The National Insurance and Guarantee Corporation (NIG) is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy.

This statement, together with our Terms of Use sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us.

Please read the following information carefully.

Information NIG may collect from you

When you use www.nignetwork.co.uk(our site) we may collect and process data about you including your name, date of birth, e-mail address, postal address and telephone number.

IP addresses and cookies

Cookies Notice

Visitors to our website

We use technology to collect anonymous information about the use of our website. We do this in order to provide you with the best possible online service. This technology is called cookies which we store on your device.

You can visit our website without telling us who you are or revealing any information about yourself. However, if you give us any personal information about yourself or others we promise to treat it securely, fairly and lawfully. We are committed to protecting your privacy.

We will not use any information gathered through cookies on this site to identify you as an individual. If you do provide us with any personal information through our website, we will be up front about how this will be used. We will make it clear when we collect your personal information and will explain what we intend to do with it.

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small piece of information which is sent to your browser and it stays on your computer or mobile device when you visit our website. Cookies do not damage your device they are merely used to ‘remember’ you when you visit again. Cookies alone cannot be used to identify you.

A cookie will transport information about how you use our website to us. The cookie itself does not keep any of the data it collects.

Why do we want to use Cookies?

We use cookies to

• make our websites work
• improve the efficiency of our website
• provide effective security when you are buying our products
• help us to arrange content to match your preferred interests more quickly
• learn from our website visitors and give the best customer experience we possibly can
• track the effectiveness of our online marketing activity
• collect statistical information to assist us and our partners to learn how customers use our and their products

Some benefits to you

• security
• the ability to view pages that are more relevant to you
• you are not asked repeatedly the same questions; for example to complete a survey
• you are presented with advertising that is relevant to what you are looking for at the time

Some drawbacks

• some cookies are stored on your browser for a certain length of time
• some cases you may be presented with advertising that is relevant to what ever you are looking for at the time, which can be viewed as limiting your choice
• some cookies may be used to track your viewing behaviour when you visit our website

What types of cookie do we use?

The following table lists the types of cookies that we use on our site

Category	Description	Cookies we use
Strictly necessary	These cookies are essential in order to enable you to move around the website and use its features, such as accessing secure areas of the website. Without these cookies services you have asked for, like shopping baskets or e-billing, cannot be provided.	'Session ID' cookies to maintain a user's session and allow data to be passed between different online forms, this cookie exists only for the duration of the user's session.
Performance cookies	These cookies collect information about how visitors use a website, for instance which pages visitors go to most often, and if they get error messages from web pages. These cookies don’t collect information that identifies a visitor. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. It is only used to improve how a website works or the effectiveness of a marketing campaign.	Analytics cookies are used for website analysis and a testing platform to monitor and optimise the website. Cookies capture anonymous data about a user's journey and aggregate this data to analyse trends. These cookies last longer than the user's session so that we can understand whether a user us a first time, or a returning visitor.

What do cookies mean for you?

It is up to you whether you let websites to place cookies on your browser or not. There are many benefits for allowing these however there are some drawbacks. Above we described to you what we use the cookies for. Below we give you some of what we believe will be the benefits to you however, you need to make the decision whether you allow cookies to be stored on your device or not. We also tell you below how to refuse cookies being stored on your device.

How to refuse use of cookies

When you decide to get a quotation or buy on line we will use necessary cookies for your security and to provide you with a policy.

If you decide to not allow any of the other cookies, you can do that by changing your internet browser settings to disable the use of cookies. Please note if you refuse the cookies you may experience slower running times and you may not be able to access all of our website content.

Browser	Where to find information about controlling cookies
Internet Explorer	http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278835
Chrome	https://www.google.com/chrome/intl/en-GB/more/privacy.html
Firefox	http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Clear%20Recent%20History
Safari	http://support.apple.com/kb/PH5042
Opera	http://www.opera.com/browser/tutorials/security/privacy/

Other resources that provide further information on cookies which may be of help:

• http://www.aboutcookies.org
• http://www.allaboutcookies.org
• http://youronlinechoices.com/uk

DLG is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Personal Data

Where we store your personal data

All information you provide to us is stored on our secure servers. Any payment transactions will be encrypted.

You are responsible for keeping your password confidential. We ask you not to share a password with anyone.

Unfortunately, the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure. Although we will do our best to protect your personal data, we cannot guarantee the security of your data transmitted to our site; any transmission is at your own risk. Once we have received your information, we will use strict procedures and security features to try to prevent unauthorised access.

