Cookies, and how we may use them
What is a cookie?
- A cookie is a small text file that a website puts on your device, which sends information back to the website when you access it.
- Cookies enable users of a website to navigate around it, for example by remembering their preferences, or what they looked at when they last accessed the site.
- Cookies are intended to make using the site faster and easier.
The law and cookies
By law, websites can store cookies on your machine only if they are essential to the operation of the site; otherwise, the website need your permission to do so.
Why this site uses cookies
Like virtually every website which offers a service, we use cookies to ensure users get the most from their visits, by tailoring our website content to fit their needs.
What our cookies don't do
None our cookies collect personally identifiable information about you, nor do they store details such as those on your credit or debit card.
How long a cookie remains on your machine
With regard to the length of time a cookie stays on your computer or mobile device, there are two types;
Session Cookies are temporary, and only last until you close your browser after you finish accessing site. They enable us to remember what you have already chosen or entered, so that you do not need re-enter information when moving around the site.
Persistent Cookies enable us to remember your information and settings when you visit our site in the future. This enables us to identify you so that you don't need to enter this information again.
Types of Cookie Function
With regard to function, there are four types of cookie;
- Necessary cookies are the ones which ensure that the most important functions of the site (such as giving you insurance quotes) are able to operate. They enable you to move around the website and use its features, such as accessing secure areas of the website
- Performance cookies are important too, as they give us information about how our site is used, and also alert us to things such as error messages. The information these cookies collect is used in aggregated form and is therefore anonymous; it is only used to improve how a website works.
- Functionality cookies allow us to remember the choices you make such as your user name, and any customisation such as the font and text size you prefer.
- Targeting cookies are used to deliver website content such as adverts which will be relevant to you and your interests.
Third party usage analysis
We use third party services to analyse usage of the site. These services do not collect any kind of personal information; their task is to count the number of visitors to our site and tell us things about them such as how long they tend to stay on the site, or the average number of pages they view.
The purpose of this third party analysis is to enable us to improve the experience our site offers.
How to control and delete cookies
You are given the option not to accept cookies when you visit our site. If you decide you want to restrict or block our cookies you can do this through your browser settings. The 'Help' function on your browser will tell you how to do this.
You can delete any cookies that are already on your computer, using your file management system to locate them.
If cookies are disabled on your device you will still be able to use some of this site. However it will severely limit what you are able to do, and you may have to enter some of your information several times.
More information
Useful information about cookies, and how to control them, can be found at http://www.aboutcookies.org.
