Comparison sites help us find the best deals on energy, insurance, and broadband so we can save money without the stress.
It can feel daunting to leave a trusted supplier or the bank we have used for years. There are so many deals, discounts, and flashy offers fighting for our attention that it is easy to get lost.
That is where comparison sites come in. They show up-to-date prices on everything from energy and broadband to insurance and mobile phones. Used well, they save both time and money. We just need to know how to get the best from them. Here are a few pointers on making comparison sites work for you:
Compare comparisons!
A golden rule is to never rely on just one comparison site.
Each site shows slightly different results because they work with different providers. Some have special deals that others do not, which means the same policy or plan can cost more or less depending on where we look.
To get the full picture, it is best to check at least three comparison sites. It takes a few extra minutes, but it helps make sure we really are getting the best deal.
Quids In! isn’t linked to any comparison sites, so our advice is independent and neutral. However, these sites have generally been around a while, and have developed reputations as being relatively tried and trusted.
Start with these trusted sites:
- Which? – trusted, variety of information on wide range of providers
- Uswitch – great for energy and broadband
- MoneySuperMarket – great for car and home insurance, credit cards, broadband
- Compare the Market – handy for car insurance and gives freebies like Meerkat Meals and Movies
- Confused.com – strong for car insurance and rewards like free coffee and car wash
- GoCompare – good for insurance and shows what cover we’re really getting
- MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Energy Club – helps us track when prices drop
If we want to learn more about the comparison sites listed here, Save the Student has a clear guide that explains how each one works and what they are best for.
Money Helper has a guide specifically for getting the best deal on insurance using price comparison sites, which we can find here.
Careful with the quotes
Once we have entered our details, most sites list quotes in price order. It is worth taking a close look because the cheapest quote might only be cheapest if we pay the full year upfront.
If we would rather pay monthly, we can usually sort results by monthly cost instead. Tick the box that makes sense for us and always double-check before clicking through.
We should also:
- Read the small print to make sure the deal includes everything we expect.
- Check excess amounts on insurance quotes. Sometimes an insurance quote looks cheaper because the insurer has set a high excess. That means we would pay more out of our own pocket if something went wrong.
- Look at contract length, since some cheap broadband deals rise in price after twelve months.
Consider going direct
Comparison sites don’t sell products or services themselves, they just trawl the different providers and collate the info. They are a very useful tool for giving us a good idea of the best deals on the market.
The comparison site will provide a reference number for each quote. If we do choose to go direct, we can use this reference number when contacting the provider, and see if any further discount is available. If we don’t ask, we don’t get.
What to watch out for
Be alert for scams. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Check reviews on Trustpilot, make sure the firm is listed on Companies House or the FCA register for financial services, and stick to trusted sites.
A few more quick tips:
- Not every provider is listed on every site. Some smaller companies stay independent.
- Deals can differ in what they include, so check what we are actually getting for the price.
- Keep an eye on renewal dates so we can switch again when prices rise.
More safety tips are on MoneyHelper’s guide to comparison sites.
The Bottom Line
Comparison sites are one of the easiest ways to save money and make sure we are not overpaying. They do not affect our credit score, and they give us a clear view of what is out there.
By checking more than one site, looking carefully at the details, and maybe even going direct, we can make sure we get the best deal possible.
A little effort now could save us a lot later.
