Insurance Brokers: Anyone know any good ones?

[Broken Viking]

Hail all!
I need to arrange myself some travel insurance for two (And most likely more) forthcoming trips. I was originally planning to buy a worldwide annual policy from Columbus Direct to cover me - But after going through the policy wording [Direct PDF link, 800KB] tonight with a fine tooth comb, I'm not particularly happy with some of the terms within and some of the things which aren't covered.

Although I'll most likely go for a Columbus policy if I find time is getting short and I need to get some cover in a hurry, what I could really do with is an insurance broker who could advise me on products from multiple companies and sign me up to something that'll not only give me the cover I need, but will also be suited for or even tailored to my needs. (And hopefully not too expensive! )
Both of the trips I currently have lined up are general holidays without any odd risks or Winter sports to be taken into account, but I'm considering maybe doing another ALR later this year...And after losing three days of my last one thanks to 'Flu, I'd like to find some cover that includes cover for holidays within the UK - Especially cover for genuine loss of validity and missed Advance departures if it exists.

Does anyone know of any good, trustworthy and established brokers that might fit my needs and - If not local to London or Farnborough - Could deal with me over the 'phone? There used to be one near me that my whole family used to use and were very happy with, but sadly they had to cease trading during the credit crunch.

Farewell for now, and many thanks in advance for any recommendations!
>> Death <<

Please note: As an anti-spam measure, I'd like to ask members with less than five posts to refrain from posting in this thread. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

 

[flymo]

Have you tried these guys at Money Saving Expert? There is a section devoted to cheap travel insurance and they may be able to head you in the right direction.

You mention worldwide travel insurance, and if that is what you need then no problems. But, bear in mind that the charges and other fees levied by the insurance company will reflect the coverage they are providing. If you only need Europe for example it seems folly to pay for worldwide coverage when travel will be limited to Europe.

Hope this is of some use.

 

[Broken Viking]

Cheers Flymo...Will try and give 'em a go on Monday!

Does anyone else have any other suggestions?

 

[43021HST]

Yeah I do there called, hooky insurance inc, we sort everything out for you including forensics.

 

[rail-britain]

I need to arrange myself some travel insurance for two (And most likely more) forthcoming trips

It depends on what type of trips they are and what level of cover you need

 

[DaveNewcastle]

It depends on what type of trips they are and what level of cover you need

I agree.
Most commercial insurers will have some simple 'travel policies' off the shelf for companies, and most in the 'entertainment industries' will have policies for tours in which one mishap voids the rest of the tour, but you really do need to be specific about what risks you want the insurer to underwrite.

In theory, you can have any risk underwitten by an insurer, but remember, all insurance cover is calculated to ensure that (over all the policies written) the insurer returns a profit. i.e. the policyholders pay more in premiums than the insurer pays out in awards. So you should ask yourself if insurance really does provide you with any benefit. Over time and averaged over policyholders, it won't.

Remember also, that insurers subcontract a lot of work to two other professions, actuaries and loss-adjusters. These are both highly matured professions, and the global computing power applied to actuarial calculations are among the best resourced of all mathematical pursuits. With this in mind, you really must face the question : Will this Insurance policy provide any other benefit after satisfying its primary requirement of minimising the risk to the insurer?

 

[rail-britain]

To give you an example

I found my home contents insurance allows me to carry up to £5000 of unspecified items outside the home
Presumably the amount is so high as to allow people to move house without any need to change that policy, until all the goods are at the other address
The single item limit is £500, thus can include laptop, camera, etc.

However, be aware as soon as you put those items in your own car, the policy becomes void and is then covered by your car insurance (if covered by a comprehensive policy, which typically has less cover)

I asked Columbus Direct about compensation in the event of delays, resulting in consequential missed connections
They do NOT cover this!
Their brochures and policy mention they cover missed connections, but not consequential missed connections, something else to be aware of