Car Insurance Brokers
There is an alternative to comparing insurance quotes online when you can still purchase any level of cover from a traditional broker.
Before direct and internet based companies arrived on the scene, the only way to buy car insurance was through a broker, many of whom had offices on high streets throughout the UK. Major motoring organisations such as the AA and the RAC recognised that they could provide their members with significant benefits by offering car cover alongside their more typical breakdown products, and while non-members could also take advantage of these offers, the traditional style of insurance broker began to lose popularity.
Despite market changes in the way car insurance is sold in the UK today, the average broker still has a major role to play and has adapted to meet the needs of modern customers. For those who prefer the personal touch, a comprehensive selection of insurance brokers can still be found on high streets across Britain, and Swintons, a nationally recognised company, are an example of a broker who can also offer car insurance online or over the phone in addition to selling premiums from their walk-in branch network.
By definition, an insurance broker earns sales commission by selling other companies' policies. As independent experts, their job is to offer impartial advice in helping you decide the level of car insurance cover required for your particular circumstances. For example, you may be unsure as to whether fully comprehensive or third party, fire and theft cover is the best option for you, and their knowledge and experience of the car insurance industry will help you make an informed choice. A broker will then match your requirements with competitive quotes and products from their approved panel of companies to find a premium that is right for you.
Comparing car insurance quotes from different companies is not always straight forward, although advancements on the internet has meant this is becoming a fast and easy way of buying cover nowadays. However, most insurance brokers are keen to offer independent advice and can point out the advantages and disadvantages of each individual quote they obtain on your behalf, as they are effectively working for you, not the insurance company.
If you prefer the face-to-face approach, look out for a brokerage who belong to BIBA as they are the largest trade association for insurance brokers in the UK. BIBA members follow the General Insurance Council Standards codes of practice and it is worth noting that a member of BIBA will not be tied-in with any one particular product or company and are obliged to offer quotes from a variety of different insurers.
