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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:
- The AA
- Admiral
- AXA
- Bradford & Bingley
- Budget Insurance
- Co-operative Insurance
- Bullseye
- Diamond
- Kwik Fit
- Halifax
- HSBC Insurance
- MoreThan
- M&S Money
- Post Office
- Quinn Direct
- Royal & Sun Alliance
- SAGA
- Shelias Wheels
- Swiftcover
- Swinton
- 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 only search and compare Car insurance?
We search and compare an extensive range of products including:
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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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Why can I not find my car's make & model by its registration number?
If you find your vehicle's registration number does not return your vehicle's details, you can enter the vehicle's year of manufacture, make and model to assist your search.
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Can I get a quote if I do not have the registration number available?
Yes, you can obtain a quote without the car registration number, however, we will need this information if you decide to purchase a policy.
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What is ‘excess?’
This is the amount you will need to pay in the event of a claim. For example, if you have a £100 excess then you will pay the first £100 of the claim you make (excluding windscreen claims – comprehensive cover only). Before purchasing check to what excess you would have to pay, as compulsory excess may apply to certain drivers (e.g. young drivers). Read our quick guide to excess for more details.
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What is Legal Cover or ‘Motor Legal Protection’ (MLP)?
Even in the case where an accident is not your fault, no car insurance policy will cover all your losses. Legal Cover (also known as Motor Legal Protection) can cover certain costs; which you may incur by seeking to recover your uninsured losses from the person who caused the accident.
As well as attempting to claim back your losses, it can also look to provide you with a hire car, subject to terms and conditions. The costs of this will also be recovered from the responsible party. The Legal Cover services are available 24 hrs a day, all year round.
If the accident is not your fault, your Legal Cover can instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf and attempt to claim compensation for your injuries, for example where a whiplash injury is caused by a rear end shunt. Even if you are the driver at fault, your passengers are covered under the Legal Cover policy if they are injured. Check the policy documents to what is included in your policy.
What are uninsured losses?
These losses can include your policy excess, loss of earnings, vehicle hire charges, personal injury damages (such as compensation for whiplash). Other losses include your vehicle repair costs (if third party cover), medical fees, compensation for the loss of use of your vehicle, damage to personal belongings, vehicle recovery, storage charges and out of pocket expenses.
Note that this cover is often not included in a standard car insurance policy, it is only applicable if you have added Legal Cover or if you purchase a car inusrance policy where it is included as standard.
Why would I need car hire if I have a courtesy car?
Although a garage can provide a courtesy car, these are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. Also courtesy cars tend to be very basic models. The hire company appointed through your Legal Cover policy will look to provide a vehicle of similar class and size to your own. Note that hire cars will only be provided where the costs can be recovered from the third party at fault in the incident.
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What sort of cover is available?
You have three basic options:
- Third Party (TPO) - This will cover damage to third party vehicles only
- Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPF&T) - This will cover damage to third party vehicles and also cover your vehicle in the event of fire or theft
- Comprehensive Cover - This will cover your vehicle as well as third party vehicles in the event of an accident, regardless of fault.
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 get instant cover?
Yes. If you get a car insurance quote now from comparethemarket.com simply just click on the brand you are interested in on our comparison table and go through to their website. There you will be able to purchase the policy. Check that the policy start date is set to when you need the cover to begin.
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Do I need ‘business use’ to drive to work?
No, you can use ‘social, domestic pleasure and commuting (SDPC)’ when travelling to your normal place of work. You will need business use when travelling to other sites or any other business related travel.
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Can I drive my car abroad once I have an insurance policy?
Yes - All private car policies issued in the UK include third party cover for driving within any EU country. Comprehensive/Third Party, Fire and Theft cover extension applies for a limited period. Please refer to your policy documents for more information..
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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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What is buildings insurance?
Buildings insurance will generally cover the structure of the property including its walls, fences, drives and patios. Outbuildings within the boundaries of the home. All permanent fixtures and fittings. Fixed glass and windows in the home and fixed sanitary ware. Check the policy documents to ensure what is covered in your policy.
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What is contents insurance?
Contents insurance supplies cover for household goods including non permanent fixtures and fittings such as carpets. You often will be able adjust the cover to take account of high value items and personal belongings. Check the policy documents to ensure what is covered in your policy.
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How much should I insure my home for?
Buildings insurance should cover the cost of rebuilding your property. Contents insurance should cover the cost of replacing your contents. See our Estimating the value of your home contents: a quick guide
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What does New for Old mean?
