Being smarter with your insurance is not just about saving money. Being smarter is also about making sure you have the right cover, so if disaster strikes, you won't lose out.

In this section we'll look at the different types of insurance and suggest things you might want to think about when taking out insurance. We'll also give you ideas for how you may be able to save money.

Shop around for your insurance. It's easy to make savings, but remember to compare like with like when looking at different policies, and get a policy that's right for you.

Of course, it's not possible to cover every situation, but insurance can help give you protection and peace of mind in many situations. There are lots of different types of insurance, so you can cover everything from your car to your pet! Click on the links below to find out more about each one.

Type of insurance		Description
Home insurance		This covers your home and contents against a fire, flood or break-in for example, or if your pipes burst. Home insurance policies include those just covering the contents of your home, those just covering the actual building you live in, or joint policies, covering both.
Car insurance		Protection if your car is stolen or damaged in an accident, and sometimes if you or anyone else is injured in an accident.
Health insurance		These types of insurance include policies which pay for private medical treatment, if you don't want to rely on the National Health service, to those giving specific cover for dentists and opticians bills.
Travel insurance		Insurance to protect you and your loved ones while on holiday and in case of holiday cancellations.
Life insurance		Cover to ensure your loved ones are financially provided for, if the worst should happen to you.
Income protection insurance		Insurance to help replace some of your earnings if you can't work because you become ill or are made redundant.
Pet insurance		Vet's bills can be expensive. This type of insurance covers you for unexpected vet's bills and more.
Purchase insurance		Provides cover on goods you buy.

Different ways to buy insurance

If you want to buy direct

There's lots of different ways to buy insurance:

• Buy on the phone.
• Buy on the internet - it's really easy to compare quotes from different companies online before you buy. Many give a discount if you apply online.
• Buy from an insurance broker. You'll find local brokers in your phone book.
• Buy from your local bank or building society, or in the case of travel insurance, from your travel agent - but remember you may not get the best deal!
• Buy from a specialist insurer - for some types of insurance, like medical insurance, insurance for boilers/cookers, there are specialist companies just providing this type of insurance.

If you want help before you buy

You can now buy most types of insurance direct, but if you're not sure what's right for you, you could:

• Visit an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). They will advise you on the types of policies around and how to get the best deal. Call 0117 971 1177 for a list of IFA's in your area, look in the Yellow pages (opens in a new browser window), or visit unbiased.co.uk (opens in a new browser window).
• Talk to a company representative. They can help you with different types of insurance, but only give advice or sell products from their own company.
• Talk to your bank or building society. Most only sell products offered by the life company they own or are tied to, but a few do offer independent financial advice.

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