Where can I buy insurance?

Where can I buy insurance?

 

Insurance products can be bought in a variety of ways:

 

• Direct from an insurance company – over the phone or via the internet
• From a comparison website
• Through insurance brokers (for general insurance products, such as car, home or travel insurance) or independent financial advisers (for life insurance, investments and pensions), who can offer advice about which products best suit your needs and circumstances
• From a high street retailer such as a supermarket or a bank
• Or alongside another product, for example getting travel insurance from a travel agent, or identity theft insurance when you open a bank account.

 

Having a problem finding insurance cover?

 

Insurance is based on risk.  Insurers decide the terms and conditions on which to offer cover, or whether to offer cover at all, based on their assessment of the risk.  Some customers have particular needs or characteristics which require specialist attention from insurers; examples include people with complex medical histories or unspent criminal convictions.  Insurers may require additional information about these customers before they can offer cover, while others may choose not to offer cover at all.  Because comparison websites can only ask a set number of questions, some customers may find that they are unable to find suitable cover this way.  If you are unable to find cover on a comparison website, try contacting insurers direct or using an insurance broker or financial adviser.

 

Many charities representing people with particular needs have arrangements with specialist insurers, brokers or financial advisers who may be able to help you find suitable cover. 

 

Alternatively, the British Insurance Brokers Association runs a find a broker service which can put you in touch with specialists; similarly, unbiased.co.uk can help you identify independent financial advisers in your local area.

 

Need help understanding your risk?

 

Insurance premiums are calculated on the basis of risk.  Generally, the more likely a person is to make a claim, and the larger their claim, the higher their premium will be.

 

Often it’s obvious why some people pay more for their insurance cover – for example, cars with powerful engines will often attract higher premiums than smaller engine cars.  This section aims to help customers understand insurers’ approach to certain types of risks. 

For answers to commonly asked questions about obtaining the following insurances see 

Household insurance

Motor insurance

Travel insurance