Finding car insurance doesn't have to be back breaking. Brokers have been around long before price comparison websites, and are great at offering advice and doing the hard work of finding the best deals for you.
What does a broker do?
Insurance brokers are usually independent companies or agents. You can have a chat with a broker to discuss your needs, and after they've spoken to a number of insurers, they'll come back to you with a list of top policy choices.
A broker may also have a specialty, such as finding the best deals on van, motorcycle or even 4x4 insurance.
Benefits of using a broker?
By going to a broker, you get a number of advantages that you may not get from normal comparison sites or directly from an insurer.
- Specialist cover is available from some insurers but these often won't appear on comparison sites. If you wanted to insure a modified car, for example, a broker should be able to find a policy which covers it, usually at a cheaper rate than most insurers. Or for classic or performance cars a specialist car insurance broker will search a specific market for you.
- Expert advice is rarely free, but with a broker you can get advice on what kind of insurance products best suit your needs with no obligation to buy from them.
- Making a claim can be a stressful experience. An insurance broker can help you deal with the process, and may be able to speak to the claims department on your behalf, saving you time and hassle.
- A personal touch is still important today. Not only is it good to talk to your broker, it can help them to arrange the best deal for you from their selected panel of insurers.
What about price comparison sites?
Although a search on comparison sites is now probably the most common way to look for insurance, the policies on offer are often standardised. This means you could buy insurance that looks cheaper but is actually more expensive than what's on offer elsewhere.
Insurers regularly give cheaper prices to brokers because they have a direct relationship with them.
The AA is a broker that compares car insurance from its own panel of insurers to find the best deal for you. Find out more about our car insurance and get a quote.
Author: The AA. Published 16 November 2016. Updated 3 January 2025.