Car Insurance comparison sites attacked again over excesses - February 2009

This regularly updated section of the HomeApproved web site will cover the latest trends, research, opinion and developments in the UK car insurance sector.

Comparison sites attacked again over excesses
Car insurance comparison sites have come under fire yet again for the way in which they present quotations to users.

Which? conducted research on six of the most popular comparison sites and came to the conclusion that they often "adjusted or didn't clearly display excess charges making it difficult for customers to make like-for-like comparisons and find the best policy to suit their needs".

According to the website, while searching for car insurance with a voluntary excess of £250, the cheapest quote on Gocompare's results page came with a £470 excess. In addition, it was found that Comparethemarket did not show any compulsory excess charges at all on its home insurance results pages.

Jess Ross, editor of which.co.uk said: "Comparison sites sell themselves on having all the information in one place and being easy to use, but we found that the way they display excess charges means it's difficult for people to make informed decisions."

However, these comments drew a stinging rebuke from Gocompare's chief executive Hayley Parsons. "I think Which? has shot itself in the foot here. If this represents their level understanding about insurance and comparison sites, then I'd suggest they stick to reviewing washing machines in the future.

"The subject of excess is an industry-wide issue and we are currently working with insurance companies to provide us with the information we need. "Our experience shows that customers can very quickly decide which combination of cover, excess and premium is right for them once they have been shown all the different options available," she claimed.

A spokeswoman for Comparethemarket said: "We are currently working on an enhanced version of the quote page which will give customers complete clarity of the excess and greater detail on each price presented. This is due to go live within the next few weeks."

ENDS

Further February 2009 news
Gap Car Insurance
Snow Storms
Biba "alarmed" by FSA fee
AA caravan insurance
overpaying car insurance

Top of Page