The top 10 car insurance companies in the UK, based on market share and customer satisfaction ratings:
1.Admiral
Admiral is a UK-based insurance company that offers car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, and other types of insurance products. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Cardiff, Wales.
Car insurance is Admiral's main product, and they offer several different types of policies to suit different needs and budgets. These include:
Single car insurance - This is Admiral's standard car insurance policy, which covers you for accidents, theft, and other types of damage to your vehicle.
Multi-car insurance - If you have more than one car in your household, you can save money by insuring them all with Admiral under a single policy.
Black box insurance - This is also known as telematics insurance, and it involves fitting a small device to your car that monitors your driving habits. If you drive safely, you can save money on your insurance premiums.
Classic car insurance - If you own a classic car, you can get specialist insurance from Admiral that covers its unique features and value.
Temporary car insurance - If you only need car insurance for a short period of time, such as when borrowing a friend's car, you can get temporary cover from Admiral.
Admiral also offers a range of additional benefits to its car insurance customers, such as:
- A courtesy car while your car is being repaired
- 24/7 emergency helpline
- Cover for driving in Europe
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- Personal injury cover
In addition to car insurance, Admiral also offers home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, and van insurance. The company prides itself on providing excellent customer service, and it has won several awards for its customer satisfaction ratings.
Overall, Admiral is a well-respected insurance provider in the UK, with a wide range of policies and benefits to suit different needs and budgets.
2.Direct Line
Direct Line is a UK-based insurance company that offers a variety of insurance products, including car insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, and more. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Bromley, London.
Car insurance is one of Direct Line's main products, and they offer several different types of policies to suit different needs and budgets. These include:
Standard car insurance - This is Direct Line's basic car insurance policy, which covers you for accidents, theft, and other types of damage to your vehicle.
Multi-car insurance - If you have more than one car in your household, you can save money by insuring them all with Direct Line under a single policy.
Black box insurance - This is also known as telematics insurance, and it involves fitting a small device to your car that monitors your driving habits. If you drive safely, you can save money on your insurance premiums.
Classic car insurance - If you own a classic car, you can get specialist insurance from Direct Line that covers its unique features and value.
Temporary car insurance - If you only need car insurance for a short period of time, such as when borrowing a friend's car, you can get temporary cover from Direct Line.
Direct Line also offers a range of additional benefits to its car insurance customers, such as:
- A courtesy car while your car is being repaired
- 24/7 emergency helpline
- Cover for driving in Europe
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- Personal injury cover
In addition to car insurance, Direct Line also offers a range of other insurance products, including home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, and more. The company is known for its focus on customer service and its commitment to making the insurance process as simple and straightforward as possible for its customers.
Overall, Direct Line is a well-respected insurance provider in the UK, with a wide range of policies and benefits to suit different needs and budgets.
3.Aviva
Aviva is a UK-based insurance company that offers a variety of insurance products, including car insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, and more. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in London.
Car insurance is one of Aviva's main products, and they offer several different types of policies to suit different needs and budgets. These include:
Standard car insurance - This is Aviva's basic car insurance policy, which covers you for accidents, theft, and other types of damage to your vehicle.
Multi-car insurance - If you have more than one car in your household, you can save money by insuring them all with Aviva under a single policy.
Black box insurance - This is also known as telematics insurance, and it involves fitting a small device to your car that monitors your driving habits. If you drive safely, you can save money on your insurance premiums.
Classic car insurance - If you own a classic car, you can get specialist insurance from Aviva that covers its unique features and value.
Temporary car insurance - If you only need car insurance for a short period of time, such as when borrowing a friend's car, you can get temporary cover from Aviva.
Aviva also offers a range of additional benefits to its car insurance customers, such as:
- A courtesy car while your car is being repaired
- 24/7 emergency helpline
- Cover for driving in Europe
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- Personal injury cover
In addition to car insurance, Aviva also offers a range of other insurance products, including home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, and more. The company is known for its focus on customer service and its commitment to providing a high level of support to its customers throughout the insurance process.
Overall, Aviva is a well-respected insurance provider in the UK, with a wide range of policies and benefits to suit different needs and budgets.
4. Hastings Direct
Hastings Direct is a UK-based insurance company that provides a range of insurance products, including car, home, van, bike, and pet insurance. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, England.
Hastings Direct uses a direct-to-consumer model, meaning that customers can purchase insurance products directly from the company through its website, call center, or mobile app. The company is known for its competitive pricing and has won several awards for its customer service.
In 2017, Hastings Direct was acquired by South African financial services company Rand Merchant Investment Holdings (RMI) for £1.7 billion. The company operates as part of the wider Hastings Group, which also includes insurance broker Advantage Insurance Company and underwriter InsurePink.
