Blue Insurance moves into UK market

Irish-based insurance broker Blue Insurance has today expanded into the UK.

The company’s new offices are located in London’s financial district, servicing the UK travel trade industry.

Founded in 2003, Blue Insurances is a supplier of travel insurance to over 200 travel agents and tour operators in Ireland.

Ciaran Mulligan, Director of Blue Insurances, said: "The company secured just over €8m in travel insurance premium by the end 2004 and we were unique in receiving the “Best Travel Insurance Product Award” at the end of our first year in operation, voted by the Irish Travel Trade.

"The new London office reflects our commitment to further develop and expand our business model. Having a presence in London will significantly enhance our ability to deliver the highest quality of services and solutions to our UK client base."

Ms Joanne Coughlan, UK Sales and Operations Manager said: "Our success in the UK will result from a number of key benefits which have not been made available to UK travel trade before including very competitive rates, excellent cover, advanced booking technology and a white label booking facility for agent’s websites."

Mr Mulligan continued: “It is our belief that the UK retail travel trade including tour operators have realised that they need to compete both in retail shops and online against the direct sell companies, supermarkets, banks and credit unions. In order to help them compete online, Blue Insurances offers travel agents and tour operators a contemporary on-line white label insurance booking engine which means even when the travel agents and tour operators' doors are closed, consumers can still purchase their travel insurance. This has proved a unique selling point for us in Ireland, and we expect it will work as well for us in the UK also."

Later this year, Blue Insurances has plans to launch a new lost cost house insurance scheme for consumers, in Ireland and the UK.