The AA

The AA describes itself as "an insurance intermediary". However, it soon becomes plain that the AA is selling its own motor and home insurance policies, and "intermediating" with panels of underwriters rather than with retail providers. In short, what the AA seems to be doing is finding the cheapest quote for a standard product, by putting your application out to competitive underwriting.

The advantage is that you are searching for the cheapest underwriter for a standard product (specified by the AA), rather than between retail offerings differing both in price and their terms & conditions. The disadvantages may be lack of flexibility and transparency. Chacun à son goût.

Insurance risks covered are:

• Motor: Car, classic car (over 25 years old), motorcycle, caravan, minibus, van; breakdown
• Home: Buildings and contents
• Travel: Single/multi-trip, winter sports, golfing, wedding.
• Health: Personal injury
• Pet: Cat and dog.
• Business: Home worker (building & contents, business equipment, computer breakdown liability), small business liability (employer's & public liability; tools, phones, plant hire).

Discounts are available for both AA members and online application.

Navigation is intuitive but the questionnaires are sometimes unnecessarily detailed and appear aimed at achieving add-on sales.