Hastings Direct was launched in 1997 and since then has become an award-winning insurance company and is one of the UK's fastest growing insurance brokers. Hastings Direct provides car, bike, van, home and pet insurance, as well as a range of ancillary products and services such as breakdown cover, personal accident, substitute vehicle and key and legal cover. Hastings Direct is known for its mascot, Harry Hastings, an animated figure dressed in battle gear from the Battle of Hastings in 1066. All Hastings Direct advertising features Harry Hastings.