Car insurance comparison websites seek to quickly and easily compare car insurance quotes for you, helping you get the best cover for your needs at the best price.
Car insurance comparison sites have really transformed the buying process for car insurance online.
They were established at a time when the number of online car insurance providers was rapidly growing but to compare quotes you had to enter all your details and answer questions on each site.
Taking many minutes per quote meant this was very time consuming and not a very satisfactory way of working.
So car insurance comparison sites were established – enter your details once and the comparison site then collates quotes from a range of different companies.
Try for yourself, compare car insurance quotes, you’ll see just how easy it is.
The numerous quotes are presented to you with differing information, from the price, to key aspects of the policy offered.
Whilst many people choose their car insurance based on price, it’s important to consider other policy requirements, such as a need for a courtesy car, the level of excess you want etc.
Our article on ‘Questions to ask as you choose your car insurance‘, might help with assessing your policy requirements.
Some comparison sites now focus more on the policy requirements and being able to show quotes based on features that are important for you, not just on the cheapest price.
Since the first site was established, some 15 years ago, many more have entered. Some of the main sites are:
beatthatQuote.com
Comparethemarket.com
Confused.com
Gocompare.com
Moneysupermarket.com
uSwitch.com
Tescocompare.com
None cover the entire car insurance market and as you would expect some are better than others.
In some ways this proliferation of comparison sites starts to negate their value in that in order to get the best car insurance you really need to visit multiple sites.
Comparison sites receive commission from the insurance company or broker you buy car insurance from. This is not generally made clear on the sites.
Not all car insurance providers participate in comparison sites, Direct Line for example don’t. This means to get a quote from these you’ll need to use their site directly.
Recognising that there hasn’t been any real control of comparison websites a Comparison Consortium has been established.
Many of the main comparison site companies are involved in this.
beatthatQuote.com this week became the first website to get accreditation for adhering to the Comparison Consortium’s Code of Practice.
This code has been established to ensure greater clarity to customers and sites adhering to it have been confirmed to operate at the highest industry standards, giving consumers clear and transparent information.
Source
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Going to university? How to get the best car insurance quotes
With over 500,000 students getting their A-level results today; many will be venturing off to college or university and probably leaving home for the first time. Many will also be looking to take their car with them, unaware that as they move into student accommodation or halls of residence their car insurance premiums could increase.
Moneyextra.com has put together a list of the top 5 tips for students to follow to help fight any increase in premiums that may arise as a result of leaving home to study:
1. Consider how many miles you will be driving. When buying your car insurance the number of miles driven per year will have a major effect on your premium, so be accurate and make sure you don’t over estimate. Although be honest, if you “lie” to your insurer you could potentially invalidate a claim.
2. Look at where it is parked overnight. If you’re lucky enough to have off road parking or even a garage at your accommodation then use it as this will help to reduce your premium. If the vehicle is kept on the road, look to add some extra security such as alarms and immobilisers (if not already fitted) and steering locks. You may have no option but to park on the road, however you can still help reduce your annual costs by adding extra security.
3. If you are the main driver or registered keeper of the car, don’t insure it in your parents name and put yourself down as a named driver. As well as being false economy as you are just delaying the building up of your no-claims discount, more importantly this is illegal and is known as “fronting” and if you were to be in an accident it could mean the claim is not paid. Worse still, if it’s proven you’re guilty of fronting you are open to prosecution which is likely to be around 3-6 points on your licence and a hefty fine.
4. If you’re a new driver or under 25 consider taking the Pass Plus test. This will consist of some additional lessons which see’s you experience motorways, night driving and towns to name a few different situations. By completing the Pass Plus test you can then get discounts with various insurers of anything from 5% of your car insurance premium upwards.
