Churchill.com Review

About us:
Churchill Insurance launched in 1989 as one of the UK's first direct motor insurers. In 1990, we started selling home insurance and, over the years, have extended our services, now offering car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, breakdown cover, van insurance and motorcycle insurance.

We are a UK based company with all our call centres in the UK and sell insurance policies by phone and on the Internet.

In 2003, Churchill was acquired by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group and now forms part of the RBS Insurance division.

Your Money Awards 2007:
* Best Online Motor Insurance Provider
* Best Online Home and Contents Insurance Provider
* Best Motor Insurance Provider 2006
* Best Home and Contents Insurance Provider 2005
* Best Online Home and Contents Insurance Provider 2004

Our values:
*People focused
*Challenging
*Passionate
*Action orientated
*Straightforward

History:
Churchill Insurance was launched by founder Martin Long in June 1989 as a direct car insurance provider. Long was backed by Winterthur, then a Credit Suisse subsidiary. One of Long’s early team members, Henry Engelhardt, went on to found Admiral.[1]

Home insurance was added to the Churchill product range in 1990.

The company grew over the next few years and in October 1993 they signed a three year deal to sponsor the World Indoor Bowls Championship.

1994 saw the adoption of a bulldog as the company’s mascot.

In 1995 Churchill launched their first website, a credit card and also became the first UK insurer to offer motor insurance estimates via interactive media kiosks.

In 1996 Churchill was awarded Investors in People and ISO9002 accreditation. This was also the year that the nodding dog was introduced to their advertising. A new product was also launched in the shape of breakdown cover, provided in association with Green Flag.

Churchill Insurance was named in Britain’s Best Employers for the first time in 1997, the year the company moved to its current headquarters, Churchill Court. Travel insurance and pet insurance products were also introduced.

Motorcycle insurance broker Devitt was acquired in 1999. The company also launched its first e-commerce facility, enabling online car and home insurance quotes.

The following year they acquired the Churchill.com name for online activity and acquired NIG. 2000 also saw them win their first Your Money Awards and become shirt sponsors of Crystal Palace FC, the football team Martin Long supported and would eventually share the chairmanship of.[2]

Churchill bought Prudential’s insurance business in 2002 before they too were purchased. RBS paid Credit Suisse £1.1bn for the insurer in 2003, bringing Churchill into its insurance division alongside Direct Line – another company Long had been involved in launching. [3]

In 2006 the high profile "Challenge Churchill" campaign was launched, involving the people of Britain challenging the brand mascot to find them cheaper car and home insurance.

A new look website went live in October 2008. The following year the company adopted a new strapline: "Count on Churchill". Television adverts were launched featuring the Churchill dog alongside celebrities including Rolf Harris CBE and Roy Walker.

Churchill will find itself under new ownership by 2013.