UK is gripped by internet purchasing the fastest

The UK’s price comparison site culture has made it the European capital of online purchasing for insurance, significantly outpacing other European countries. In the UK, 27% of insurance buyers use a price comparison site, compared with 16% in Germany and 14% in Italy.

UK consumers are also more likely than their European counterparts to use comparison sites, blogs and other online resources when researching purchases. Among UK buyers, 57% use the internet for research, compared with 32% across Europe.

By contrast, personal contact remains at the heart of purchasing culture throughout much of the rest of Europe, particularly at renewal, when extending cover or making a claim. In France, just 19% of consumers research purchases online.

 

RankCountryPercentage of respondents
who have bought through
a comparison site
1UK27%
2Germany16%
3Italy14%
4Netherlands13%
5Turkey10%
6France9%
7Poland8%
8Spain8%

The Global Consumer Insurance Survey 2012, conducted by Ernst & Young, interviewed 8,532 consumers of life and non-life personal insurance products between August and October 2011.

 

 

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.