5. Shop around for your car insurance policy and consider paying a higher voluntary excess in the event of a claim. Although you pay out more if you claim, your premium can reduce quite considerably if you agree to share more of the risk with your car insurance company
Younger drivers may want to also consider the type of car they buy. The GTi badge and the spoilers may look attractive, but the insurance premiums for younger drivers of such cars aren’t quite as appealing. By quickly looking at the insurance group applicable to the vehicle type, and avoiding anything that has “Sport” or “GT” in its name.
Whether you’re going to university, or starting your first step onto the career ladder this autumn, younger drivers can make some significant savings by shopping around for their car insurance and following our tips to get cheaper premiums.
Source
Moneyextra.com has put together a list of the top 5 tips for students to follow to help fight any increase in premiums that may arise as a result of leaving home to study:
1. Consider how many miles you will be driving. When buying your car insurance the number of miles driven per year will have a major effect on your premium, so be accurate and make sure you don’t over estimate. Although be honest, if you “lie” to your insurer you could potentially invalidate a claim.
2. Look at where it is parked overnight. If you’re lucky enough to have off road parking or even a garage at your accommodation then use it as this will help to reduce your premium. If the vehicle is kept on the road, look to add some extra security such as alarms and immobilisers (if not already fitted) and steering locks. You may have no option but to park on the road, however you can still help reduce your annual costs by adding extra security.
3. If you are the main driver or registered keeper of the car, don’t insure it in your parents name and put yourself down as a named driver. As well as being false economy as you are just delaying the building up of your no-claims discount, more importantly this is illegal and is known as “fronting” and if you were to be in an accident it could mean the claim is not paid. Worse still, if it’s proven you’re guilty of fronting you are open to prosecution which is likely to be around 3-6 points on your licence and a hefty fine.
4. If you’re a new driver or under 25 consider taking the Pass Plus test. This will consist of some additional lessons which see’s you experience motorways, night driving and towns to name a few different situations. By completing the Pass Plus test you can then get discounts with various insurers of anything from 5% of your car insurance premium upwards.
5. Shop around for your car insurance policy and consider paying a higher voluntary excess in the event of a claim. Although you pay out more if you claim, your premium can reduce quite considerably if you agree to share more of the risk with your car insurance company
Younger drivers may want to also consider the type of car they buy. The GTi badge and the spoilers may look attractive, but the insurance premiums for younger drivers of such cars aren’t quite as appealing. By quickly looking at the insurance group applicable to the vehicle type, and avoiding anything that has “Sport” or “GT” in its name.
Whether you’re going to university, or starting your first step onto the career ladder this autumn, younger drivers can make some significant savings by shopping around for their car insurance and following our tips to get cheaper premiums.
Source
Friday, August 28, 2009
Finding the Most Inexpensive Car Insurance Quote
Are you thinking of getting car insurance? Are you looking for cheaper ones with the same terms as other more expensive ones? Do you know that it is possible to find cheap car insurance quotes? Have you ever thought of the fact that it is possible your neighbour is getting more 'bang for his insurance buck' than you are for a far lesser rate than you are currently paying? If you answered in the affirmative to one of the questions asked above, then you need to read the following tips as they will put you on the path to getting cheaper or inexpensive car insurance quote.
1. Look Around Before making your Choice
Rushing to get a car insurance is not the best idea particularly when you have not done your homework. To get the best bargain, take a look around. Call up as many car insurance companies as possible. The norm is to call three. But in your best interest, call at least 5.
This will give you a wide array of choices to pick from. To do this effectively, you can check the business directory or visit the state's insurance department. All insurance companies often have to register with them before they can become operational. The department can provide you with a list of the many companies. If you live in states like California or New Jersey, car insurance is often more expensive. When investigating the company, look for details such as popularity and capital base. This will give you an idea of their financial health.
2. Make a comparison on different quotes before buying a vehicle
The kinds of cars you drive can often be responsible for higher insurance quotes. For example, new car editions, sports cars, and model cars are often easily stolen and therefore often attract higher insurance quotes. So, visit any insurance company and get their different quotes on different cars and then go buy your car. This will at least help you know what you will get when you eventually go looking for the quotes later on.
