Difference between HastingsDirect and HastingsEssential?

flush_the_hamster

Hello - On my yearly mission for better car insurance. I've been through www.hastingsessential.com and www.hastingsdirect.com.

HastingsEssential keeps coming out cheaper. Not that that's a bad thing...but I'm just wondering if I'm missing something - what the difference is between these two companies as they must be the same?

I've entered the quote details exactly and for the life of me can't get the quotes to match.

The only bonus is that HastingsDirect are on TCB but there other isn't.

raskazz

flush_the_hamster wrote: »

Hello - On my yearly mission for better car insurance. I've been through www.hastingsessential.com and www.hastingsdirect.com.

HastingsEssential keeps coming out cheaper. Not that that's a bad thing...but I'm just wondering if I'm missing something - what the difference is between these two companies as they must be the same?

I've entered the quote details exactly and for the life of me can't get the quotes to match.

The only bonus is that HastingsDirect are on TCB but there other isn't.

There are loads of differences. The quotes will never match because the 'Essential' policy removes several elements of cover and alters the terms of other sections. The result - the price is cheaper and appears nearer the top of comparison sites. Then people buy it because they only look at price and not cover or service.

The 'Essential' policy is cheaper because:

• If you submit a total loss claim the policy will immediately end and no substitution of vehicle will be allowed (page 9).
• No 'driving other cars' cover (page 11).
• No personal accident benefit (page 12).
• An additional premium will be charged for any request for cover abroad over and above the legal minimum required (page 5). The standard policy includes 60 days free of charge.
• No medical expenses cover (page 12).
• The excess for glass claims will be doubled if an approved repairer is not used (page 13).
• A glass claim will result in loss of NCD, unless your NCD is protected (page 13).
• They will also usually apply Endorsement 31 to the policy so that your excess is doubled for accidental damage or fire/theft claims if an approved repairer is not used.

NineThreeNine

Same company, different policy (less features.)