Direct Line - Definition

Direct Line is a division of the Royal Bank of Scotland that specialises in selling insurance and other financial services over the phone and internet. It was the first telephone insurer in the UK when launched in 1985 and soon became the UK's largest provider of motor vehicle insurance. Overseas, the division has expanded into Spain, Germany, Italy and Japan.

Direct Line is particuarly known in the UK for its distinctive logo, a red telephone on wheels, which is used extensively in advertising. Direct Line also runs a roadside recovery service.