Correctly combine price and benefits when buying a policy
Compare quotes on the price comparison sites
If you’re torn between two policies from two different providers that offer a similar price, you should always check the details of both policies. It may be that price is the same but the benefits are very different. Pay particular attention to the excesses which you would have to pay when you make a claim. And remember, if it looks to good to be true it probably is.
Price comparison sites can be useful for comparing prices and providers. These sites zip your details to hosts of insurers and brokers’ websites, scraping their data off the screens to report back the cheapest quote, making it easier for drivers to shop around. However, most people don’t know how to use these websites efficiently. The prices comparison sites don’t all compare the same providers; in order to maximise the spread of quotes, it is useful to combine them.
Shopping around on price comparison site is always useful but some companies refuse to be listed on any comparison site because they have their own special offers and prefer to take to customers on the telephone. Take for example:
- Aviva Direct: New customers, with at least 4 years no claims can get 12 weeks free insurance. In addition, if you buy online you could get up to 20% off.
- Direct Line: The company is currently offering 12 months for the price of 10 until 31 March 2011 (minimum premiums of £150 Fully Comprehensive and £140 Third Party Fire and Theft apply).
- Only Young Drivers: By using their unique, over-the-phone risk assessment Only Young Drivers can offer up to 40% discount off your premium. The company also offers increased benefits, like a courtesy car in case your vehicle is being repaired following an accident.
Claim cashback
If you are keen on saving some money on your insurance policy you might also want to try the cashback route. There are currently two comparison sites (Beatthatquote and MoneyExpert) that try to tackle the market by offering ”a quick £25 cashback” when you compare and decide to buy a policy through their website. The process is not without hassle; neither of the two lets you opt out of further marketing and therefore it is very likely to get follow up calls and emails.
Anyone who’s considering these websites for their cashback policy should know that these websites include far fewer insurers and brokers than the main price comparison websites and thus try to make up for that through the cashback scheme.
