October 2003

Find a local or specialist broker online

45% of adults (22m people) have regular access to the Internet (Mori) including increasing numbers of business users
18% of Internet users have bought a financial product online (Mori)
40% use the Internet in researching information about insurance products (Mintel)
Online general insurance was worth £369m in 2002, up 88% on 2001 (Mintel)

Visit: www.insurancexpert.co.uk

Everyone knows where to find the websites of the large branded insurers since they spend millions of pounds in advertising – but where can you find brokers' websites, that can offer good value products together with impartial advice to the buyer?

Insurancexpert.co.uk provides a free online service to consumers and businesses looking to find local, impartial and expert insurance advice. It highlights the benefits of dealing with a local or specialist broker and provides useful tips on buying insurance and making a claim.

The broker search engine, called FindYourBroker, is easy to use, offering searches, based on your selected post-code or town. It can also locate specialist brokers in the home, motorbike, car, travel, caravan, business and commercial motor sectors.

Brokers' contact details are listed showing the nearest brokers first. Hot links to brokers' websites are also provided. Many of these brokers' websites include online quoting.

Insurancexpert.co.uk can help with not just the straightforward insurance need, but also with the more unusual or harder to place. Insurance brokers have access to a large number of specialist schemes ranging from classic cars, holiday homes, taxis, farm insurance and other business schemes.

Insurancexpert.co.uk contains contact information on brokers who can help firms find the right cover. This could be particularly useful for small businesses that have had to face increasing premiums.

Insurancexpert.co.uk is sponsored by leading broker insurer, NIG. Insurancexpert.co.uk contains over 2,000 broker websites in its database
Recent research by NIG has shown that now over two-thirds of brokers have a website.

By visiting the site and contacting a local broker you will have access to most of the large branded insurers together with many insurers who do not spend money promoting their brand since they only deal through brokers. Local brokers may also have specially negotiated rates for their area based on good local knowledge.

The site also offers a knowledge centre containing educational tips on how to get the best insurance deals, what to do when things go wrong, and how a broker can facilitate this for you.

Valuable information on what to do in the event of a claim is also provided. Insurancexpert.co.uk's recent research shows that nearly a third (30%) of claimants find the claims process time consuming and complicated. An impartial insurance broker can help speed up the processes and take away much of the hassle.

The research also reveals that over 26 million people could face the dangers of under-insurance, as they own items in their homes that would be difficult or costly to replace. These range from cds and books, to antiques, to expensive audio equipment. A broker found through insurancexpert.co.uk will be able to provide advice on the correct level of cover required and also locate a policy able to cover these items.

Derek Gibbens, spokesperson for Insurancexpert.co.uk comments

"There is a growing need for people to have expert advice since they require insurance above and beyond the standard policies available. Using specialist advice from a broker not only helps you get a competitive price, but also ensures that you have the most suitable cover for your needs."

NIG is one of a number of 'broker-only' insurers that work closely with the broker channel to provide insurance solutions at competitive prices. Electronic data interchange and the Internet has made brokers more cost-effective and efficient. We advise insurance buyers to contact a broker as part of their insurance shopping process. Insurancexpert.co.uk makes this easy.