Insurance shopping

This may be of interest to somebody on the Forum and I am by no means trying to teach granny how to suck eggs but:

The other day I recieved my Building and contents insurance renewal and after checking the previous years schedule, was stunned to see that there had been a 38% (approx) increase to the policy even though, I have not made a single claim in all the years I have been with the firm.( DIRECT LINE INSURANCE) Initially I thought there must be some mistake but before contacting the company, I decided to get a quote from another company. (CHURCHILL "O YES") The quote I recieved from Churchill, was 55% cheaper than my renewal quote. Armed with this information I rang Direct Line and asked if there had been an error? There had not ! So I explained that I had a quote from Churchill Blah Blah. The answer I got stunned me. "Churchill is a part of the same group as us so, if you wish to stay with us, we will supply your schedule for the same price quoted by them." (Churchill) Today I recieved my new schedule and true to their word, same as the Churchill quote. One phone call saved me over £180. My car insurance with the same firm will save me a further £80 when it next becomes due for renewal. I'm not suggesting that anyone runs off to Churchill or anyone else to change their policies, this is just an observation that I'm sure many have already come across and sorted. It may however, be of use to someone during this "credit crunch". If anyone has any other helpful tips that they have come across, I'm sure members on this site would be grateful to recieve them. Regards Nick

Gwyn

Most insurance companies are like that, give you an initial renewal quote, and if you find a better quote, they will match it or go lower, only stipulation is your quote must be like for like. I work for an over 50's insurance company, and that is what we do.

Check around the various insurance sites and look before you decide to renew your insurance provider.

Thanks Nick,
I have a tip for anyone that likes to save money, keep an eye on Martin Lewis's web sit "money saving expert" not sure of his web address but easy to find through Google, I have saved money with lots of different things must add up to at least a £1,000 a year on my first year doing it, I'm finding it harder this year to save big money, but there is still saving to be had out there if you spend a bit of time searching around.

like Gwyn my Car insurance went up big style, I on the other hand went to compare the market.com and saved nearly £150 by not renewing with my car insurance company Budget. Budget I laugh now because when I went to them from Sirecy line they did give me a cracking deal.

However I change my policy now each year on all insurances I never have take the renewal out because they always jump by over 50%.

I like everyone else had a renewal notice through the post and thought it was a bit steep. After only 20 mins on the net got my car insurance down by £150 ponds. I then checked my home insurance and did the same, contacted the insurance company (Direct line) and told them that I had a better quote and they matched it without any problems.
Going to spent a little time checking my insurance every year from now on. Could have saved pounds over the years.