Comparison sites make shopping around quick. Comparing the cover, not just the price, is what turns a quote into a good deal.
Key things to know
- Answer every question accurately; wrong answers can invalidate a policy.
- Compare the excess, limits and add-ons, not just the headline price.
- Not every insurer appears on every comparison site.
- Check the policy documents before you buy.
Comparison sites gather quotes from many insurers in minutes. Used carefully, they’re one of the best ways to save.
Before you start
Have the details ready: your car or property, previous claims, no-claims years and, for car insurance, all named drivers. Answer accurately.
Watch for
Giving incorrect information, even to get a cheaper price, can mean a claim is refused or a policy cancelled. Never list a parent as main driver of a car that someone else mainly drives; that practice, called fronting, is a form of fraud.
Compare like for like
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total excess | A cheap policy may have a high excess |
| Cover limits | Contents limits, single-item limits, courtesy car |
| Included extras | Legal cover, breakdown, accidental damage |
| Exclusions | What isn’t covered |
| Payment method | Monthly payments may cost more overall |
Many policies come in tiers, such as standard and premium. Make sure the quotes you compare are the same tier.
Before you buy
- Read the insurance product information document (IPID) and key policy terms.
- Check the insurer is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
- Confirm the start date and that the details shown are correct.
Worth doing
Run your search on two or three comparison sites and check a couple of insurers directly. Prices and panels differ, and a few minutes can save a lot.
Making it a habit
Compare every year at renewal; our guide to renewal pricing rules explains what’s changed. For car insurance, see ways to lower your premium.
Questions answered
Do comparison sites show every insurer?
No. Some insurers sell only directly or through certain sites, so check more than one comparison site and a few insurers directly.
Do comparison sites affect my credit file?
Getting quotes usually involves a soft search, which other lenders can’t see. Paying monthly may involve a credit check.
Is the cheapest quote the best?
Not always. A cheap policy may have a high excess or low limits. Compare cover first, then price.
This guide is general information, not financial or insurance advice. Policies differ, so always read your own policy documents and check with your insurer. If you have a complaint, your insurer’s complaints process and the Financial Ombudsman Service can help.