Hastings Direct has faced criticism in the past over its claims handling process and allegations of unfair pricing practices, but the company has taken steps to address these issues and improve its customer service.
5. AXA
AXA is a multinational insurance company headquartered in Paris, France. The company was founded in 1817 and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide, providing a wide range of insurance products and services, including life, health, property and casualty, and investment products.
AXA is one of the largest insurance companies in the world and has been ranked as the third largest global insurer by revenue. The company operates through a network of subsidiaries, affiliates, and joint ventures, serving over 108 million customers worldwide.
In addition to insurance, AXA also offers a range of financial services, including wealth management and retirement planning. The company has a strong focus on corporate responsibility and sustainability, and has been recognized for its efforts in areas such as climate change, social responsibility, and ethical business practices.
AXA has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including the AXA Research Fund, which supports scientific research in areas such as health, environment, and societal challenges. The company has also pledged to invest €100 million per year in impact investing projects aimed at addressing social and environmental challenges.
6. LV=
LV= is a UK-based insurance company that offers a range of insurance products, including car, home, travel, pet, and life insurance. The company was founded in 1843 as Liverpool Victoria and is headquartered in Bournemouth, England.
LV= operates as a mutual insurance company, meaning that it is owned by its members rather than by shareholders. The company has a strong focus on customer service and has won several awards for its products and services.
In addition to insurance, LV= also offers a range of financial services, including pensions, investments, and retirement planning. The company has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and has been recognized for its efforts in areas such as sustainability and community involvement.
In 2019, LV= announced that it had agreed to sell its general insurance business to Allianz Holdings plc, a subsidiary of German insurance company Allianz SE, for £1.0 billion. Following the sale, LV= will focus on its life and pensions business, which will be rebranded as LV= later in 2021.
7. Esure Group
esure Group is a UK-based insurance company that offers a range of insurance products, including car, home, pet, and travel insurance. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Reigate, Surrey, England.
esure Group operates under two brands: esure and Sheilas' Wheels. esure is the company's main brand, offering car, home, and travel insurance, while Sheilas' Wheels specializes in car insurance for women.
In addition to insurance, esure Group also offers a range of financial services, including personal loans and savings accounts. The company has a strong focus on customer service and has won several awards for its products and services.
In 2018, esure Group was acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity, a global investment firm, for £1.2 billion. Following the acquisition, esure Group delisted from the London Stock Exchange and became a private company.
esure Group has faced criticism in the past over its claims handling process and allegations of unfair pricing practices, but the company has taken steps to address these issues and improve its customer service.
8. RSA
RSA (formerly known as Royal and Sun Alliance) is a multinational insurance company headquartered in London, UK. The company was founded in 1996 through the merger of Royal Insurance and Sun Alliance and operates in over 140 countries worldwide.
RSA offers a range of insurance products, including car, home, pet, travel, and commercial insurance. The company also offers a range of financial services, including investment management and pension products.
RSA is one of the largest insurance companies in the world and has a strong presence in the UK, Canada, and Scandinavia. The company is known for its innovative products and services and has won several awards for its customer service.
In addition to insurance, RSA has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and has been recognized for its efforts in areas such as sustainability and community involvement. The company has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including the RSA Group Charity Fund, which supports charitable causes around the world.
9. Ageas
Ageas is a multinational insurance company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The company was founded in 1824 as AG Insurance and operates in Europe and Asia, providing a range of insurance products, including car, home, travel, life, and health insurance.
Ageas operates through a number of subsidiaries, including Ageas UK, which was previously known as Fortis UK before being acquired by Ageas in 2010. Ageas UK provides a range of insurance products, including car, home, travel, pet, and business insurance.
In addition to insurance, Ageas also offers a range of financial services, including pensions and investment products. The company has a strong focus on customer service and has won several awards for its products and services.
Ageas is committed to corporate social responsibility and has been recognized for its efforts in areas such as sustainability, community involvement, and diversity and inclusion. The company has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including the Ageas Bowl, a cricket stadium in Hampshire, UK, which is home to Hampshire County Cricket Club and hosts international matches.
10. NFU Mutual
NFU Mutual is a UK-based insurance company that specializes in providing insurance products and services to farmers and rural communities. The company was founded in 1910 by the National Farmers' Union and is headquartered in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
NFU Mutual offers a range of insurance products, including car, home, business, and agricultural insurance. The company is known for its personal approach to customer service and its commitment to supporting rural communities.
In addition to insurance, NFU Mutual also offers a range of financial services, including investments, pensions, and life insurance. The company has a strong focus on corporate social responsibility and has been recognized for its efforts in areas such as sustainability, charity work, and community involvement.
NFU Mutual is a mutual insurance company, meaning that it is owned by its policyholders rather than by shareholders. The company has a strong financial position and has been rated as one of the most financially secure insurers in the UK.