Business

AbbeyAutoline continues expansion with acquisition of Down Insurances

Buying family-owned Downpatrick business follows recent purchase of Martin Carey Insurance

Insurance costs are the second biggest concern with 52 per cent of motorists surveyed agreeing.
Insurance broker AbbeyAutoline has continued its expansion with the acquisition of Down Insurance - its second in just a few weeks (Alamy Stock Photo)
By Gary McDonald

AbbeyAutoline has acquired Down Insurances’ customer book of business as part of a major expansion plan to strengthen its position as the north’s largest insurance broker.

It’s the second acquisition by AbbeyAutoline within a week, following its recent purchase of Lisnaskea-based Martin Carey Insurance.

The acquisitions expand AbbeyAutoline’s customer footprint and enhance its commercial insurance service offerings within the Northern Ireland marketplace.

Since its launch in 2020, following the integration of Abbey Insurance and Autoline, AbbeyAutoline also acquired family-owned BMG Insurance in 2022.

The family-owned Down brokerage, based in Downpatrick, was established in 1983 by Michael Kearney and is known for its commercial insurance expertise, as well as a wide range of personal and medical insurance products.

AbbeyAutoline has acquired Down Insurances’ customer book of business as part of a major expansion plan to strengthen its position as the north’s largest insurance broker
Julie Gibbons, managing director of AbbeyAutoline

Julie Gibbons, managing director of AbbeyAutolinem said: “This acquisition, along with the recent addition of Martin Carey Insurance, significantly strengthens our presence in the Northern Ireland marketplace and reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service and value to our growing customer base.

“We assure all current customers of Down Insurances that their existing insurance policies and payment arrangements will remain unaffected throughout this process. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of customer service and ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved.”

Jonathan Kearney, managing director of Down Insurances Ltd, added: “Joining forces with AbbeyAutoline is a positive move for our customers and our dedicated team of sales advisers.

“The acquisition ensures our clients will continue to enjoy the exceptional service they’ve come to know, now with the added benefit of AbbeyAutoline’s extensive range of personal and commercial insurance products from the world’s leading insurers.

“Throughout this transition, we will ensure that all existing policies and payment arrangements remain unaffected, maintaining the highest standards of service our clients expect.”

AbbeyAutoline (www.abbeyautoline.co.uk), part of the Prestige Insurance Holdings Group, employs 440 staff across 15 branches across the north.