Direct Line car insurance

guitarman001

I know you're meant to switch providers frequently but Direct Line have always given me a competitive quote. I'm almost 28 and have been driving for 5 years with corresponding no-claims bonus.

Every year they play the same game, i.e. they send out a renewal letter which seems too expensive... you go online and get a much cheaper quote. At that point I also do a bit of haggling and can lower the price somewhat (it's terrible that you have to do this, I feel sorry for the meek who don't!). This year however, they don't seem to be budging regarding negotiations. The quoted renewal price is around £440 and doing it online, £340!! Is it too much to ask to get it down to £300..?

One good thing, though... if I emigrate, they waive the ~£25 fee and refund my car insurance pro-rata.

Other companies are quoting me £310 or thereabouts (Hastings Direct, for example) but I don't know how easy I feel switching to another less well-known company. Think I might just pay the £340. What do you think? Anybody else with Direct Line or got any tips? Have you managed to haggle with them lately?

dacouch

Have a word with Chris Addison, he seems helpful

DCFC79

You can always try asking them to reduce the premium to what it would be on the internet or if the quote is teh same via other insurers then ask if they would match it or beat it.

Buzby

Switch - the name you pay invariably is not the insurer, but an intermediary. The difference in price if often te difference in their loading, depending on how much they need to add to their bottom line. Go for the best deal you can.

guitarman001

They'll match their own online quote, but say they can't get down to the £310 offered by others. Not that it's a big deal!

Excess is £250 and I haven't gone for hire car (never do).

I don't want to get to the stage where I say I'm leaving just to get the price down £20 - might just ring back tomorrow and accept.

forgotmyname

I used to be with them but a huge hike in premium the one year had me ready to move on. But they beat it. Over £100 off.

Then next year the same increased premium got quoted. I phoned them again and they offered no discount so i moved on.

I tried a quote early this year and it came out DOUBLE my current renewal price.

hcb42

Just take the £340

You pay for peace of mind and if you are not comfortable with the cheaper prices, or they may have higher admin fees, then why should direct line match that?