Car insurance - getting a quote from a reputable insurer

GustyGardenGalaxy

I usually go through the AA for my car insurance, but their prices are getting ridiculously expensive (for me!).

Managed to get them down to £220 (from £280) but on looking online I get loads of quotes, many as low as £160 or so. Trouble is I don't know if these companies are any good or not (names like: Swiftcover, IGO4, Hastings Direct, AXA, Policy Shop, KwikFit, Virgin Insure, Renew Insurance, Swinton, etc).

So, should I try one of the cheaper ones or avoid them like the plague?

Or would anyone be willing to recommend a 'cheap but reputable' insurer?

scheming_gypsy

how much is your car worth? i go for the cheapest price simply because my car will be written off even if it needs a new bumper.
As it's a low cost car i put the excess right up so no point claiming as i won't get anything back. If i'm hit by somebody else then i can claim from their insurance... So for me it's false economy to get a 'decent' policy as i just need it to pay anybody if i hit them and to make sure i'm legal.

GustyGardenGalaxy

What's my car worth? About £300 according to the details given when I entered the registration number on the site.

InsideInsurance

Half of those you mention are a broker like the AA. Some like Axa are insurers and will be on the panel of the likes of the AA and Renew

Most on here will advise you to avoid Swinton - most of the rest will receive a mixture of good and bad reviews just like most people aiming at the budget market.

scheming_gypsy

if that's a reasonable estimate from the age, model and other people selling them... Then it's probably not worth the hassle of finding a 'decent' insurer as you won't get anything back if you need to make a claim on your own insurance. If that's what it's worth and you've a £150 excess, is it worth paying an extra £150 on the insurance?

mikey72

Try axa
http://www.axa.co.uk/insurance/car

with £1000 excess.

Go through a cashback site as well.

GustyGardenGalaxy

Thanks, have got a quote from AXA and that's £30 less than the AA.

mikey72

£28 cashback on topcashback and quidco as well.

GustyGardenGalaxy

Ta - managed to get the AA to knock off another £30.