Overview of the UK Insurance Industry - before we consider how insurance operates in the united kingdom, lets consider what it is. In simple terms, insurance is a risk transfer mechanism; someone, possibly an individual or a company ( The policyholder) pays someone else (The Insurer or Underwriter in the case of Lloyds of London) a sum of money ( known as the premium or sometimes the consideration) in return for an insurance policy, which will provide either a payment or reinstatement if an event (usually something unfortunate and unforeseen) happens to the item, which is the subject of the insurance and occurring during the agreed policy period. The claim will be subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Perhaps you worry about your home being broken in to whilst you are out or on holiday, more and more people are becoming concerned with regard to weather related claims such as flooding or perhaps you have a lovely new car are are worried about in being stolen. What would you do if you were suddenly faced with a large bill to replace or repair your belongings? Insurance, the world over, not just in The UK can provide you with peace of mind as well as help you remain financially secure.
 
Insurance in the United Kingdom is a wide and diverse subject. The insurance industry in the United Kingdom is highly developed and very competitive. There are a large number of insurance companies, intermediaries, brokers and agents offering a broad spectrum of covers such as home and contents insurance, landlords buy to let insurance, commercial property insurance and a whole host of other personal or commercial contracts. Where you buy your insurance is pretty much a matter of personal choice. In some cases, particularly if you have a mortgage on a property, your lender may want you to insure the building with them on their lenders block policy. This is often a condition of a loan, you may have have given a fixed rate or a lower interest rate and in return for this, you lender will want to try to recoup some of their discount by making you buy your buildings insurance from them.
 
Apart from the above scenario and as mentioned above, you are usually free to make your own decision as to where to buy your insurance in the United Kingdom. Firstly, before mentioning the structure of the market, it is worth pointing out that anyone who sells or advises on insurance in the United Kingdom has to be authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Any firm that tries to sell you insurance that does not fall under a compliance regime, is breaking the law and liable to severe penalties. Companies can be directly authorised or fall under the compliance regime of a parent or principle company. The simplest way of checking if a company is authorised is by visiting the FSA website. Many different entities make up the Insurance UK Market, briefly, these are as follows.

Insurance Company - This is a company that takes on insurance risks by offering policies or contracts of insurance in return for the payment of premiums. Insurance Companies may be ‘mutual’ (owned by the policyholders) or ‘proprietary’ (owned by shareholders). Some large well known insurance companies that trade in the United Kingdom are; Norwich Union, AXA, Fortis, and Zurich

Lloyd’s of London -  An insurance market organised into syndicates, which underwrites most types of insurance policy including buildings and contents, marine, aviation etc.
Although Lloyds began from humble origins in the modest surroundings of a 17th century coffee house. Lloyd's of London is the world's leading insurance market, housed in an award-winning modern iconic building in the City of London.

London Market - A separate part of the UK insurance and reinsurance industry mainly based in the City of London. It comprises insurance and reinsurance companies, Lloyd’s syndicates, protection and indemnity clubs (originally created to serve the marine industry), and brokers who handle most of the business. Although part of the UK insurance industry, this markets core activity is the conduct of internationally traded insurance and reinsurance business.

Agent - This is a person or a company who acts for one or a number of insurers when selling insurance products. Agents tend to deal with only a small number of insurers in some cases only one or two. Larger concerns tend to refer to themselves as Brokers or Intermediaries. Any Agent selling building Insurance within the United Kingdom, has to be authorised by the Financial Services authority and details can be checked on the financial services web site.

Insurance Broker - An insurance broker will act as an Intermediary for his clients in placing insurance business with Insurers or other Brokers or Lloyds of London. Up until fairly recently, the ability to use the term insurance brokers was governed by law. His duties include advising on insurance, finding out his customers demands and needs and locating a suitable insurance policy. He will usually receive a commission for his work and may also charge a fee. If any fees are charged these will have to be disclosed before the contract is concluded. As with agents, Brokers have to be registered by the FSA

Intermediary - Has a fairly similar role to a broker, A person or organisation that advises and sells insurance products on behalf of an insurance company or Lloyds of London. The Intermediary will usually receive a commission from the insurer whose products are sold. Commissions vary from product to product.