Cheap car insurance can be a false economy
Drivers are now able to compare 1000's of motor insurance policies in a matter of seconds online, but buying the cheapest car insurance could turn out to be a costly mistake warns the UK's leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.
Motor insurance policies differ greatly and, very often, it isn't until an insured has cause to claim on their policy they discover what is (and what isn't) covered.
NFU Mutual sympathises with drivers trying to keep premiums low, but is urging them to check what's included in motor policies as standard before committing to buy.
Jeremy Parker, Agent at the NFU Mutual office in Crediton, Devon is worried about people cancelling their insurance policies in favour of cheaper alternatives, only to find they do not meet their expectations in terms of the level of cover or customer service:
"Many drivers come to us for advice because they don't understand what they are buying online or over the phone. One couple had an accident and discovered they had no courtesy car because they hadn't ticked a box. Another gentleman came unstuck after the police told him he wasn't adequately insured as his vehicle was clearly being used for business; the policy he had taken out was for social, domestic and pleasure use only."
Recently voted Britain's best car insurance provider for the fifth year running by readers of Auto Express, NFU Mutual is one of only 21% of motor insurers who provide Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR) cover as standard. Conversely, 28% of motor insurers fail to provide ULR cover at all and the remaining 51% only provide URL cover as an optional extra.
Despite its growing success, NFU Mutual has remained true to its roots, maintaining a local presence in the rural community. There are more than 300 agent offices throughout the UK, offering a face-to-face service, so members can discuss their requirements in detail.
"NFU Mutual provides extensive motor insurance cover at a fair price with first class service because that's what our customers who live and work in the countryside need. It is important drivers realise that insurance providers who offer cheap policies do not always provide all the cover you need, said John Kenny, Chief Claims Manager at NFU Mutual.
Kenny continued: "Choosing to compare and buy motor insurance online puts the customer in the driving seat but it's important they consider the level of cover they need before they commit. Buying the cheapest policy may seem cost effective at the time, but in the long run it could prove to be a false economy. The true test of any insurance policy, or provider, is when you make a claim."