UK: ASDA Insurance has it covered with Norwich Union

ASDA announced today it has teamed up with Norwich Union, the UK's largest insurer, to provide a new range of general insurance products to its 11 million weekly shoppers. The supermarket will launch motor, home, and travel insurance tomorrow, with pet insurance following later in the year.

David Rutley, ASDA's director of financial services, said the partnership brings together Norwich Unions' strength and experience in the insurance market with ASDA's passion for low prices and top-notch customer service:

"By combining our every day low prices with our commitment to always putting customers first, we believe we are well placed to make a difference in the insurance market. Our aim is to give consumers what they really want - hassle-free insurance at ASDA prices, that deliver great customer service on demand."

Initially ASDA insurance will be available over the phone with an online purchasing facility coming later in the year. David added:

"Our products are aimed at families who in the past may have paid over the odds for insurance. Whether they are looking to cover their Mini Metro or Mercedes, their trip to Spain or St Tropez, their cottage or castle, we'll offer customers our famously low prices backed up by a name they can trust."

Customers who purchase both home and motor insurance will be entitled to a five per cent discount on their second purchase.

Graham Boffey, corporate partnerships director at Norwich Union, said: "This is a particularly exciting deal as it sees the UK's largest insurer teaming up with the UK's favourite supermarket chain*.

Angela Seymour-Jackson, director of partnerships and market strategy at Norwich Union, said: "We are delighted to be working with ASDA, with whom we have already built up a strong and supportive relationship. This partnership will provide ASDA customers with a range of general insurance products that offer great value for money and helpful service."

ASDA confirmed it is also considering a move into other financial services such as credit cards and personal loans.

-ends-

* ACNielsen "Attitudes to Retailers", May 2002

Notes to editors:

• ASDA insurance policies are underwritten by Norwich Union Insurance
• ASDA home, motor and travel policies can be purchased over the phone:
  -  Motor hotline: 0845 300 577 1
  -  Home hotline: 0845 300 577 2
  -  Travel hotline: 0845 300 577 3
• Lines are open 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday.
• Information is also available online at: www.asda.com, or from the following ASDA stores:

Ayr	Blantyre	Govan	Hamilton	Irvine	Kilmarnock
Linwood	Motherwell	Newton Mearns	Parkhead Forge	Toryglen	Arnold
Chapeltown	East Retford	Grantham	Hyson Green	Mansfield	Nottingham
Rotherham	Sheffield	Sutton-in-Ashfield	Bedminster	Bristol (Whitchurch)	Cwmbran
Gloucester	Haydon (Swindon)	Longwell Green	Newport	Patchway	Swindon
Brighton (Hollingbury)	Brighton (Marina)	Burgh Heath	Clapham	Eastbourne	Kingston
Roehampton	Swanley	Wallington

Example Motor Insurance Comparisons

Make	Model	Age	Sex	Postcode	ASDA	Tesco
FORD	MONDEO LX 2.0	67	Female	BS3	295.98	366.91
ROVER	214 S I 1.4	56	Female	KT17	287.96	294
FIAT	BRAVO SX 1.6	72	Male	M7	506.98	724.5
JAGUAR	X-TYPE SE 3.0	48	Male	N21	730.98	816.9
BMW	535 I SE 3.4	36	Male	PO33	372.98	443
VAUXHALL	FRONTERA 2.2	52	Male	HD6	402.99	409.5

Example Home Insurance Comparisons

Contents Sum insured	Buildings sum insured	Type of property	No bedrooms	Age	Sex	Postcode	ASDA	Tesco
20,000	106,000	Detached	4	33	Male	CT18	Ł271.24	Ł285.55

These quotes were obtained on 27 March. Further underwriting criteria for these quotes can be requested. Quotes will vary. Correct at time of going to press. Terms & conditions apply.