The best car insurance deals in the UK

Overview

The best insurance deal for you depends on many variables: the value of your car, the number of drivers you want covered, your age and whether you have a no-claims bonus. Which? magazine lists deals in the UK based on an analysis of the entire market and scored for ease of quote, quality of policy and customer satisfaction. The deals featured here were all recommended by Which? in 2012, and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA provides a handy search box on its website, so you can easily check whether any deal you consider has its backing.

Average cost

The average cost of a car insurance policy in the UK was £844 in 2011, according to The Scotsman newspaper. However, this figure disguised wide variations across Great Britain, with Scots enjoying better deals than anywhere else. Drivers in Liverpool and Manchester paid nearly twice as much as those in Scotland.

Compare quotes

Website This is Money claims nearly half of UK motorists could "save hundreds of pounds" by shopping around for insurance quotes. Collect up to seven quotes, so you have thorough grounds for comparison. Price comparison websites like MoneySupermarket, uSwitch and Go Compare let you match quotes at the click of a button. Some publish customer reviews of insurance deals, too.

NFU Mutual

NFU mutual was founded by farmers, but now provides insurance to the general public. Policies are only available from direct sales outlets and local agents though, who may not operate in your area. New customers must be less than 75 years of age. Which? gave NFU five stars in 2012.

LV

New customers must be less than 85 years of age. Which? gave the policy five stars, though customer reviews highlighted by MoneySupermarket in 2012 included: "Conflicting details on LV system and policy documents," and "Beware of LV's website!."

Nationwide BS

New customers must be less than 85 years of age. Four stars from Which? and views highlighted by MoneySupermarket in 2012 include: "Excellent branch service, with a smile."

John Lewis

John Lewis welcomes new customers up to the age of 99 years, so age is not a barrier. Which? gave John Lewis insurance five stars in its insurance review of 2012.

Co-Operative

The Co-Op says new customers must be less than 80 years of age. Which? gave Co-Operative insurance four stars in 2012.

Saga

New customers must be over 50 years old, but there is no maximum age-limit. MoneySupermarket highlighted less-than-positive views from customers in 2012, including: "appalling customer service" and "very expensive" although Which? gave Saga's policy five stars.

50Plus

As its name suggests, these insurers target their policy at a specific age group. New customers must be between 50 and 79 years old. Which? gave 50Plus four stars in its 2012 insurance review.

Marks and Spencer

New customers must be less than 85 years of age. Which? gave Marks and Spencer five stars in 2012, though MoneySupermarket highlighted customer reviews that were less upbeat. They warned of high administration fees and problems when trying to cancel.