NFU Mutual

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited, trading as NFU Mutual, is a UK registered mutual insurance composite. It underwrites more than £1 billion (2008) in annual premium in life and general insurance lines for rural communities within the UK. NFU Mutual is based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. In contrast to insurance companies owned by their shareholders, NFU Mutual is owned by its policyholders.

Unlike most other UK insurers, NFU Mutual still uses a direct sales force. It has over 300 offices and over 5,000 staff and agents spread across the UK. This network enjoys a close relationship with the National Farmers Union (NFU). In 1909 the NFU Mutual was formed to offer insurance as an inducement for farmers to join the NFU. Many of the agents double as local union representatives. Many agents are self-employed and all are tied to NFU Mutual products. This direct sales force plays a major part in publicity campaigns and provide a valuable local service.

NFU Mutual has won many awards for the design of its products and customer service. Most of the mutual's general insurance products have a Defaqto 5-star rating (January 2009). Defaqto ratings are based on a detailed analysis of a product's features and benefits. In July 2008 NFU Mutual received the British Insurer Awards General Insurer of the Year and a Customer Service Prize reflecting the care shown to customers following the 2007 floods.

From 1980 the NFU Mutual has accepted risks from outside of the farming community. NFU Mutual Direct was set up in 1996 to provide telephone and internet call centre services. The affiliate, Avon Insurance plc, provides personal protection and personal injury insurance.

NFU Mutual is currently engaged in a program to open new branches where NFU Mutual has never ventured before including Battle, East Sussex; Southport, Merseyside; and Oxford city centre. A further ten were planned for 2010.