Two-thirds of people used the internet to search for home insurance last year - and 81 per cent think they will use it this year, a new survey has shown.

Four out of 10 people also applied for their current policy online, something 68 per cent of those questioned said they would do when they needed to renew their cover, according to customer experience monitor Global Reviews.

The group looked at 21 websites for home insurance and assessed them against 500 different criteria, including the quality of information provided, the level of customer support given and how easy it was to make an application.

It found that Kwik Fit and esure offered the best online information on making a claim, while Asda and Direct Line offered the best service for getting an online quote.

Asda also had the best online application process, followed by Churchill.

The group said Direct Line offered the best overall website for home insurance, followed by Norwich Union and Tesco Finance.

Adam Goodvach, director of Global Reviews, said: "Events such as the floods remind customers of the need for home insurance and the possibility of making a claim.

"Unfortunately consumers' online experience varies widely depending on the website they visit. Many websites focus on quotes and applications, at the expense of policy and claims information.'