Uses made of the information

We use information held about you to administer your accounts with NIG and for statistical analysis.

Disclosure of your information

We may disclose your personal information to any member of our group, which means our subsidiaries, our ultimate holding company and its subsidiaries, as defined in section 736 of the UK Companies Act 1985.

We may disclose your personal information to third parties:

• In the event that we sell or buy any business or assets, in which case we may disclose your personal data to the prospective seller or buyer of such business or assets.
• If NIG or substantially all of its assets are acquired by a third party, in which case personal data held by it about its customers will be one of the transferred assets.

Your rights

You have the right to ask us not to process your personal data for marketing purposes. We will usually inform you (before collecting your data) if we intend to use your data for such purposes or if we intend to disclose your information to any third party for such purposes. You can exercise your right to prevent such processing by checking certain boxes on the forms we use to collect your data.  You can also exercise the right at any time by contacting us at brokersupport@nig-uk.com.

Our site may, from time to time, contain links to and from the websites of our partner networks, advertisers and affiliates.  If you follow a link to any of these websites, please note that these websites have their own privacy policies and that we do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies.  Please check these policies before you submit any personal data to these websites.

Access to information

The Act gives you the right to access information held about you. Your right of access can be exercised in accordance with the Act. Any access request may be subject to a fee of £10 to meet our costs in providing you with details of the information we hold about you.

Changes to our privacy policy

Any changes we may make to our privacy policy in the future will be posted on this page and, where appropriate, notified to you by e-mail.

Contact NIG

Questions, comments and requests regarding this privacy statement are welcomed and should be addressed to brokersupport@nig-uk.com.

Fraud

Fraud Prevention and Awareness

Protect your identity

You know your identity is a valuable commodity. However, it's tempting to think that identity theft only affects other people. Yet over 100,000 people fall victim each year.

Anyone could be the next target of this fast growing crime.

So what is identity theft?

Simply, it's the theft of your personal or financial details. Criminals use these details to impersonate people, open bank accounts, obtain credit or set up businesses.

Once your details are stolen, you could become a victim of identity fraud.

Identity fraud - what to look out for

• Bills, invoices or receipts addressed to you - for goods or services you haven't ordered
• Letters from solicitors or debt collection agencies regarding debts that aren't yours
• Letters or statements for bank accounts you did not open
• Transactions appearing on your bank statements (normally withdrawals) that you don't recognise
• New accounts showing up on your credit report
• Documents like your passport, driving licence, utility bills or bank statements have gone missing

What can you do?

Remember to keep your personal details secure at all times

Keep valuable documents secure

It's vital you look after any identity document such as your passport and driving licence. Always make sure they are in your possession, whether at home, in the office or on holiday.
When you're not using them, items such as passports, birth certificates, chequebooks and receipts are best kept in a locked drawer at home. Please also remember to keep your chequebooks separate from your bank cards at all times. It's also recommended that you regularly backup copies of your most important computer files, such as photographs, documents, and music.

Destroy all unwanted paperwork

Don't give criminals a leg up. Always shred all important personal and financial paperwork when you don't need it any longer - preferably using a cross-cut shredder for additional security. If you don't do this, criminals could establish your name, address and other details by going through your household rubbish and then use any information they glean to apply for credit, goods or services in your name.
Paperwork to shred includes:
Old bank, credit card and financial statements
Old credit card receipts
Any partly completed application forms carrying your personal details
Insurance renewal notices
Partly completed direct debit or standing order mandates
Any mailshots with your name and address on them
Also, don't forget to destroy all unwanted plastic cards.

Keep your bank updated

We may need to contact you from time to time to confirm details of certain transactions on your account, should they look unusual in comparison with routine items normally seen. This can significantly reduce the impact of financial crime.
It's crucial that if you change your name, address or contact telephone numbers (including your mobile number); you let your bank know immediately

Check your statements

Much financial crime can go undetected for long periods, simply because victims are not aware it has happened. It may be weeks or months before fraud is spotted.
It's therefore vital that you carefully check all bank, credit card and any other statements when you receive them. Make sure that all entries you see are correct. If there are transactions that you don't recognise, please report the details immediately to your branch or card issuer. They will then be able to help you sort out the problems.
Your post could be invaluable information in the wrong hands. So if you fail to receive a bank or credit card statement or any other expected financial information, immediately tell your bank or card issuer. Remember, you may be able to collect valuable items, such as new cards, from a local branch.
Furthermore, if you are in the process of changing address, make sure you arrange to have all your mail re-directed and inform all parties you deal with.

