What’s cheapest... comparison sites v direct insurers

Former_MSE_Wendy

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] What this is all about?[/title]
The Cheap Car Insurance guide takes you through how to minimise the cost of cover – the full system involves combining comparison services, checking the ones they miss, then getting cashback.

Currently there is a big battle fought out in TV ads between comparison sites versus Direct Line and Aviva (who advertise that they’re not available on comparison sites).

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] Give us feedback[/title]
So we’d like you to answer the poll above to give us feedback on what you did and what worked for you (please ignore cashback from cashback websites – the main aim at this point is to compare the quotes from the different insurers).

The poll is specifically about these two insurers as others big ones are included in comparison site searches.
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raskazz

It'd be nice to discuss quality as well rather than just price.

dacouch

This made me laugh (It did not take Aviva long after this article was published to "Fix" the problem)
http://www.bitterwallet.com/aviva-want-you-know-their-car-insurance-is-more-expensive/14597

LeeSouthEast

I just wanted to note that while the comparison site for me came out £60 cheaper, I still went with Direct Line as a new customer. Because after considerable digging, to add everything on to the 'cheap' policy that I get with Direct Line either included or as a minor bolt-on, would work out hundreds of pounds more expensive...

That will not stop me doing the same when it comes to renewing this year, mind you. Cash back, compare, ring... best cover and value for money wins over pure cheapness.

gordikin

It would have been nice for the question to find it's own level of interest without being bumped by MSE. Questionable journalism I suggest?...but maybe that's not that unusual here perhaps?

bristol_pilot

I find DL consistently cheaper than the comparison sites and aviva by far the most expensive. And I check every year. Someone has to pay for all those TV ads I suppose.

Inactive

Insurance is a service, not a tin of beans, I rarely go for the cheapest, you do seem to get what you pay for with any service provider.

I am not sure why MSE is so obsessed with pointing people to the cheapest provider/s.

Surely they would be better advised to find the best value for money providers, that includes quality of service.;)

Wutang_2

Inactive wrote: »

Insurance is a service, not a tin of beans, I rarely go for the cheapest, you do seem to get what you pay for with any service provider.

I am not sure why MSE is so obsessed with pointing people to the cheapest provider/s.

Surely they would be better advised to find the best value for money providers, that includes quality of service.;)

As a result, I am only interested in insurance where I get cashback and I can also claim for misselling later.

Oscar_The_Grouch

Why is it that this site continually ignores local brokers? Your poll at the top doesn't even mention brokers. Do you have something against them?

Brokers have access to markets that simply do not appear on the price comparison sites. Many insurers, especially the Lloyd's Syndicates, have schemes that are exclusive to brokers but MSE seems determined to ignore this area of the market. Why is that?

Surely, it would be beneficial for people to pick up the phone and speak to their local broker; especially if they can say "my best quote so far is £...". They may get a lower price and because the broker relies on his reputation, the service is likely to be better.

And before anyone asks; I don't work for a broker. I haven't worked for a broker since the mid 90's.

max265

I found comparison sites cheaper than both D/L and Aviva. I finally did mine through LV.com/unite. My trade union.

mikey72

Cheapest is never worth it, look at all the threads on here about lack of service. I agree about using a broker as well.