Online motor insurance search engine allows greater transparency

An independent broker has launched an online motor search engine with a panel of more than 300 insurers and schemes in the UK.

Motor broker 4 Insurance has created www.motorinsurancesupermarket.com, a fully transactional website that allows customers to search and buy policies online from companies such as Zurich, Norwich Union, NIG and Churchill.

Wayne Lee, director of 4 Insurance and creator of the search engine, said the offering was unique: “The sole purpose of this new product is to find the most competitive and best quality insurance policy to meet customers’ needs.

“We will be one of the UK’s largest insurer comparison sites, with online and handling capabilities that are completely controlled and totally transparent.”

Insurers have full online access to upload, change and remove policies. “For example, if an insurer wanted to add changes to its young driver policy, it can externally upload the new rates on the server at its convenience,” Mr Lee explained.

The online product will offer individual schemes – such as female motor and convicted drivers’ insurance – and give tips on how to get the cheapest car insurance during the quotation process.

Each specific scheme is pre-programmed into the quote system, and sent to the insurer that offers the individual scheme.

“We are the first insurance company to offer flexible online payments for customers,” added Mr Lee. “Once they have taken out the policy, customers can log onto the administration page and modify the payment days by up to 30 days. Also, we have included a unique breakdown cover with RAC. Normally, the cover would cost £140 but we have negotiated
a price of £69 for full breakdown cover anywhere in Europe.”

The site provides links for legal cover, and information about the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the Pass-Plus scheme to reduce premiums. It also gives customers the opportunity to claim online.

Mr Lee added that the product was set-up solely for motor insurance: “At the moment, there are no plans to cross-sell with other products. The aim of the new offering is to make it easier for customers to gain a motor quote. The website is simple to navigate and will offer competitive quotes for any motor scheme.”

Motorinsurancesupermarket.com is due to launch a television advertising campaign in the middle of June.