Hastings direct

t8769

They claim to provide better cover than other companies.

Locks, vandalism, uninsured drivers, accomadation after accident etc.

However, its a higher premium and highe excess than other companies.

Are they really any better?

Sandtree

The things you have listed are offered by a number of other insurers and you really need to get into the nuts and bolts of exactly what their "uninsured driver promise"  (to use Direct Line's language) is as there are various elements that could vary by insurer (excess, NCD, fault) even if multiple companies claim to have a "promise" on it.

If you want a quick way to look at quality of the product, not the service, you can see Star Ratings | Car insurance (defaqto.com) just be aware that many insurers have multiple products and so make sure you are looking at the right one. As you will see car insurance doesnt vary that much hence Admiral's standard, Gold and Platinum products are all 5* rated.

Personally for Car there are a few companies that I would avoid but other than that it is heavily a price driven decision... for other classes of insurance the quality of the insurance itself varies massively more.