pensions. The company's first website, directline.co.uk, was launched in 1997, which was later renamed directline.com in 1999. The innovations extended into the 2000s with the launch of the first online claims registration and tracking facility in the United Kingdom for its motor insurance customers in 2001, and Home Response 24 Emergency Insurance, launching in 2003. Direct Line was bought by RBS Insurance, a subsidiary of RBS Group, in June 2003. Royal Bank of Scotland was forced to sell Direct Line as a result of European regulations that prevent companies from receiving state aid. Direct Line floated on the London Stock Market in October 2012. The Direct Line Group owns a number of brands including Churchill Insurance, Privilege and Green Flag. The company made a number of tough financial decisions at the beginning of the 2010s, including abandoning some lines of business, making redundancies, and closing 14 of their 27 offices in the United Kingdom. Services Today, Direct Line offers a range of general insurance products including car, van, home, landlord, pet, and travel insurance as well as breakdown cover. They also offer life insurance. The company started a new subsidiary in September 2007, Direct Line for Business, which provides a range of business insurance products to landlords and the small business sector. Controversy In January 2012, Direct Line, along with sister company Churchill Insurance, was fined £2.17m by the FSA, after being found guilty of altering complaints files. Awards Direct Line has won a number of awards including: Financial Services Forum Awards 2016: Advertising; Customer Experience; Customer Loyalty and Retention, Judges' Special Award for Marketing Excellence. YourMoney.com Awards 2016: Direct Winners – Best Direct Car Insurance Provider Your Money Awards 2015: Direct Winners – Best Direct Car Insurance Provider Rebranding In Italy and Germany, Direct Line was acquired by MAPFRE Group in September 2014, and re branded to Verti in January 2017. Verti is a brand owned by MAPFRE Group, operating in Italy, Germany, Spain and the United States. References External links Official website 1985 establishments in England British companies established in 1985 Companies based in the London Borough of Bromley Direct Line Group Financial services companies established in 1985 Insurance companies of the United Kingdom Royal Bank of Scotland Vehicle insurance