Search the firm’s legal name on the FCA Financial Services Register or use the FCA Firm Checker before applying for a policy. Check that its authorisation covers insurance mediation and that the website, phone number and trading name match the FCA’s details, as fraudsters can impersonate genuine firms. Some firms may be appointed representatives, so check the listed principal firm too. Comparing quotes does not itself confirm that a provider is suitable or authorised, so review the policy documents and contact the FCA or an FCA-authorised adviser if anything seems unclear.