Argos plans contents and car insurance

Argos is to begin selling car and household insurance in its stores for the first time as part of a revamp of its portfolio.

The car insurance goes on sale at the beginning of October, and will offer cheaper rates to women drivers in particular. Policy benefits include a “like for like” courtesy car in the event of an accident, a feature the retailer says will be popular with women, who dislike driving models they are not used to.

The home contents insurance, which goes on sale early next year, aims to appeal to people who think household insurance is too expensive, by allowing them to choose different levels of cover.

Argos will promote the insurance products in its 560 stores and through its catalogues – 16 million of which are distributed annually – as well as its website. Leaflets with phone numbers will be made available in store for the first time.

The push follows the appointment of insurance outsourcing specialist the Rubicon Corporation. The project is being overseen by Argos Insurance Services general manager Sarah Harper.