French look at UK phone banking
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GROUPE GAN, the French insurance and banking concern, is considering a move into UK telephone banking if its new direct motor insurance service, Touchline, which is launched today, meets expectations.
Sandy Dunn, head of Touchline, said that Groupe Gan aimed to have between 2.5 and 3 per cent of the UK direct insurance market in five years. Direct selling aims to lower the cost of insurance through by-passing brokers.
Direct selling of personal insurance such as motor and household risks accounts for about 10 per cent of the pounds 10bn UK insurance market. The proportion of motor insurance is expected to double from 15 per cent, or 2.5 million cars, to 30 per cent or 5 million cars in the next five years.
Mr Dunn said that Touchline was aiming to be competitive across a basket of motor insurance risks, but not necessarily on a risk-by-risk basis.
First Direct, Midland Bank's subsidiary, adopted the techniques of telephone selling to retail banking and recently moved into operating profit.
'We will gradually build up a large customer base at Touchline,' Mr Dunn said. 'I feel sure that we will find ways of extending our services, including banking.'
Direct Line, the cut-price direct sales insurance subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Scotland and market leader, also hopes to begin selling highly competitive deposit accounts and telephone loans. It is launching a pilot scheme next month.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments