In the United Kingdom today car insurance brokers remain an important channel to buy car insurance. Gone are the days when brokers monopolised the car insurance market on the high street. Instead, Direct Insurers and intermediaries now offer competing products through a variety of distribution channels including online, call centre and supermarkets. Insurance Brokers in response to this competition have sought to offer their products and services through the same distribution channels with the exception of the supermarket and implemented similar technology to ensure the customer receives a good experience.

One major advantage of a typical insurance broker compared to a direct insurer is the fact that they are able to find the most competitive quote from their panel of leading insurers which can sometimes include companies and Lloyds syndicates thus saving the customer time and possibly money shopping around. Another advantage is the correct perception that brokers can often source insurance quotes for those who are deemed a high risk by some direct insurers and intermediaries. Examples of this are cars which have been modified, imported, customised, or drivers who have a number of driving convictions.

Some brokers offer additional services such as assisting with claims and helping with other insurance matters. It is worth noting that all car insurance brokers are regulated by the Financial Services Authority. In addition many have opted to belong to the British Insurance Brokers Association commonly known as BIBA who represent the interests of members and their customers. One of the main aims of BIBA is to comply with FSA regulation and ensure high standards of insurance practice.