The chairman of the AiiB, Mike Slack, has criticised a survey which claimed consumers prefer to buy their cover from insurers.

Slack said the finding by the National Consumer Council (Insurance Times, November 11) contradicts the AiiB's own research and further confuses the performance of insurers and brokers in the insurance market.

He said: "This may reflect the situation that, with more intermediaries and brokers using direct sales techniques, the public are not recognising the difference between the two distribution channels."

Slack said ABI figures show intermediaries have the edge over insurers in terms of premium income, accounting for 67% of general business premiums; company agents and direct writers each have a 16% share, he said.

The NCC survey found only 13% of consumers would choose an intermediary for household cover and 23% a direct writer.


The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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