CONTRACT hire company Dial is developing a new fleet insurance package to be unveiled during the first quarter of next year. News of the plan coincided with an announcement from Barclays Bank, Dial's parent company, that it is to enter the insurance market via a joint venture between Barclays Insurance Services and Privilege Insurance, the company set up by Peter Wood, founder of Direct Line.

Dial is already piloting an insurance policy which gives a fixed premium over a three-year period, but it does not underwrite the risk itself. Tim Rankin, Dial's business development director, said: 'Dial will be launching a fleet insurance package during the first quarter of next year. Barclays' launch is very much retail orientated, but we are working with Barclays Insurance Services to develop a more complete range of insurance products. We cannot say whether we will be following Barclays' lead and taking on the insurance 'risk', or again turning to the brokerage network.'

Barclays Insurance Services claims it will undercut any existing renewal premium, and has extended the offer to any car, including company cars, except those used solely for business, such as pool, rental and courtesy vehicles. Barclays Car Insurance is offering an instant quote service by calling 0870-600 1414.