MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 11/08/09 -- UK van drivers spend on average two hours searching online for a van insurance quote, according to a survey by Swinton Commercial.

The poll of 1,000 Swinton Commercial customers, found that motorists are spending more time online looking for cheap van insurance, than they were doing this time last year. In October 2008 drivers spent on average just one and a half hours looking for an insurance policy.

Over recent years the length of time spent by motorists searching for van insurance has dropped significantly, each year reducing by between five and fifteen minutes. But 2009 is the first time in five years that has seen this trend change, and Swinton is attributing the turn around on financial pressures caused by the recession, especially with people now more likely to be on the lookout for ways to get cheaper van insurance.

Phil Moss, Commercial Vehicle Manager at Swinton, said: "The increased use and availability of the internet has had a massive impact on the car insurance industry. Motorists can now get a quote anytime, anywhere and in a short amount of time.

"Despite the huge demand for van insurance quotes online, our customers still enjoy the benefits of being able to drop in to a local branch and discuss their insurance needs face to face. This year we have seen UK van drivers spending more time searching for the best price, which is most likely due to the current economic climate."

About Swinton

- Swinton Commercial is the dedicated commercial insurance division of the Swinton Group

- Swinton Commercial was awarded Commercial Lines Broker of the Year 2008 and is a finalist at the British Insurer Awards 2009

- With 580 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high street insurance retailer

- Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the community

- Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance

- With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

- With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates