The promotion cost of selling motor insurance over the internet has fallen below that of other offline methods such as telesales, according to a survey by eBenchmarkers.

eBenchmarkers tested the performance of the online business of 16 insurers, which, according to a report, account for roughly 80% of the UK's online insurance market.

The survey found that the average advertising cost for motor insurance sold via the internet was £26, where as for telesales the cost averaged £28, a difference of seven per cent.

"This is a historic development," said Stephen Adler, eBenchmarkers co-founder. "For years people in the business have trumpeted the potential lower costs of online sales while in practice volumes were so low that other channels were able to achieve far greater economies of scale and hence lower unit costs per sale."

Adler added that in future the cost of online sales would continue to improve in comparison with other sales channels.

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.