Helen Phipps

Helen Phipps

Insurance expert

Helen Phipps is a commercial leader with over 20 years’ of experience in insurance and financial services. Helen has spent more than a decade shaping commercial strategy, building strong insurer partnerships, and enhancing product governance. Her previous experience at Hastings Direct and RAC has further established her as a trusted voice in the industry. She is regularly sought for expert commentary on home insurance and wider consumer insurance markets. 

Helen’s areas of expertise include: Home insurance: as the former Head of Home Insurance at Compare the Market. She's also experienced with car insurance and pet insurance from her previous roles across commercial, partnerships and as a freelance consultant, working with more than 100 insurers across a variety of insurance products.

Helen's background

“After starting in sales and marketing, I quickly progressed to senior leadership roles across some of the UK’s most recognised insurance brands, including RAC and Hastings Direct. This gave me the grounding to understand the balance between insurer partnerships and customer needs, something I’ve carried through into my work at Compare the Market. 

“Since joining Compare the Market, I’ve held a variety of senior roles. Each of these positions has allowed me to develop strategies that strengthen insurer collaboration and improve customer outcomes – the double win! 

“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading the latest ‘whodunnit’ and nights out at the theatre.  

Helen's goal

"My goal is to demystify insurance, making it easier for people to find products that truly meet their needs. I want to help bridge the gap between insurers and customers by ensuring transparency, fairness and value across the market." 

Helen's experience

Commercial Director at Compare the Market 

Leads partner strategy across core insurance products, ensuring the best prices, insightful data sharing, and strong commercial models. Enhanced product governance standards with thematic reviews and data-driven risk management. 

Head of Partner Relationships at Compare the Market 

Developed commercial strategies aligning with customer needs. Managed over 100 insurer partnerships through a tiered approach, prioritising value and building sustainable long-term relationships. 

Head of Home Insurance at Compare the Market 

Accountable for revenue targets and optimisation of the sales funnel to increase conversion in home insurance. 

Head of Commercial Trading at Hastings Direct 

Delivered sales volume and value across multiple distribution channels for motor insurance products. 

Senior Sales & Marketing Manager — Aviva Plc / RAC (2008–2012) 

Responsible for commercial and sales growth across RAC  insurance products, leveraging brand partnerships. 

 

Helen Phipps commenting on...

Period homes

“If your home has unique architectural features or historical significance, you may need approval from your local conservation office before replacing the original materials.” 

Helen Phipps in the press...

Ideal Home: Homeowners urged to service their boilers now or risk voiding their home insurance – this simple mistake could cost you thousands

(November 2025)

"It's important for homeowners to be aware that many home insurance policies and boiler warranties ask for proof of annual professional servicing. If a major fault happens without that record, the policy or warranty could be invalid, leaving you to cover the cost of repairs yourself,’ explains Helen Phipps, home insurance expert at Compare the Market."

Insurance Business Mag: Period homes have pricier premiums, study finds

(April 2025)

Helen Phipps, home insurance expert at Compare the Market, says: “While period homes often possess great character and charm, our research underlines the importance for homeowners to be aware of the additional costs that can often accompany owning an older property.

"People living in a period home, or those considering purchasing one, should be aware of the potentially higher insurance premiums that typically come with owning an older property.

“It’s important for all homeowners to compare insurance policies of different providers online to help find the right deal at the right price. ”

Introducer Today: Home insurance cost rises continue to slow – Compare the Market 

(February 2025)

“The slowing rise of home insurance premiums should certainly be welcome news for UK households. Home premiums are being pushed up partly by the high levels of payouts seen in the past year, which have been driven somewhat by flooding and higher building costs.” 

Compare the Market’s Editorial Guidelines

If you’d like to learn more about how we produce our content, check out our Editorial Guidelines.

Learn how our content is regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and how we adhere to ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) standards. We’ll also walk you through our four-step editorial process and how we strive for editorial integrity.

Meet some other experts

Amy Rootham
Guy Anker
Mubina Pirmohamed
Meet all Experts

Our content is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by technology. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.