Phishing

What is phishing?

(pronounced 'fishing') is a con trick used by criminals to get hold of your personal information.

Phishing typically happens when criminals send convincing looking but fraudulent emails, although they have also been known to use phone contact.

These emails are often sent to thousands of individuals - in the hope that some will be hoodwinked into supplying personal information. This may include user names, email addresses, passwords, bank account, and credit card details.

These phishing attacks will typically encourage victims to enter details on a fake website - which often seems to come from a legitimate organisation.

Look out for phishing emails that contain...

• Casual or informal wording that's not in the normal style of an email from a legitimate company
• Familiar language or tone but poor grammar and spelling
• 'Verify your account' request - banks will never ask you to enter full account details, passwords or PINs onto a website
• 'There is a secure message waiting for you' - these messages work by putting the emphasis on reading a message - not your actual account. However, the link in the email will still ask for your personal account details
• 'If you don't respond within 48 hours, your account will be closed' - such messages convey a sense of urgency that can make you respond immediately without thinking. Phishing emails might even claim that your response is required because your account may have been compromised
• 'Click the link below to gain access to your account' - sophisticated email messages can contain links or forms that you may fill out just as you would do on a legitimate website
• 'Dear Valued Customer' - phishing emails are usually sent out in bulk and often do not contain your first name or surname

Don't become a fraud victim. Visit MillerSmiles for more information about recent phishing scams

• If you think that you are a victim of identity theft, it is advisable for you to contact CIFAS - the UK's Fraud Prevention Service for advice at www.identityfraud.org.uk

There are a number of websites where further information can be found:

• www.banksafeonline.org.uk
• www.chipandpin.co.uk
• www.identity-theft.org.uk
• www.cifas.org.uk
• www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Protect your computer

If your computer isn't secure, losing your data could be the least of your worries. Learn how to protect it from online attacks.
A firewall is a piece of software which helps protect your computer from online attacks. Any computer you use to access the internet should have a firewall installed.
It's recommended that your firewall is set to monitor incoming and outgoing internet traffic. This means that you have control over the information that enters and leaves your system.
Which firewall?
Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X operating systems have built-in firewalls. Look up your help menus for instructions on checking or setting up your firewall.
Anti-virus
Alternatively, you can buy a firewall from a computer retailer.
A computer virus is much more than just an inconvenience. If your computer is affected, your personal and financial information could be compromised - and that's just the beginning.
Beware of Trojans, viruses and spyware
Your computer may be infected by a 'Trojan', a virus or spyware if it starts to behave in an unpredictable manner. Consider the following warning signs:
Your system may take longer than normal to start, or have a slower response time when opening files. The virus may also use disk space and threaten personal information that is stored on your computer.
Files may become corrupted, might not load or you might experience a system crash
Your anti-virus software may generate a warning message, or other unusual messages may appear on screen
Bear in mind that your computer could still be infected even if nothing appears to be different.
Be aware that exchanging music, video and other files can be risky. Computer viruses or spyware may be downloaded onto your computer, by mistake.
Install and maintain anti-virus software
Good anti-virus software protects your computer and personal information. It's designed to detect and remove any computer viruses, Trojans and spyware that may have been installed on your computer without your knowledge or permission. These invaders can infect your computer and affect your online security.
Your anti-virus software should be regularly updated to keep the latest known threats at bay.

Anti-Spyware

Spyware is malicious software that monitors the activity on your computer - such as password details or the websites you have visited.
Spyware can use this ill-gotten information in lots of different ways, and could hijack your internet browser to show unwanted advertising or generally change your computer settings. It's designed with one purpose in mind - financial gain for the people who put it there.
Many anti-virus packages now come with built-in protection against spyware.
Windows Vista comes with integrated protection against spyware. If you use Windows XP, you can add this by downloading Windows Defender from the Microsoft website.

Browser Update

A browser is simply the software - such as Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari - that you use to access the internet.
Browsers are now more secure than ever before, and a big improvement on the versions that were available even 12 months ago.
And, as criminals often seek to exploit security gaps in older browsers, it pays to make sure you have the latest versions.

