Brokers vs comparison sites - which is best?

Select insurance policies with care

Although getting insurance is unlikely to be the most exciting thing you ever purchase, it is an essential - and quite often legally-binding - product to have. As such, it's important to get the cover that is right for your needs, something that will take a little time and effort to achieve but ultimately prove worthwhile.

Of course, you can always try to take out an insurance policy - be it for a car, house or something else - from the first company you come across, either online or in the newspaper, but doing so can leave you with an unsuitable level of protection.

Alternatively, you might be stuck in an unnecessarily expensive contract when there are cheaper options available elsewhere. To be sure of getting insurance that is not just comprehensive, but also competitively priced, you will need to do a little work. There are two main ways this can be done, either by using a price comparison site or enlisting the services of a broker.

Price comparison sites

As their name suggests, price comparison sites are a good way to look at what a range of companies charge, whether it's for travel insurance or building and contents cover. Rather than having to go through the phonebook and call firms individually for a quote, you can often enter your details online and be presented with a list of prices. From here, you will be able to choose the insurer you feel is able to provide you with adequate cover.

Although you might be tempted to automatically pick the cheapest policy, it is important to remember the lowest price might offer the least amount of protection. It could be that - for a few pounds more - you are able to get a more substantial level of cover. You should also bear in mind that not all insurance companies are listed on these sites, so relying on them entirely might not be the best route to finding a suitable level of insurance.

While comparison websites can be a good way to get an idea of what is a fair price to pay for insurance, they are not always useful if you have expensive assets, such as a luxury car or antiques, that you want to cover. As a general rule, the companies on such sites impose limitations on the value of goods they insure, so if your possessions exceed these amounts you're unlikely to find they will give adequate protection. In times like these, it's best to think about seeking out a specialist broker.

Brokers

Going to an insurance broker can be a particularly useful option not only if you have high-value assets that need covering, but also if you have requirements that often aren't covered by a standard policy. As an example, people who live in a house with a thatched roof are unlikely to get a standard home insurance policy (such roofs are deemed to be at greater risk of suffering fire damage). Of course, you should still look to get cover for your home and, in using expert brokers like Certis Insurance, you can arrange protection that is tailor made for your specific needs.

Companies such as these work with clients on a one-to-one basis to ensure they have a precise understanding of what customers require before sourcing cover from specialist insurers. Using a broker will also provide you with an instant point of contact if you need to make a claim or amend your cover at any time.