BIBA receives over 700,000 enquiries from older motorists

More than 700,000 enquiries for motor and travel insurance from older people have been made to the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) as a result of the signposting initiative put in place in 2012.

BIBA, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the UK government teamed up in 2012 to launch the signposting agreement, which sees insurers or brokers automatically refer older motorists to alternative providers if they are unable to cover them.

The association also operates dedicated signposting service Find-Insurance service, reachable on 0370 950 1790 or via www.biba.org.uk.

Their signposting agreement, which was renewed yesterday, was reviewed in 2015 and again last month. BIBA has received more than 700,000 enquiries for motor and travel insurance from older people.

The agreement helps older people find the essential cover they need when they may previously have struggled to find suitable insurance. BIBA’s triage process links those seeking insurance with an appropriate member broker that can assess their insurance needs and source an appropriate policy.

Graeme Trudgill, executive director at BIBA, said: “Understandably, some older people have found looking for appropriate travel or motor insurance challenging and we are delighted that so many have found their way to our Find-Insurance service.”

He continued: “We are committed to expanding the ease with which customers with many and varied needs can access suitable insurance. We are sure because we have seen many hundreds of thousands of enquiries from older people seeking insurance where other providers could not assist because of their age, that a signposting system does work and that BIBA brokers are able to help.”

James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the ABI, added: “This agreement between the government, ABI and BIBA is having a positive impact in helping many older customers access the motor and travel insurance that they need. We want all customers to be able to access competitively priced insurance, and this initiative is helping to deliver on this.”

Mark Dugdale