How to compare insurers or just go for cheapest quote?

curtise21

I've been following MSE car insurance guide for years to get the cheapest possible deal for my husband and I (and pretty much everyone else we know!).

I have however been wondering is the lowest priced insurer always the best insurer?

I've fortunately never had any accidents or need to make a claim, but recently I have been talking to some work colleagues who have had bad experiences with some particular big name insurers (being strong armed into accepting responsibility for a crash which they firmly believe was not their fault etc).

So my question is - do you always go for the cheapest quote, no matter who it is with? If not what do you look for in an insurer, is there anywhere that rates insurers based on customer feedback etc?

Astronaughtwannabe

There's a subset of insurers that you should avoid like the plague. If you think the top names act badly, they haven't got anything on this lot. A quick look on google will soon reveal who they are.

The top names at least have a reputation to try and protect, the particularly bad insurers don't seem to care and perhaps even thrive off bad publicity.

HappyMJ

curtise21 wrote: »

I've been following MSE car insurance guide for years to get the cheapest possible deal for my husband and I (and pretty much everyone else we know!).

I have however been wondering is the lowest priced insurer always the best insurer?

I've fortunately never had any accidents or need to make a claim, but recently I have been talking to some work colleagues who have had bad experiences with some particular big name insurers (being strong armed into accepting responsibility for a crash which they firmly believe was not their fault etc).

So my question is - do you always go for the cheapest quote, no matter who it is with? If not what do you look for in an insurer, is there anywhere that rates insurers based on customer feedback etc?

As with everything else in life the cheapest is not always the best. Once you've got yourself a quote google the company and look at reviews.

rev_henry

Defaqto star ratings can give SOME indication.
NFU Mutual (yes, the farmers union) is often said to be the best but they don't do comparison sites.

sillygoose

I work on the basis it should cost no more than last year if I have not claimed.

I run a comparison site search then a few of the main big ones. I actually end up circulating around a certain few each year, some of which are connected anyway.

But if you choose a comparison one NEVER go to the company via the comparison site. Same if you got a quote from a companies site directly, quit and close all browsers.

Then use a cashback site, its unbelievable people are still satisfied with a daft toy from a comparison site!

I just collected £70.70 cashback on my last car insurance, I could buy lots of plastic robots or stuffed toys with that!

companies like Aviva, LV, Sheila's Wheels have all been reliable cashback payers for me. I often renew early but with a policy date to run after the current one ends if there is a good 'special offer' on cashback.