First Trust Bank in partnership with Hughes Insurance has launched a new car insurance product to support its customers throughout Northern Ireland. The Bank piloted the scheme in December 2009 and figures to date have been encouraging. The partnership was launched Monday 11th January and is generating  more than 250 enquiries per day, with First Trust Bank customers enjoying the benefits the affinity relationship is delivering.

The product has been made available to First Trust Bank customers across the branch network, via a dedicated telesales team, and the First Trust Bank website - offering customers competitive prices and unparalleled cover. Hughes Insurance offers a comprehensive range of benefits as standard including breakdown cover, puncture repair, home start, unlimited audio/sat nav cover, lost keys, driving other cars and more.

Feedback during our test period has been very encouraging," states Eileen Sowney, Sales Director at First Trust Bank: "The new car insurance product delivers an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with customers whilst our customers benefit from the best available cover at the most competitive price. It is important we continue to enhance relationships with our customers and this partnership is delivering opportunities to strengthen our bond."

Hughes Insurance, the largest locally owned insurance broker in Northern Ireland, has been creating the infrastructure to cope with an affinity partnership of this nature for 18 months. The company, which employs over 200 staff, believes affinity partnerships are a 'win win' situation for all parties. Gareth Brady, Chief Executive of Hughes Insurance comments: "The partner provides First Trust Bank customers with access to competitive insurance products, thus strengthening their relationships whilst creating an additional revenue stream. Hughes Insurance gets the opportunity to increase our customer base and end customer benefits from the best cover available at the most competitive price. The more business we generate - the better the premiums on offer."

First Trust Bank customers can find out more by making an enquiry in their local First Trust Branch, by calling 0845 6432 444 or by visiting www.firsttrustbank.co.uk.

Hughes Insurance was founded in 1977 and is Northern Ireland's largest independent insurance brokerage. For more information visit www.hughesinsurance.co.uk.