Direct Line, a prominent motor insurer in the UK, is shifting its strategy by listing its flagship brand on price comparison websites for the first time. This move reflects the growing dominance of these platforms in the UK insurance market, where approximately 90% of customers seek new policies, according to Direct Line CEO Adam Winslow.

In his inaugural strategy review, Winslow emphasized the importance of offering customers diverse interaction channels beyond direct sales, acknowledging the previous overemphasis on direct channels compared to the prevalent influence of price comparison websites (PCWs).

Founded in 1985, Direct Line initially disrupted the insurance sector by bypassing brokers and directly selling to customers, symbolized by its iconic red phone in marketing campaigns. However, the landscape evolved significantly in the 2000s with the rise of well-known PCW advertisements featuring meerkats and opera singers, facilitating easy comparison among various insurance providers.

While Direct Line already features brands like Privilege and Churchill on price comparison websites, integrating its primary Direct Line brand marks a substantial strategic shift. Winslow highlighted that this move aims to revitalise Direct Line’s position in the motor insurance market.

Paul De’Ath, head of market intelligence at consultancy Oxbow Partners, described Direct Line’s decision as pivotal, stressing that neglecting to appear on such platforms limits customer reach. He noted Direct Line’s move as one of the final acknowledgments of PCWs’ dominance in the market by major brands.

The announcement forms part of a broader strategic overhaul where Direct Line plans to concentrate on core insurance lines like motor, home, and commercial insurance, alongside breakdown services, while phasing out investments in sectors such as pet and travel insurance.

Direct Line is currently focused on restoring its financial standing following a recent takeover attempt by Belgian rival Ageas. The company aims to resume regular dividends, targeting approximately 60% of post-tax operating earnings, pending first-half results assessment.

Earlier this year, Direct Line reported a turnaround in its motor insurance operations following a surge in post-pandemic claims costs that prompted a series of profit warnings and leadership changes. Despite efforts to adjust premiums and repair its underwriting portfolio, the company reported a £190 million operating loss last year, primarily driven by policies issued at lower rates.

As part of its fiscal strategy, Winslow set a new cost-saving objective of £100 million annually, focusing on areas like marketing efficiency. While no immediate layoffs are planned, Direct Line anticipates reduced resource needs as it continues its digital transformation.

Barclays analysts expressed cautious concern over Direct Line’s ability to maintain its service-oriented brand proposition amid heightened competition on price comparison websites. However, they acknowledged potential benefits in reducing marketing expenses and streamlining operations.

Meanwhile, analysts at Citi viewed the latest developments negatively, citing anticipated income reductions from business exits and other contributing factors.

Direct Line’s shares experienced a slight decline to 192.5p during Wednesday morning trading. This valuation remains below Ageas’s second offer of 237p per share, which valued the motor insurer at approximately £3.2 billion.

In March, Ageas announced its decision to discontinue its takeover bid, citing an inability to justify a substantial increase to its initial cash-and-shares proposal.