How to stay up-to-date

The good news is that browsers are usually free. And if you have configured Windows or Mac OS X to automatically download the latest updates, the chances are you're already up-to-date.
However, you can always get the latest browsers directly from the companies that made them.
Download the latest browsers
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Safari

Operations System Update

The latest operating systems - such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X - automatically keep themselves up-to-date.
This typically means that they download updates as soon as they're available, helping to protect your computer from security breaches.
You can find out more about updating your operating system by visiting the Microsoft or Apple websites.
Microsoft Update
Apple Software update

Wireless network protection

Stop fraudsters from hijacking your wireless home network
Many laptops and handheld computers now come with built-in wireless networking.
And the most common wireless device that could introduce risk at home is the wireless router used to connect your computer to the internet.
Most wireless routers are delivered without their security features turned on. Leaving your wireless network unprotected could be an open door for nosy neighbours - or even worse - malicious attackers searching for wireless networks to break into.
Attackers who access your network could anonymously hijack your internet connection and steal personal information stored on your computer.
How to secure your wireless router at home
If you are not sure how to do complete some of these tasks, ask someone with computer experience whom you trust to help.
Refer to the documentation that came with your hardware to find out how to protect the router
Make sure that every computer using your wireless router has a firewall
Switch off the SSID broadcast - this is the name of your wireless router
Use a unique password to access the wireless router (link to password)

Stay safe online

Hints and tips to make the internet a safer place
The internet doesn't have to be daunting. Take a few simple precautions, and you can help protect yourself from common threats.
It's vital to protect your identity when you're online, and understand the nature of the sites you visit. This is particularly important if you are asked to provide any personal or account details, for example when buying items, or registering to use a service.
Check how safe sites are
Always check the security of internet banking and shopping sites before you use them, by following these tips:
Always type the full web address directly into your browser
By typing the full web address into your browser instead of clicking links, you greatly reduce your chances of being duped by a counterfeit or spoof site - one that looks like the real thing, but is controlled by criminals.
Always check for 'https' and any padlock or key symbol
Genuine secure sites have addresses that start with 'https' and display a padlock icon or key symbol in your internet browser. This will usually be displayed at the top or bottom of your screen.

Passwords

The best password is one that's easy for you to remember - but impossible for anyone else to guess. Once you've chosen your password, make sure to change it regularly. If you've been using the same passwords for years, it's definitely time for a change.
Never share your passwords with anyone. And you should never write down your passwords - or store them on your computer.
Handy hints - choose a good password
Use letters from a phrase or song lyric - for example the nursery rhyme 'The Grand Old Duke of York he had ten thousand men' would give you the phrase 'TGODoYhhttm'. The mix of upper case and lower case letters helps to make the password even more secure
Use a mixture of characters - including upper and lower case letters, as well as numbers
Don't use your PIN - or reuse any other passwords
Don't use family names or birthdays - they are easy for attackers to guess, especially if you use your own name or birthday
Don't use dictionary words- attackers will often use dictionaries of commonly used passwords. So avoid passwords which contain 'real' words (such as 'hello' or 'password'), names, or words in foreign languages
Don't mis-spell common words - attackers are likely to try these combinations as well, especially sequences which replace letters such as 'I' with '1' or 'e' with '3'

Using the internet in public

You can never be certain about the security of public wireless networks or computers in public places - such as hotels, libraries or internet cafes.
It's recommended you do not access your online banking account in such situations. Preferably, restrict your online activity to viewing a minimum number of sites over a short period of time.
Handy hints
Never change your security details while using a public wireless network or a public computer
Never provide your account details to any third parties - such as online shopping sites - while using public facilities
Always be aware of the activities of those around you and ensure you log out properly from your online session when you're finished

Auction sites

Although buying and selling items using online auction sites can be successful, not every person you encounter is trustworthy and not every selling site is as it seems.
Whether buying or selling, it's always important to know who you are dealing with. And remember - giving your account details to an unknown third party may lead to identity theft.
When buying...
Use secure websites only - these are identified by a padlock or key symbol and a site address that change from 'http' to 'https'
Check all documentation when you are shopping online and make sure the site is genuine
Know what you are expecting to receive, and preferably order items that are relatively small in value
Always print off any order and find out as much detail about the seller as possible
Remember that it can be time consuming and costly to chase non-receipt of any orders - and this should be considered before purchasing
When selling...
Never release any items until you have received payment in full - and make sure cheques have cleared before handing over goods
Understand the true value of the items you are selling, and do not be tempted to accept the first offer that comes your way
Be aware you may receive counterfeit documents such as drafts or cheques. If you are unsure, ask your bank to check these out for you

Personal safety

It makes sense to be aware of others around you when using banking facilities such as cash machines, or chip and PIN devices in shops.
Here are some handy hints to help protect you and your card:
Stand close to the machine and shield the keypad, so that nobody can see you enter your PIN
Don't accept help from strangers and don't let anyone distract you
If someone looks suspicious or gets too close while you're using the machine, cancel the transaction and move away
When you have finished your transaction, put your card and money away quickly before you leave the machine
At shop checkouts, keypads are usually shielded against prying eyes, but you should still try to prevent anyone looking over your shoulder as you enter your PIN.

