A new website, www.123.ie, offers immediate access to general and life assurance quotes and provides household cover online. At the date of writing, several insurance companies provide quotes on the site - Hibernian, Friends First, Standard Life and Canada Life. Each company offers insurance products in one area: household, term life, mortgage protection and serious illness.

Although comparative shopping within life categories is not currently available, 123.ie chief executive Mr Derek Richardson says as more insurers come online this aspect will be developed.

The site is owned and managed by independent brokers Richardson Insurance which claims that the site only features the best products at competitive prices in each category.