Seems like I'm in a question mode tonight (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) . They say that it is sometimes worth approaching a financial advisor when you are even looking for a house insurance. I got mine, for example, after spending quite some time on the internet comparing quotes and policies. Surely, having a middleman (or middlewoman (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ) would only add to the cost?

Well i agree that the Internet is a big big help in finding necessary information, esp if you know where to look for this information... But still sometimes the data is just wrong, and i think it can really spoil your opinion of some kinds of insurance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) and the data can be old... so of course everyone decides himself (or herself (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ) but i'd go to a professional)

i'd go to a professional 2! last time i was looking for the home insurance, my financial advisor found me a better deal with the same company i got a direct quote from! it may not make a lot of sense, but it's probably the same principle where you can get a cheaper air fare going through the travel agency then approaching the air company direct.

It's also a question of time and convenience. I could be surfing internet in my pyjamas at one am (not that i have nothing better to do (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ), but to find time to meet your insurance broker could sometimes prove difficult.

The best way to find the best deal would be to compare your insurance.

I will tell you my way. I found this website insuranceeurope that gaves me all the info I need it.
Try it... who knows

There are other sites offering competitive quotes, but the question is do you have time to trail through them all? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Often when i start searching i get sucked into other things and waste time in the meantime. I prefer the professional to do the job, especially if u find one who's happy with his commission and does not charge u a penny (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

personally, i trust myself more than i trust any insurance broker. therefore, i'd rather spend time searching through the net and find exactly (or near enough!) what i was looking for. no offence, but with brokers, i never know whether they have my interest or the size of their commission at heart.

I recommend you start by searching online comparison sites, i use the following one, www.getbuildingandcontentsinsurance.co.uk, then approach a broker, you will then be able to negotiate a better rate.

There are other online comparison sites, but the question is do you ave time to search through all of them? If i come across an offer that seems like a good value for money via post, recommendation, i tend to go for it as i find searching thru those sites v time-consumin.

I would prefer to use a broker, what you need to remeber these guys are proffesionals & know about the cover you will need from just a quick chat, they work on your behlaf & are paid by the insurance company & are there throught the whole of the policy incase something goes wrong or you may need to claim.

If you use a comparison site they only give you the premium & sell you the policy, any administration & claims etc are done by the insurer which could mean a long wait foreign call centre's etc.

As stated i would prefer to put my insurance in the hands of a broker at least if it goes wrong its there fault and there insured for it, also there calls are recorded so as long as you disclose everything you are well covered, from an online point of view once you have pressed the submit button you have no record of what details you have input, you dont know how it turns out at the other end!!!