To think I should change my insurance company?

[letmehelp]

I'm not sure

I've been with the same company for years and they do two cars and the house buildings and contents. The service has always been excellent. In 20+ years I've only made 3 claims across all the policies, but they have always been efficient and fair.

At renewal time, they are usually a bit more expensive than other quotes, but have always reduced the price when challenged and if there's only a few pounds in it I've stuck with them because of the service.

This time, for my car though, they're quoting 50% more than 6 other quotes I've had and won't budge. 20 years, never missed a payment and made very few claims and they want to charge me 50% more than companies who don't know me.

I know I have a choice and I am prepared to pay a bit of a premium for the good service, but 50%? I've heard such horror stories from people who've tried to claim with other companies though, that I'm still a bit reluctant. I do believe (to a point) that you get what you pay for. What would you do?

Change.

Of course you should change, brand loyalty counts for zero these days.

Make sure you look at the on line comparison tools too (look on MSE for a guide to swapping) and you will save loads.

All insurance companies are pains that will try not to pay out given any excuse LOL

Change every time you renew, you usually get a better deal as a new customer than as a returning old one.

We change all companies every year, depending on price of quote and services offered. So far, our existing companies haven't matched other prices/services, so lose us.

Customer loyalty is a good thing for a business, but company loyalty is important to the customer and that is a rare thing!

I just changed because of the same circumstances. We had been with them for over 15 years. Two small claims over 10 years ago but the premium was double other quotes. They were lovely when I rang up to cancel but could move on the premium just wanted to add benefits which I didn't really want.

"All insurance companies are pains that will try not to pay out given any excuse LOL"
Don't agree never had a problem with a claim, but then used to work in the insurance industry so probably knew how to go about it.

See, I haven't found that Theas - this company have never tried to avoid paying. When our car was written off by someone driving into the back of it, they paid far more than I was expecting them to value it at - I was all ready for a fight and had my like, want and need prices sorted out and they offered more than the top one.

Was it DirectLine?.... They tried to up my house insurance by 50% this year and, in the past, have reduced the premium when challenged. But this year all they could knock off was £5. I've taken out an identical policy with another reputable company and it's half the price. If it turns out they don't pay out so promptly, that's a risk I'm willing to take

Yes, it was Cognito - RBS have been told to sell them off as part of and EU ruling because of the Government support. I don't know if this is why they've changed their policy, but something has definitely changed - I suppose their claims procedures could change as a result too anyway.

change, you can get good service elsewhere cheaper. if you pay they will just continue upping it every year, shop around and read reviews then change.

Did they pay or the other insurance pay when your car was written off?

Have you tried a quote on their website?

Still, every year I have looked for the cheaper options. Sometimes ours were better, sometimes not.
Just make sure that the difference in price is not due to some small print difference.