A few weeks ago, swiftcover.com announced exciting news concerning its sales figures. The company has sold 500,000 live policies since its creation in the summer of 2005 and has exceeded all expectations by reaching this target ahead of schedule. Swiftcover.com is the only 100% online insurance provider in the United Kingdom. Since 2005 it has achieved an annual average growth of 280%.

The CEO of the company was keen to point out the importance of the hard-working staff in achieving this milestone. Stephen Hardy thanked the staff for “working hard to achieve such tremendous growth”. The company is still one of the fastest growing insurance firms in the country and it currently employs over 250 people. Hardy continued to describe the appeal of the company. He believes that providing an “entirely internet based” company provides customers with a quick and convenient service which can be tailored to individual needs.

Hardy created the company along with Andrew Blowers, who is now chairman of swiftcover.com, after the pair became frustrated by the manner in which the industry was dominated by the telephone. The company has increased in popularity since 2005 and it was found to offer the cheapest car insurance in 2007.

Stephen Hardy was also quick to point out his hopes for the company’s future. The CEO spoke of his desire for “this level of growth” to continue over the following years. If you are thinking about purchasing car insurance, it is certainly worth following the lead of over half a million people and trying swiftcover.com.

If you are currently searching the Internet high and low for a great deal on car insurance and are fortunate enough to be the owner of a Tesco Clubcard, you can halt your search immediately. Tesco is offering customers free car insurance for three months if it is purchased over the Internet by December 10th. The good news is that even if you do not have a Clubcard, you can still benefit from free car insurance for up to two months.

To take advantage of this outstanding offer, simply visit Tescofinance.com and enter your Clubcard number as soon as you start the process of getting a quote. The offer works by deducting 25% from your monthly bill, which adds up to a saving equal to three months’ worth of cover.

The Head of Tesco Car Insurance, Allan Burns, believes that in the current climate of global financial uncertainty, the pressure of keeping a car on the road can become too much. With ever-increasing energy and food bills to take care of, car insurance is one expense we could all do without at the moment. However, Burns hopes that “by offering 12 months for the price of nine”, car insurance will quickly become “more affordable for all”.

Even before this offer was announced, purchasing car insurance from Tesco has always been a good idea. Benefits include cover for accidental damage, audio equipment cover, an option to choose your own repairer, cover for windscreen damage, personal accident cover for anyone under the age of 75 and third party liability of up to £20 million.

HSBC has announced exciting statistics which clearly show the success of its new partnership with Junction. Last month, HSBC announced Junction as its new affinity partner for motor insurance and the public has now been informed that sales of new policies in September were up by over 250% year on year. The bank sells motor insurance to consumers via the internet, in local branches and over the phone. Although the insurance is provided under the HSBC Insurance brand, Junction is responsible for delivering the actual motor insurance product.

The managing director of Junction, Peter Thompson, has been kept satisfied by the news. However, he managed to remain fairly modest, preferring to discuss the “ambitious plans for HSBC’s motor insurance proposition” rather than dwelling on the “good results to date”. Thompson stated that Junction have numerous “long-term” targets and the company is now looking forward to delivering more exceptional results.

This news is extremely positive for HSBC, and the chief executive of HSBC General Insurance UK, Andy Watson, has spoken publicly about his excitement. He has revealed that the bank is “thrilled” with the new figures and stated that HSBC is seeing sales “in a single day equivalent to that previously achieved in a week”.

Watson believes that the dramatic increase in sales figures is a result of the increased competitiveness of the quotes offered by the bank since the partnership commenced. According to the chief executive, the professional approach of the staff in the bank’s branches has led to customers easily finding the right cover and subsequently feeling comfortable making a purchase.

At the moment, everyone is trying to save a bit of money here and there. Whilst you may be lusting after a brand new Mercedes, you may have to put up with the fact that second-hand cars are a better option. If you are considering purchasing a second-hand car, you will be interested to hear that swiftcover.com has published a list of the top ten cheapest second-hand cars to insure. Customers purchasing a second-hand car can take advantage of cheaper insurance, since the cost of replacement is ultimately lower as a result of greater depreciation.

The list is as follows:

• Smart
• Fiat Seicento
• Skoda Fabia
• Toyota Aygo
• Nissan Micra
• Citroen C1
• Renault Clio
• Suzuki Wagon R
• Volkswagen Fox Urban
• Peugeot 107

Tina Shortle, the marketing director at swiftcover.com, released a statement outlining the company’s desire to research how it was able to offer value for money to its customers with regards to insuring second-hand cars, particularly in the new economic climate. She continued to state that the company has been reassured by the findings and believes that their pricing structure still provides amazing value for money.

It is certainly clear that consumers have been affected badly by the recent global financial crisis. However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers has found that sales of second-hand cars have remained fairly consistent, despite falling slightly earlier this year. Conversely, sales of new cars have dramatically decreased as motorists start feeling the pinch.