their insurance.
You might think “Eh, I’ve got this covered”... until you try to claim and realise your policy excludes that very thing you needed.
Here are 10 solid reasons why working with a financial adviser might just save your butt (and your bank account).
1. They translate the legal speak into human
Let’s start here: most PDS documents are longer than your favourite Netflix binge. Advisers cut through the crap and tell you exactly what matters—and what doesn’t.
"One client asked if she had to read through her PDS. I told her she could... or she could just let us do the heavy lifting." – Phil
It’s not about spoon-feeding. It’s about saving you from drowning in fine print.
2. They figure out what you’ve already got (and what you’re missing)
A lot of us already have some kind of cover through super—but do we actually know what it is?
“You might’ve taken it out five years ago, before your health changed. Cancelling it without checking could leave you exposed.” – Trent
Sometimes your old cover might be the best thing you’ve got. Other times, you’re overpaying for something that no longer makes sense.
3. They tailor cover to your life, not just a checklist
No cookie-cutter policies here. Whether you’ve just had a baby, started a new job, or bought your first home, advisers can match a policy to your situation—and budget.
✅ Life insurance
✅ Income protection
✅ Trauma cover
✅ Total and permanent disability (TPD)
They’ll even talk you through awkward hypotheticals. What if your partner can’t work because they’re looking after you? That stuff matters.
Bonus tip: If you're paying your premiums outside of super, they might be tax-deductible (ATO, 2024). That’s right—tailoring cover with an adviser could save you at tax time, too.
Source: ATO – Tax deductions for insurance
4. They help you avoid junk policies (yes, that’s a thing)
From mortgage insurance that mainly protects the bank to those “no-medicals-needed” direct policies you see in daytime ads—advisers know which policies to sidestep.
“We’ve seen people pay premiums for years only to find they’re not covered due to exclusions or tricky fine print.” – Trent
Don’t fall for a feel-good TV ad. That’s not where your future deserves to be decided.
5. They pre-check your chances before you even apply
Pre-assessments are the behind-the-scenes magic most people don’t know about.
Why? Because applying to 5+ insurers one-by-one is a nightmare. Advisers can shortlist the ones most likely to give you the best terms—based on your health, job, and lifestyle.
“Some insurers treat your job as high risk, others don’t. An adviser helps you pick the right battle.” – Phil
6. You get consumer protection. Going direct? Not so much.
When you go direct or use a comparison site, no one’s legally responsible for whether that policy suits you. With advisers, it's different.
“We’re legally bound to act in your best interest. If we don’t, you’ve got pathways to complain—and win.” – Phil
There are license checks, best interest duties, and formal advice documents. And if something goes wrong? You’ve got recourse.
According to ASIC’s guide to choosing an adviser, licensed advisers are required to put your best interests first. That includes documentation, duty of care, and support channels if anything goes wrong.
Regulatory Guide 175 AFS licensing: Financial product advisers—Conduct and disclosure (RG 175)
7. It’s often cheaper (yep, really)
Many people assume advice = extra cost. But you could end up paying more for a lesser policy when you go through your super.
"We've compared them. Direct-to-super options often cost more and cover less." – Trent
Insurers sometimes offer better deals through advisers because they get to know you better (medicals, lifestyle, etc.), meaning less risk—and better rates.
And according to the FSC Life Insurance Framework, advisers help keep pricing competitive and policies more transparent.
8. They show up when it really matters—claim time
When you're sick, recovering, or mentally fried, the last thing you want is a 14-page claim form and a clueless call centre operator.
"One of our clients was wrongly told she couldn’t claim on income protection. We stepped in and sorted it—she could.” – Phil
An adviser advocates for you, explains your rights, and helps you get what you’re owed.
9. They keep your cover up to date as life changes
Insurance isn’t a “set and forget” thing.
Got a pay rise? Had a kid? Bought a house? These all impact what kind of cover you need.
“A lot of people don’t even know they can increase cover automatically with certain policies. We help with that.” – Phil
Some policies include Guaranteed Future Insurability. Your adviser can activate it. You just have to let them know what's changed.
10. They’ve got your back—even when you don’t know you need it
From chasing underwriters to challenging exclusions, advisers can advocate for fairer treatment if an insurer drops the ball.
“If a big advice firm makes noise, insurers tend to listen. As a solo client, it’s easy to get ignored.” – Phil
Whether it’s a disputed claim or a dodgy exclusion, advisers know how to make a case—and they’re not afraid to escalate it.
Final thoughts
Sure, you could DIY your insurance. You could also fix your own plumbing, but that doesn’t mean you should.
A financial adviser does more than fill out forms—they fight for your best outcome, now and when things hit the fan.
"You don’t need it… until you really need it. And if it’s wrong at that moment, you’re stuffed." – Trent