Direct Insurers - These are insurance companies who give quotes on products who are underwritten by them e,g, direct line, churchill

Agents - These are companies who will only sell insurance products from one insurance company e.g. For home and car insurance Prudential is an Agent of Churchill. This means that Prudential has done a deal with Churchill whereby they underwrite the insurance.

Panel - These are companies who have arrangements with a number of other companies to sell their insurance products. Usually the products will be branded. e.g. Lloyds TSB operates a panel of insurance companies for car. They will typically work through a broker to find the cheapest insurer within their panel.

Broker - Similar to a panel but generally include more insurers. Its4me and AA are brokers and will compare many products from many providers and get you the best deal they can. However, in some cases you will be able buy the same product cheaper by buying direct.