The Financial Services Compensation Scheme is open to claims from customers who paid for insurance through intermediary Anthony Jones (UK) Ltd and find themselves without cover and unable to recover their premium.

In July, the intermediary agreed to stop all regulated activity and subsequently went into voluntary liquidation. The business was established in 1984 and had offices in Dartford, Bromley and Bristol.

In a statement, the FSCS said: “FSCS has eligibility criteria in respect of the activities and the people who are covered. In general terms, FSCS protection applies to individuals and small companies. You can find more information about what is covered on our website.”

It added: “We are currently investigating the situation to understand more about what has happened. We will be working closely with the joint liquidators and the FCA.”