Keep your laptop, mobile phone and any other devices safe

Remember to look after your laptop, mobile phone and other devices at all times. These should always be kept in your possession, especially when travelling.
Here are some handy hints when on the move:
Never leave your laptop logged on and unattended in public, for example when socialising after work or in airport lounges
Never use your laptop or mobile phone in situations where you can be seen or overheard by third parties, such as on the bus or train or in a hotel lobby
Never discuss confidential or business related information in public places, whether face-to-face or on a mobile phone
Lock your mobile phone and secure your laptop when not in use

Card security

Plastic cards offer you an ideal balance of convenience and flexibility. Unfortunately, criminals also find these benefits a great temptation - so you need to be aware of how to protect your cards against financial crime.

Safety tips
Using your card securely
Don't hand over valuable card or bank account information
Be wary of unexpected or suspicious telephone calls or emails and never provide your card or PIN details to anyone you have not properly identified.
Keep your cards and card details in a safe place
Fraud can happen if card details are obtained from carelessly discarded paperwork. Always keep your bank and credit card statements in a safe place and always shred any paperwork relating to your cards when it's no longer required. Never write down any PIN or password details.
Carefully check your statements
Check your statements as soon as you receive them. If you find a transaction on your statement that you did not make, contact your bank or card provider immediately.
Only shop at secure websites
Make sure the security icon - the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol - is showing in the bottom or top of your browser window before sending your card details. The beginning of the retailer's internet address will change from 'http' to 'https' when a purchase is made using a secure connection. By double clicking on the padlock or key symbol, you will also get confirmation that it is still valid.
Increasingly, when making a payment online, you are recommended to sign up for schemes that ask you to verify your payments using a special password on participating sites.
Consider using an internet-only card
If you regularly make transactions over the internet, consider opening a separate credit card account just for these transactions. This would help you monitor transactions at a glance, and limit the available credit should anything go wrong.
Print out your order
When shopping online, make sure you get a hard copy of both your order form and the retailer's terms and conditions. When buying from overseas suppliers, remember that it may be difficult to resolve any issues that crop up. However, having all the relevant information to hand will help your bank or building society take up the case if you do have any problems.

Chip and PIN

Keep your PINs and passwords safe
more difficult for criminals to gain access to your account.
In the past, you would sign a paper receipt to verify your card payments. Now you simply enter a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), just like you do at a cash machine.
Stay safe
Criminals are particularly keen on getting the PINs connected with your debit and credit cards. Whether banking online or entering your PIN details in a public place, you should always be vigilant.

Chip and PIN tips
Always keep your card out of sight and in a safe place, and never let anyone else use it
Never tell anyone your PIN - not even your family, the bank or the police - and never write it down anywhere
When you receive a new PIN, memorise it straightaway and immediately destroy the slip
Do not share your password details with any third parties. Passwords should be known only to you. It's also good practice to change your passwords regularly
When considering a suitable password for an account or online application, avoid using family or pet names, birthdays or ages, which criminals could match from stolen data
Never use the same password for different accounts
If you use an online banking service...
Remember that your bank or building society will never ask you to supply your complete password to enable you to access internet banking. They will only ever ask for parts of your password.

When receiving unexpected telephone call, be cautious if you're asked for personal information

If you receive a call requesting your complete security details do not reply and do not follow the instructions even if the caller suggests that you need to take immediate action to stop your account being frozen or if they suggest that you may incur a fine if you don't. These are just tricks that the fraudster is using to manipulate you in to giving away your vital details.

If you're ever in doubt, take the callers name and call them back using your usual number and not the number they may give you.

Report Suspicious fraud

Fraud can be reported in a number of ways, including confidentially.

NIG can be contacted directly by:
Phone: 020 8290 3453 (Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm. Out of hours answerphone)
Email: policy.validation@directlinegroup.com
Letter: Counter Fraud, Mailpoint 30, Churchill Court, Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1DP

Non Direct Line Group Insurance Fraud can be reported to IFB Cheatline:
Phone: 0800 328 2550
Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted:
Phone: 0800 555 111