I can remember how Direct Line changed how we bought car insurance a few decades ago by bring the whole operation under one roof and selling their policies over the phone, rather than through several bricks and mortar businesses throughout the UK, with the high costs of maintaining these units. It worked because unlike other products, it does not need to be seen or touched and the quality is in the brand name or words written within the policy.

But as the internet came upon us, little by little we were bombarded with web addresses to visit to buy our cheaper car insurance, little did we know there was going to be another step forward, in the car insurance comparison website.

Within a few minutes of filling in one form, our request can be checked against several insurance companies at once and deliver quotes on hundreds of policies, in the time it takes me to take a sip of my coffee. It hasn’t just stopped with cars, the insurance comparison route has extended into travel, home, pet, travel, breakdown cover and now even utilities such as you gas and electricity suppliers. Never before has so much information been available within a few clicks and without the need of a
professional adviser.

There are still things to consider though, as it is almost impossible to have all of the small print from every car insurance policy, presented to the customer. You tend find yourself been given “top line” information rather than the “nitty gritty” small print. Within 50 or so words you will know what the benefits of the insurance policy are, but alas what is not covered, or even some of
the conditions to the sale are often not presented until your purchase or during the click to accept offer process, which is not always the most convenient time.

It is ironic that Direct Line who I remember from all those years ago are the main insurer who chooses not to be involved with car insurance comparison websites, but most do knowing full well that these sites can deliver far more traffic than their own can and as many people stay with insurers, the initial can often be very competitive to get future business at renewal time.