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Who are comparethemarket.com?
This website was set up to help you find the best deal on personal insurance policies, including vehicle and home cover. As a comparison site, we do the legwork for you, searching over 400 prices from hundreds of insurers so you don't have to. Read more about us.
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Which insurers are included on your site?
Our database of reputable insurers includes leading providers such as:
- Norwich Union
- M&S Money
- Post Office
- Admiral
- AXA
- Budget Insurance
- Diamond
- Quinn Direct
- Bradford & Bingley
- Legal & General
- CIS
- Royal & Sun Alliance
- Zurich
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Why should I use a price comparison site?
It's a quick and easy way to find the right product for you. For more details, read Price comparison sites: a quick guide.
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What makes comparethemarket.com different from other price comparison websites?
We ensure that the price you see is the price you pay.
Some comparison sites make assumptions about certain details - such as the excess or the special features included in the cover. If you change these, the quotes you are offered can go up. We ask for all these details up front, so the quotes we give you are the most you'll have to pay.
We also guarantee that the products we show you first are genuinely the cheapest for your requirements, and not advertisements for policies that may not be appropriate.
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How does it work?
You fill out one form and in 30 seconds we compare a range of insurance prices to give you some of the cheapest quotes on the market. For more details, take a look at Price comparison sites: a quick guide.
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How long does it take to get a quote?
Once you've submitted your details online - which takes a couple of minutes - the prices start coming back almost instantly. You should have a full list of quotes in less than 30 seconds.
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Do you search and compare any other financial products?
We stick to what we know best - insurance.
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Won't I pay more if I use comparethemarket.com as a "middleman"?
No. We ensure that the quotes we offer are the same as - or better than - those found on the insurer's own website or if you contact them by phone.
We also negotiate exclusive deals not available elsewhere, which means that you may get money off by coming to us rather than going direct.
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Will I have to pay commission on top of the regular prices?
No - you pay the same price (or less) than you would if you went direct to the insurer. We make our money by companies paying us for their products to be included on our site, not by passing a commission on to you.
Most important of all, drive safely and avoid getting points on your licence to keep costs down. And remember, you must be accurate in filling out the details - any inaccuracies could stop your insurer paying out if you need to claim.
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Do you cover all insurance companies?
No price comparison site does that, but we search over 400 prices to make it as easy as possible for you to find the right deal.
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What happens to the personal information I provide?
We only use your data to provide you with an accurate quote and to tell you about our services. For example, we might send you an email when your insurance is due for renewal to tell you what we have available.
We may also share some of your personal information with partner companies, but we'll only do this with your permission, and you can opt out at any time. Read our full privacy policy.
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What if I have a question about the policy?
If you need specific details about the cover provided by a particular policy, speak to the company behind the policy. You'll find contact details on their website, which is linked to from the quote page on comparethemarket.com
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Are you independent?
We are part of BISL Ltd, an independent intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This means we have an independent approach to the insurance partners with work with and don't favour one brand over another.
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What sort of cover is available?
You have three basic options:
- third party
- third party, fire and theft
- comprehensive cover
For more details, see Your car insurance choices: a quick guide.
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How can I cut the cost of my car insurance?
We make it easy to try out different options and see how they affect the amount you have to pay: for example, increasing your voluntary excess might lower your premium. For other ideas, read Car insurance: getting a good deal.
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Can I drive other cars under my own insurance?
Unless there is a Driving Other Cars extension to your policy, which provides third party cover, you are only insured to drive the vehicles detailed on your Certificate of Motor Insurance or your Insurance Schedule. To add an additional car, get in touch with your insurer.
For more information, read Additional drivers: a quick guide.
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My child has just passed their driving test. What's the best way to insure them?
You could insure your child as a secondary driver on your policy, but if they are actually the main driver, they may not be covered if you need to make a claim. For advice, read Additional drivers: a quick guide.
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Why do the car insurance quotes vary so much?
Different insurance providers specialise in policies for different groups of people e.g. women. The price of the quote will be lower if you fit certain companies' profiles better than others.
The amount you pay will also vary depending on:
- the car you drive
- your age
- your location
For more details, see Your car insurance choices: a quick guide.
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Is my laptop covered when I'm out of the house?
Laptops are included under personal possessions or "all risks" cover, which protects anything you take outside the home. This may not be included as standard in your policy. For more about additional cover, read Home contents insurance: a quick guide.
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How do I know if my home is suffering from subsidence?
Subsidence causes ongoing structural damage to your property. Cracked walls or windows and doors that start to stick because the frames have moved are early signs.
A local authority search will show records of any work carried out on the property, including underpinning which is used to prevent subsidence.
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What's does "sum insured" mean?
This is the total value of your possessions - and you will be asked to provide an estimate when you apply for home insurance. It forms the basis of your premiums, so it's important to be as accurate as possible.
For guidance on working out your sum insured, read Estimating the value of your home contents: a quick guide.
For more explanations of insurance terminology, check out our Jargon buster.
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What counts as "valuables"?
This means non-household items such as:
- jewellery and watches
- cameras, camcorders or binoculars
- works of art such as paintings or sculptures
- collections, such as stamps, coins or medals
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I want to buy contents insurance. Should I go for "new for old" or indemnity cover?
Indemnity cover is cheaper, but includes a deduction for wear and tear. For more details, see Contents insurance: a quick guide.
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Will fitting a burglar alarm reduce my premium?
Yes, as long as it's installed and maintained by a professional alarm company - and make sure you actually turn it on when you go out. If you don't, most insurers will increase the excess you have to pay on any claim.
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I'm renting a house with two friends. Will I be able to get contents insurance?
Yes - some companies provide specific cover for people renting accommodation. For more details, read Insurance for tenants: a quick guide.
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