ING Direct has teamed up with Auto & General to offer home and contents cover to its mortgage customers.

Initially the insurance will be available to 90% of the bank’s customers – those who choose ING Direct through the mortgage broker network.

Early next year it will extend to direct customers and be a standalone product.

Other optional covers will include landlord, flood, accidental damage and personal valuables.

ING Direct Executive Director Customer John Arnott says the rollout is about understanding customers’ broader needs, giving peace of mind and providing a “one-stop shop”.

“Buying a home is both an exciting and incredibly busy time, and we want to make the process as simple and efficient as possible for our customers,” he said.

On receipt of their home loan approvals, customers will receive an automatic insurance estimate.

They are then invited to provide additional information for a full quote.

Auto & General, which operates challenger brand Budget Direct, “has been developing smart, data-driven solutions tailored to meet its customers’ needs through their preferred purchase channels”, MD and CEO Ram Kangatharan said.

ING Direct has a mortgage portfolio of more than $40 billion.