‘Insurance savvy’Londonderry

The research shows that Londonderry people are ‘more aware’ of top insurance companies than any other region in Northern Ireland, with what they call ‘insurance brand recognition’ almost twice that in other NI towns.

Londonderry was also found to ‘support local’ with the top five Londonderry insurers all from Northern Ireland. The research also found that the importance of ‘localness’ was on the increase throughout Northern Ireland.

The research, conducted by Millward Brown Ulster on behalf of Open + Direct, showed that Londonderry residents’ awareness of top insurance companies was sometimes five times as high as other towns in Northern Ireland.

This is the 11th year of the survey which asked over 1,000 people in Northern Ireland about their knowledge of, and attitude towards, insurance and insurance companies.

Other results emerging from the survey showed that the importance of a local branch network and being a local company is on the increase. Lonodnderry residents’ awareness of top insurance companies was sometimes five times as high as other towns in Northern Ireland.

Colin McEvoy Director of Operations for Open + Direct comments: “It’s excellent to see people in Northern Ireland recognise the importance of being a local company with a presence in their community. Derry people in particular seem to “support local” more than anyone, with all of the top five most recognised companies being from Northern Ireland or with a strong local presence.”

He added: “Our Derry branch is always busy with locals looking for the best deals, whether it be for their car or home insurance, so it’s no surprise to see that Derry people know all the best places to look for a great deal. We’ve been established in the city for over 15 years and the staff in the Spencer Road branch are really part of the community here.”