Car Insurance Providers

There are several ways of buying car insurance in Britain.

Price Comparison Websites

These compare the vast majority of the market in one go. One form , usually a little longer than each individual companies form, is needed, the Price comparison website then checks against many insurers in one go and brings you a list of prices and features back for each company.

Direct Insurers

These are insurance companies who give quotes on products who are underwritten by them e.g. Norwich Union, Moreth>n etc

Agents

These are companies who will only sell insurance products from one insurance company e.g. For home and car insurance Prudential is an Agent of Churchill. This means that Prudential has done a deal with Churchill whereby they underwrite the insurance.

Insurance Panels

These are companies who have arrangements with a number of other companies to sell their insurance products. Usually the products will be branded. e.g. Lloyds TSB operates a panel of insurance companies for car. They will typically work through a broker to find the cheapest insurer within their panel.

Insurance Brokers

Similar to a panel but generally include more insurers. Its4me and AA are brokers and will compare many products from many providers and get you the best deal they can. However, in some cases you will be able buy the same product cheaper by buying direct.