Brokers have described as "hypocritical" Norwich Union's (NU) calls for brokers not to chase the lowest rates for clients.
One broker said: "Some of NU's regional offices are not hitting targets and are cutting rates to meet them.
"They are writing business that they would not do at the beginning of the year."
The broker added that brokers had to look for the lowest rates because clients buy on price.
He said: "We do not want to lose business."
But Henderson branch manager David Raw supported NU's calls.
He said: "Brokers should be selling on more than just price. If you sell on price you lose on price."
NU has called for brokers to support insurers in trying to halt the volatility of the underwriting cycle.
It is urging brokers not to chase the lowest premiums to win business.