3. Accessories and Anti-theft devices
If your car has more accessories that make it safer such as air bags, anti-theft devices and car alarms, gprs tracking system and other accessories, this can positively affect the insurance quotes as insurance companies are ;likely to look more favourable on any of these.
4. The Age of the car
It is more expensive insuring newer cars than the older ones. If you do not really need a new car, why bother buying one. Just a thought anyways. But if you insist on buying one, know that new cars will cost you more. You could easily look up the highest value your car will attract if it is wrecked in the Kelley's Blue Book. This will ensure you know how much your car's worth by the insurer's valuation.
5. Be sure to consider discounts
Most insurance companies often offer discounts. Ask for it from them. Some companies offer discounts for good driving records, low mileage etc.
Source
1. Look Around Before making your Choice
Rushing to get a car insurance is not the best idea particularly when you have not done your homework. To get the best bargain, take a look around. Call up as many car insurance companies as possible. The norm is to call three. But in your best interest, call at least 5.
This will give you a wide array of choices to pick from. To do this effectively, you can check the business directory or visit the state's insurance department. All insurance companies often have to register with them before they can become operational. The department can provide you with a list of the many companies. If you live in states like California or New Jersey, car insurance is often more expensive. When investigating the company, look for details such as popularity and capital base. This will give you an idea of their financial health.
2. Make a comparison on different quotes before buying a vehicle
The kinds of cars you drive can often be responsible for higher insurance quotes. For example, new car editions, sports cars, and model cars are often easily stolen and therefore often attract higher insurance quotes. So, visit any insurance company and get their different quotes on different cars and then go buy your car. This will at least help you know what you will get when you eventually go looking for the quotes later on.
3. Accessories and Anti-theft devices
If your car has more accessories that make it safer such as air bags, anti-theft devices and car alarms, gprs tracking system and other accessories, this can positively affect the insurance quotes as insurance companies are ;likely to look more favourable on any of these.
4. The Age of the car
It is more expensive insuring newer cars than the older ones. If you do not really need a new car, why bother buying one. Just a thought anyways. But if you insist on buying one, know that new cars will cost you more. You could easily look up the highest value your car will attract if it is wrecked in the Kelley's Blue Book. This will ensure you know how much your car's worth by the insurer's valuation.
5. Be sure to consider discounts
Most insurance companies often offer discounts. Ask for it from them. Some companies offer discounts for good driving records, low mileage etc.
Source
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Price Comparison Gets Cheaper Still: £20 Cashback On Your Car Insurance Through Moneyexpert.Com
MoneyExpert.com has launched the first ever market wide cashback deal from a price comparison site. The offer allows customers to take out car insurance using MoneyExpert’s extensive comparison service and benefit from a further £20 cashback on any policy selected.
And because MoneyExpert’s comparison system is linked directly into all the main insurers, the quote you see will be the price you pay, guaranteed. The cashback is easy to redeem, with MoneyExpert.com promising to credit the money directly into your bank account within 60 days of the policy being taken out. MoneyExpert.com will also refund the difference if customers find a cheaper total price for their car insurance elsewhere.
Sean Gardner, director of MoneyExpert.com, said: “Price comparison websites have made it much easier for motorists to check prices and have driven down costs across the board. But it can be very difficult to differentiate between them. There is often very little to choose between the cheapest deals on different websites.
“We have chosen to break the mould and share our commission with our customers. You can only get an extra £20 off your car insurance by comparing the market at MoneyExpert.com. There are no strings attached. So not only can you see the best possible rates available, but also enjoy a second discount through our unique offer.
Source
And because MoneyExpert’s comparison system is linked directly into all the main insurers, the quote you see will be the price you pay, guaranteed. The cashback is easy to redeem, with MoneyExpert.com promising to credit the money directly into your bank account within 60 days of the policy being taken out. MoneyExpert.com will also refund the difference if customers find a cheaper total price for their car insurance elsewhere.
