ABOUT US

We are Breakwater Insurance Brokers, a team of insurance professionals who provide a seamless fusion of expert guidance and personalised service, delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the distinct needs of each client.

We deliver a comprehensive experience that goes beyond traditional insurance brokering. At the heart of Breakwater’s approach is a commitment to exceptional client service. We prioritise building strong relationships through open communication and personalised support.

Effective insurance goes beyond just coverage, Breakwater is proactive about risk management by working with clients to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. With this approach, Breakwater helps clients avoid unexpected challenges and enhances their overall security.

We operate with the highest standards of integrity and transparency ensuring that clients fully understand their insurance options.

Our head office is in Warrnambool, Victoria, a thriving coastal city at the end of the Great Ocean Road. This locality is no barrier to our service with clients over the entire Western District of Victoria, greater Victoria and beyond.

Protection and peace of mind

Coverage suited to your unique needs

Commitment to integrity and transparency

A trusted partner in safeguarding what matters most

WHY CHOOSE BREAKWATER?

When you work with us, we will meet with you to get a clear picture of your interests that need protecting and any risks you are exposed to – some you may not even be aware of.

We then approach relevant insurers to arrange a coverage to suit your needs.

Importantly, as your broker, we represent you and are obliged to act in your best interests, not the insurers or our own.

Our Brokers will:

  • really get to know you, your business and your exposure to risk
  • analyse and compare available products on your behalf and develop a comprehensive insurance solution to best suit you
  • analyse the different levels of cover and exclusions in what may seem at first glance to be identical products
  • adjust excess levels to suit your cashflow and risk profile
  • bundle different products from the same or different insurers to create a comprehensive, cost-effective solution responsive to your specific needs
  • negotiate with insurers regarding your own risk mitigation practices and their impact on your risk profile
  • factor in the standard of service that can be expected from different insurers and their historical claims performance.

MAKING A CLAIM

Our capabilities extend far beyond just taking your claim details and arranging your payments.

Should you need to make a claim, we provide you with all the support you need and manage the claim on your behalf.

Our claims team will:

  • help you understand the claims process
  • make sure you are aware of any actions required by you
  • have absolute commitment to advocating for you (not the insurer!)
  • ensure you receive the outcome your insurance policy intended.


Nothing motivates us more than achieving the best possible claims outcomes for our clients.

OUR STORY

Our story is one of local dedication, evolving expertise and a steadfast commitment to putting our clients first.

In 1994, Warrnambool locals Jeff Dennis and John Richardson founded what would become a cornerstone of the community, Richardson & Dennis Insurance Agencies. This humble beginning, backed by a deep connection to the local farming community, marked the start of a journey dedicated to providing personalised insurance solutions.

In 2017, the business obtained its own Australian Financial Services licence and Breakwater Insurance Brokers, solely owned by Jeff Dennis, was created. It was then that Breakwater became a member of the Steadfast Broker Network, Australasia’s largest general insurance broker network. This gave our clients access to more competitive prices, better policy terms, broader coverage and more customised solutions.

In December 2022, Breakwater Insurance Brokers was purchased by the Steadfast Group.

Today, the business is led by local Managing Director, Gabrielle Toscan, backed by a team of just over 20 staff. Gabrielle is driven by a desire to build a business that genuinely considers and cares about the clients’ best interests. In an industry that has become so impersonal, Gabrielle and her team strive to make every client feel seen, heard and safe.

The team is made up of brokers and broking assistants along with claims, finance, learning and development and administration departments. We continue to be a Warrnambool-based business, with a team comprised of proud members of our community.

As we look to the future of our business, our position within the Steadfast Group combined with our local management and service team will enable us to continue to maintain our strong local relationships and reputation, while having access to the expert advice and products across the Steadfast Group.

We will continue being our clients’ locally-based insurance partner as their needs grow and evolve by offering a genuine relationship backed by world-class products and expertise.

OUR PEOPLE

Gabrielle Toscan

Managing Director

Michael Dennis

Manager, Broking Services

Michele Anderton

Broker

Corey Fawcett

Broker

Kimberley Jones

Personal Lines Broker

Rebecca Munafo

Broker

Bernie Price

Broker

Wayne Promnitz

Broker

Kacey Webb

Broker

Kerryn Buchtmann

Personal Lines Broking Assistant

Joel Marasa

Broking Assistant

Kerin McInnes

Personal Lines Broking Assistant

Melissa Mills

Broking Assistant

Rebecca Rea

Broking Assistant & Compliance Officer

Anthony Sedgley

Broking Assistant

Dallas Fedley

Senior Claims Manager

Rene Menjivar

Senior Claims Manager

Phillip Bond

Claims Consultant

Wendy Rea

Officer Manager

Amy Grundy

Receptionist

CONTACT US

Find out how we can help you today. Send us your enquiry.

Contact Us