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Director of Operations Colin McEvoy said, "I couldn't be happier to announce this expansion by Open + Direct amidst the current economic backdrop and a challenging time for the insurance industry specifically. Open + Direct is a Northern Ireland brand and has always been committed to supporting the town centres in which we're based, which is why we're delighted to be creating more jobs in Coleraine, whilst offering our customers the choice to manage their insurance online."

Open + Direct have been selling the full range of private and commercial insurance through their network of 16 high street outlets since their establishment in 2000 and are now branching out online.

Commenting on the online strategy Colin added, "Open + Direct are renowned for the personal service we offer at our local branches but modern customers need the convenience of an online option for times when they are too busy to drop in to see us. However, we're keeping it local with our contact centre in Coleraine and anybody taking a policy online will receive a call from one of our dedicated Quote + Buy team to welcome them to Open + Direct – so that personal service is still at the heart of what we do."

Open + Direct seem set to meet the challenges of the online insurance market head on and are still recruiting. Colin concludes, "We've always been the one-stop shop for our customers' insurance needs – now we're the one-stop online shop too!"

The EU legislation means that from the end of 2012 it will become illegal for insurance companies to take gender into account when calculating car insurance premiums. Up until now, female drivers had benefited from lower premiums than male drivers because, statistically, they are less likely to be involved in an incident on the road.

Colin McEvoy, Head of Operations at Open + Direct said, "Recent research from the Office of Fair Trading (December 2011) showed that 54% of consumers in Northern Ireland shop around for motor insurance, compared to 73% in other parts of the UK. As a broker it is our business to search out the best possible deals for our customers and this change in regulation at the end of the year will make that task more pertinent than ever, particularly for female drivers."

CBT was introduced in Northern Ireland on 21st February which made it compulsory for all learner drivers to complete their CBT before being allowed to drive unaccompanied on the road. Those who obtained their provisional motorcycle or moped licence before the implementation of CBT in Northern Ireland had until 21st February 2012 to pass their motorcyle test or take their CBT to continue to drive as a learner.

Previously drivers with a provisional licence could legally drive a scooter or moped up to 50cc or a motorbike up to 125cc with no formal training – and their normal car insurance would cover this risk.

Colin McEvoy, Head of Operations for Open + Direct comments, "The introduction of CBT will undoubtedly help reduce the number of motorcycle or moped accidents here by making riders more aware of the dangers on the road and this is something we fully welcome and support. The scheme has already been in place in the rest of the United Kingdom for over 20 years and it is widely accepted that it is long overdue here in Northern Ireland.

"However we recognise that the change to the legislation may be confusing for some and there could be a proportion of drivers unaware that they are no longer covered by their insurance policy. We would therefore urge all motorcycle and moped drivers who feel this change may affect them to check with their brokers or insurers about whether their policy still stands."

As well as CBT, a new register of approved, qualified motorcycle instructors has been launched, similar to the register of motor driving instructors, and full details can be found through the Driver & Vehicle Agency.

"Northern Ireland has more motor accidents per capita and per vehicle than any other UK region so any initiative to encourage safety on the roads could have a positive impact on premiums locally and this is, of course, to be welcomed," concluded Colin.

Open + Direct offers cash back to car and home insurance customers who obtain a quote and purchase a car or home insurance policy through any of its 16 branches across Northern Ireland.

The lucky customer whose Cashback claim took the total over the £1 million pounds mark, has been given a cheque for £1,000 to celebrate the milestone.

Mr Frank Bell, 48, from Belfast, purchased a car insurance policy in the Abbey Street branch in Coleraine and was excited to learn that as well as his Cashback cheque for £100 he would also be getting an extra cheque for £1,000! Frank said, " I was delighted to find out that I was the £1 million pound Cashback customer. The extra money will come in really useful for our holiday this year."

Colin McEvoy, Director of Open + Direct Insurance said, "Our Cashback offer has been an overwhelming success since we launched it a year ago with the memorable May McFettridge TV campaign. We were the first insurance company to introduce cashback and it's fantastic to know that we've now given over £1 million back to our customers. Feedback has been really positive – customers appreciate receiving money back to spend on whatever they want. As Cashback has been so successful we will be extending the offer until the end of this year."

The £10,000 is a donation from Northern Ireland's largest high street insurance retailer. Also pictured is Open + Direct employee Daniel Gillespie, who previously completed a trek across the Arctic Circle to raise funds for Children in Crossfire.

Newtownards Branch Manager, John Laverty greeted 2010's winner of Miss NI, Lori Moore, to present her with one year's free insurance, part of the prize that comes with the coveted title. Lori greeted staff members at Northern Ireland's largest high street car insurance retailer before driving safely on her way.

Any man looking for love may also want to add a clean driving licence to his wish list for the woman of his dreams according to Northern Ireland's largest high street car insurance retailer, Open + Direct.

Male drivers could save as much as 17% on their car insurance by adding their sweethearts to their policies.

A 30 year old man with 5 years no claims, living in Northern Ireland would be expected to pay in the region of £530, but adding their wife as a named driver could save up to a fifth of the price.*

Colin McEvoy, Head of NI, Open + Direct, said: "Male drivers can make significant savings on their car insurance by adding a spouse to their policy. Female drivers are perceived by the insurance industry to be lower risk, which is why their premiums are significantly lower.

"A spouse can also have a calming influence on her husband's driving because she won't put up with him showing off as on the whole, women don't like fast, erratic 'macho' driving."

"Traditionally, men search for good looks, great personality and a good sense of humour in a future wife, but once male drivers realise what savings there are to be made, the main criteria could well become a clean driving licence!"

With the big freeze set to continue, some areas of Northern Ireland are facing temperatures as low as minus eleven Celsius.

Motorists who leave their cars unattended to de-ice windscreens give thieves an open invitation and worse still, invalidate insurance policies says Northern Ireland's largest high street car insurance retailer, Open + Direct. Open + Direct is warning drivers that car insurance providers are unlikely to pay out if their car is stolen as a result of leaving keys in an unattended vehicle.

Colin McEvoy, Open + Direct Director said: "We are predicting a hike in these type of attacks during what is becoming one of the worst winters for three decades. Year after year we see at least a 20% hike in the theft of cars by opportunistic ice bandit type thieves during December and January. On frosty days it's incredible how many drivers leave their car running and nip back inside to finish getting ready."

On frosty winter mornings Open + Direct recommends that drivers cover their windscreen with a shield or newspaper to keep the frost off and use de-icer and an ice scraper on the windscreen.