Archive Website of the UK government

Types of general insurance

General insurance only pays out when an insured event occurs. It includes:

• Insurance advice from the Money Advice Service Opens new window

• More about payment protection insurance from the Money Advice Service Opens new window

How to shop around for general insurance

With so many insurance deals on the market it's worth shopping around. Key points to compare include:

'Keyfacts' documents to help you shop around

When you contact an insurance provider, they will give you details of the service they offer. This can normally be found in the 'about our service document'.

Once you've discussed what you need and answered all the questions about yourself and what you want to insure, the intermediary, insurance company or the firm selling you the insurance will give you key policy information. This sets out the essential facts.

• Buying insurance - more information from the Money Advice Service Opens new window

How to check if a firm is FSA authorised

You can check whether a firm or individual is FSA authorised by using the FSA online 'Check our Register' service.

• Use the FSA online 'Check our register' service Opens new window

The difference between information and advice

You can buy insurance after getting advice, or based on information after shopping around. Read our related article to understand the difference between buying with or without advice and the relative pros and cons.

• Getting advice on insurance products

More useful links

• Travel insurance (travel and transport section)

• Travel insurance for disabled people (disabled people section)