World First supports FSA guidance consultation for insurance comparison websites

15 July 2011 15:01

With more than 35 years industry experience in the industry, World First Travel Insurance offer annual multi-trip and single trip policies for destinations throughout the world

With more than 35 years industry experience in the industry, World First Travel Insurance offer annual multi-trip and single trip policies for destinations throughout the world

With more than 50% of their customers buying their travel insurance online, specialist travel insurance company, World First Travel Insurance, welcomes the Financial Services Authority’s (FSA) scrutiny of price comparison websites and resulting consultation guidance issued recently.

Martin Rothwell, Managing Partner of World First Travel Insurance says, "Price comparison websites can be a good place to start your search for travel insurance, but increasingly people are discovering buying solely on price can be a false economy."

The FSA has recently raised concerns that insurance comparison websites have not been complying with its rules and this may result in customers being treated unfairly. They have asked the websites to think carefully about whether they are introducing or recommending certain policies without proper authorisation to provide financial advice. The deadline for responses to the consultation is 8 August 2011.

The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has previously voiced concern about customer detriment and is pleased that the FSA guidance recommends comparison websites review their disclosure documentation, sales procedures and terms and conditions to meet current regulations. This will include customer eligibility, status disclosure, advice suitability and providing a proper statement of demands and needs. Steve White, Head of Compliance and Training says, "This is a really important step in consumer protection. This should lead to greater clarity for customers in terms of who they are dealing with and the policy they are purchasing."

Martin adds, "World First Travel Insurance works hard to provide insurance that best suits our customers' needs and to treat people fairly in gathering information, establishing the prospective risk and assessing and processing claims. As a member of the Association of Travel Insurance Intermediaries (ATII) we adhere to FSA rules which help ensure customer satisfaction."

With more than 35 years industry experience in the industry, World First Travel Insurance offer annual multi-trip and single trip policies for destinations throughout the world and for individuals taking part in most forms of activities and types of holidays. World First is also one of the few travel insurance companies to provide comprehensive cover for pre-existing medical conditions and to insure people up to the age of 100.

World First Travel Insurance customer testimonials show the importance of getting the best policy to suit the individual needs of the traveller.

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