This is where your Contents Insurance covers the full cost of replacing or repairing items enabling you to get new replacements, to the same make and specification. There will be normally restrictions on this, so check your household insurance policy documents to ensure you have the level of cover to meet your circumstances. Standard NEW for OLD policy protects your contents against damage by Fire, Smoke, Subsidence, Malicious Damage, Theft, Storm, Explosion, Lightning and Flood. At no additional cost, it also covers accidental damage to non-portable home entertainment equipment such as televisions, recording and audio equipment, television games, monitors and printers.
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What is accidental damage cover?
Standard cover protects your buildings and property against damage by Fire, Smoke, Subsidence, Malicious Damage, Storm, Explosion, Lightning and Flood. At no additional cost, it also covers accidental damage to drains, pipes and cables, sanitary ware, ceramic hobs and fixed glass. For an additional premium Accidental Damage cover provides all the cover of the Standard cover plus Full Accidental Damage to your Buildings. Accidental Damage is defined as something which is both sudden and unexpected, such as putting your foot through the ceiling, paint spillage on a wooden floor, or putting a nail through a pipe, etc. Accidental Damage cover is not available where children are minded at the property. Check with your policy documents to what is covered and the level of cover.
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What is Family Legal Protection
You have the option to add Family Legal Protection with many of the home insurers on comparethemarket.com. Family Legal Protection is designed to help you through difficult and often stressful legal situations by providing legal support and a 24 hour legal advice helpline. Where you have a good chance of winning the case, legal assistance can be provided in the following areas (subject to terms & conditions):
- Consumer Protection Cover in disputes over the buying, selling and/or hire purchase of goods and services
- Residential Disputes such as boundary disputes, or other problems with your neighbours except where the Insured event occurs within 180 days of inception of the first period of insurance
- Personal Injury to assist in making a claim against whomever injured you
- Employment Disputes in cases of unfair treatment or dismissal by an employer
- Legal helpline for advice on personal legal problems
Check the policy documents to what is covered and the level of cover.
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Can I cover my possessions away from home?
Yes. You will be able to include this as part of your Contents Insurance cover to protect items against loss or damage either in or away from the home, anywhere in the world. This will increase your premium. Items such as handbags and their contents, mobile phones, laptop computers, pedal cycles, jewellery, cameras, camcorders and clothing - in general, items designed to be typically worn or carried on or about the person either inside or away from the property. You can receive cover for money & credit cards up to a certain amount. Items valued over a certain amount will often need to be specified. Check the policy documents for any restrictions.
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Can I cover my bike in my contents insurance?
Yes. You will often be able to state your bicycle on your policy. This may increase your premium.
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Can I have my insurance in joint names?
Yes. You will have the option to add their names where completing a quote on comparethemarket.com. Where the property is mortgaged, some lenders require the policy to be in the joint names that appear on the mortgage. If the policy is in joint names with an older person living in the same property, this may result in a cheaper quote where the difference in age is significant.
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Are my credit cards covered?
Credit cards will often be covered if you take out possessions away from home cover. Check your policy documents that they are included, the amount of cover and any restrictions.
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If I have a burglar fitted will my contents insurance reduce in price?
If you have your alarm professionally fitted and has a maintenance contract with an approved NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) you could reduce your contents insurance premium. The alarm will need to be activated at night and when the property is unoccupied. Check with your policy documents for your insurer’s requirements.
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Can I get immediate cover?
Yes. If you get a home insurance quote now from comparethemarket.com simply just click on the brand you are interested in on our comparison table and go through to their website. There you will be able to purchase the policy. Check that the policy start date is set to when you need the cover to begin.
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Are sheds and fences covered?
If you purchase buildings insurance these are normally covered under certain circumstances. Check your policy documents for the terms and conditions.
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What do I need before I can apply for home insurance?
You will need the following to hand before you apply for buildings and / or contents insurance:
- Your Full Postcode and address.
- Consider whether you require a joint policy.
- When your home was built (approx) and basic details of its construction (e.g. semi-detached, tiled roof, brick walls).
- Amount of Contents Cover you require (contents insurance only). See our Estimating the value of your home contents: a quick guide.
- The cost of rebuilding your home (buildings insurance only).
- Whether there has ever been problems with the building's structure (e.g. subsidence) (buildings insurance only).
- Details of your external doors (contents insurance only.)
- Details of your burglar alarm if applicable (contents insurance only).
- Details of any home insurance claims you have made in the last 5 years.
- When you need the cover to start. Check when your current policy ends. If you are buying a home, check when you are legally the owner, this is when you may need home insurance to begin.
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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 information see Laptop Insurance.
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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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My mortgage lender says that I need to have their interest noted on my buildings insurance policy. How can I do that?
Click through to the brand you are interested in from our comparison table. During the purchase process, your chosen brand will ask you if you require them to note the interest of your mortgage lender on the policy. If you say yes you will need to supply your bank's or building society's details.
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