Anna McEntee
Director of Comparison Journeys at Compare the Market
Home, travel and pet insurance expert
Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. She cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.
Anna’s background
“I’ve worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years, with more than five of those at Compare the Market. In this time, I’ve been honing a deep expertise in commercial and product development, directly impacting how customers save money.
I’m deeply passionate about showing cats. I’m the proud owner of nine British Shorthair and Exotic Shorthair cats and dedicate most weekends to competing in shows across the UK.”
Anna’s goal
“My goal is simple yet ambitious: to ensure our customers always get great deals. I have a long history working closely with the products and services that we compare, so I know what a great deal really looks like and how to get it.
My combination of professional insight and personal dedication to excellence has turned me into a leader in the insurance sector.”
Anna’s experience
Compare the Market
Anna has held a number of Director roles at Compare the Market. Currently, she’s the Director of Comparison Journeys for the products and services we compare. She’s been responsible for strategic planning, product development and governance, and operations, aiming to deliver the best deals for our customers.
BGL Group
While working for the BGL Group, Anna held several positions in the Commercial and Trading teams. This eventually led to her becoming Commercial & Digital Director of their Insurance, Distribution and Outsourcing (IDO) division.
Legal & General
As the Home Insurance Product Manager, Anna was responsible for developing the product across all distribution channels. She also managed third-party relationships with underwriters of home and other insurance products.
Anna McEntee commenting on...
Why is home insurance so much more expensive?
“Home insurance premiums have risen sharply over the last two years. In July 2022, buildings and contents combined cover cost £149. In July 2024 it cost £228. That’s a 53% increase.
You might wonder if this is rising house prices. However, government data shows that UK property prices had only risen by 0.6%, an average of just £1,603. Instead, it’s likely a combination of increased labour and material costs for repairs, as well as an increase in extreme weather events which result in claims.
This is backed by the price of contents insurance remaining relatively flat over the same period. This is good news for renters, who haven’t felt the sting of inflation in their premiums.”
How the spike in home insurance prices could affect you
“For house owners, the cost of buildings cover has risen dramatically. In July 2022, buildings cover cost £118. In July 2024 it cost £209. That’s a 78% increase. This is likely down to a combination of the rising cost of labour and materials, as well as an increase in extreme weather which leads to claims.
The news is better for renters who only pay for contents insurance. Premiums have remained relatively flat for the last two years, which means you’re likely unaffected.”
Annual travel insurance vs a single-trip policy
"You might think a multi-trip annual policy isn't for you, but even going away twice in a year could make it worth it. It can also remove some of the admin from travelling, with one policy covering you for all your trips, rather than having to take out cover each time."
Lifetime pet insurance
"Lifetime pet insurance cover isn’t the cheapest type of protection, but it’s the most comprehensive way to safeguard your pet. You can relax and have fun with them, knowing your cat or dog has insurance that protects them for the costs of illnesses or accidents throughout their life.”
Anna McEntee in the press...
Mirror: UK's Japanese knotweed infestation hotspots - full list of worst hit areas
“Anna McEntee, from Compare the Market, said: "Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to plant Japanese knotweed or allow it to grow in the wild.
"Although it's not illegal to have the plant on private property, residents can face fines of up to £5,000 if they allow it to spread into natural areas. If contaminated soil or plant material from any waste transfer leads to the spread of knotweed in the wild, UK residents could face a prison term of up to two years."
This is Money: Our home insurance payments tripled after underwriters blamed 'changes to weather patterns’
“Anna McEntee, home insurance expert at comparison website Compare the Market, agreed that climate change – including floods – is likely to be a factor in the hike to home cover costs for those forced to claim.
She says: ‘Living near bodies of water could increase your home insurance premium, given insurers may view it as a bigger flood risk. But you could shell out even more money if your home is not adequately insured. It is definitely worth shopping around to get the best deal.”
The Manc: Manchester named one of the UK’s ‘most desired’ places to live
“Relocation is an exciting adventure, but careful planning is key,” explained Anna McEntee, from the home insurance team at Compare the Market, as the top 10 list was revealed this week.
Sharing tips for anyone looking to relocate in the future, Anna continued: “Make sure to thoroughly research the area you’re interested in and consider factors like commute times and proximity to schools and amenities. You should also set a realistic budget that includes hidden costs like moving fees, potential repairs, and home insurance.”
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Articles by Anna McEntee
Home insurance
Pet insurance
Travel insurance
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