Sean Gardner, director of MoneyExpert.com, said: “Price comparison websites have made it much easier for motorists to check prices and have driven down costs across the board. But it can be very difficult to differentiate between them. There is often very little to choose between the cheapest deals on different websites.
“We have chosen to break the mould and share our commission with our customers. You can only get an extra £20 off your car insurance by comparing the market at MoneyExpert.com. There are no strings attached. So not only can you see the best possible rates available, but also enjoy a second discount through our unique offer.
Source
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
NU withdraws from price comparison websites
Norwich Union (NU) has withdrawn its direct motor products from all insurance price comparison websites.
The company, which forms part of the Aviva group, has announced the launch of Price Check Norwich Union, an Internet and telephone service that promises to show customers the prices and details of competitors’ products, even when they outshine its own.
According to the insurer, customers seeking a motor quote from NU can make comparisons with over 140 other insurance providers in the market.
The facility allows checks on competitors’ cover details such as excess, courtesy car and legal services, plus up to 30 additional features. The entire offering is also available over the phone.
In related news, NU will be changing its name to Aviva in the summer of 2009.
The decision to drop the NU brand was announced in April, when Aviva’s chief executive, Andrew Moss, explained that he was keen to have all the group’s products under one brand that can be recognised worldwide.
NU was formed in 1797 and has been a household name in general insurance for decades.
Source
The company, which forms part of the Aviva group, has announced the launch of Price Check Norwich Union, an Internet and telephone service that promises to show customers the prices and details of competitors’ products, even when they outshine its own.
According to the insurer, customers seeking a motor quote from NU can make comparisons with over 140 other insurance providers in the market.
The facility allows checks on competitors’ cover details such as excess, courtesy car and legal services, plus up to 30 additional features. The entire offering is also available over the phone.
In related news, NU will be changing its name to Aviva in the summer of 2009.
The decision to drop the NU brand was announced in April, when Aviva’s chief executive, Andrew Moss, explained that he was keen to have all the group’s products under one brand that can be recognised worldwide.
NU was formed in 1797 and has been a household name in general insurance for decades.
Source
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Driver smashes into shop
A teenage driver lost control of his car and ploughed into the entrance of a Chorley shop, causing thousands of pounds of damage.
Fire crews, the police and an ambulance were called to John's Newsagents in Railway Road, Adlington.
The doors and windows at the front of the shop were pushed back due to the impact, but a main joist that supports the property remained intact and it stopped the car from causing further damage.
"We had to call out a structural engineer to make sure the building was safe, but we were able to re-open the next day. The repairs are now in the hands of the insurance and the first quote estimated costs of £4,000."
Source
Fire crews, the police and an ambulance were called to John's Newsagents in Railway Road, Adlington.
The doors and windows at the front of the shop were pushed back due to the impact, but a main joist that supports the property remained intact and it stopped the car from causing further damage.
"We had to call out a structural engineer to make sure the building was safe, but we were able to re-open the next day. The repairs are now in the hands of the insurance and the first quote estimated costs of £4,000."
Source
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
How to keep costs down on a new car
Advice for saving money when purchasing a new vehicle has been given by the Daily Record.
The Scottish newspaper advised buyers to devise a maximum budget before starting to visit dealers - and keeping to it.
It also told buyers to negotiate, even if the original price is within the limit.
Noting that motor dealers are also suffering in the difficult economy, the paper said that buyers "might be surprised how flexible they will be to secure a sale".
Extras can be considered in lieu of actual money off, while insurance quotes should be sought for the chosen model before making a purchase.
Source
The Scottish newspaper advised buyers to devise a maximum budget before starting to visit dealers - and keeping to it.
It also told buyers to negotiate, even if the original price is within the limit.
Noting that motor dealers are also suffering in the difficult economy, the paper said that buyers "might be surprised how flexible they will be to secure a sale".
Extras can be considered in lieu of actual money off, while insurance quotes should be sought for the chosen model before making a purchase.
Source
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