Tesco Car Insurance

Website: Tesco

Phone Tesco Car Insurance: 0845-300-9900 (M/F 0800-2000 - Sat 0900-1700)

Tesco Car Insurance are a low-cost car insurer now five years old. Unusual for direct-seller in supporting young drivers. Policy wording is quite strict - check for cover details, as optional extras may put price up. Policy wording available online from front page of Web site.

• 3 days green card (international) free of charge
• Policies underwritten by UK Insurance Ltd (www.ukiltd.com)
• UK Insurance is a member of the General Insurance Council
• 24 hour accident recovery helpline
• Discounted breakdown cover option
• Basic business usage (eg for work) included in policies (on request)
• 5% online discount
• Courtesy car option (currently #12.60 a year for up to 14 days)
• Privately-owned cars only (no commercials, motorbikes)
• Payment options - credit or debit cards, direct debit
• Instalments available - subject to interest charges
• Partial payment can be made in Tesco Clubcard vouchers
• No-claims discount available to ex-company car drivers
• Protected no-claims discount available
• No-claims discount protected in the event of third-party cost recovery
• Policy holder only (i.e. not named driver) insurance for driving other cars
• Optional legal protection cover
• Young drivers welcome
• Quotes valid for 90 days

Tesco Finance started offering car insurance in 1998, thanks to a linkup with Direct Line & Privilege Insurance (both part of the RBS Group). Policies since 2000 are underwritten by UK Insurance Ltd., a pure-play underwriting firm based in Leeds, although online policy quotes system still bears an uncanny resemblance to Direct Line's Web-based system. Policies can also be bought in most Tesco stores, or at Tesco petrol stations. Recurring prize draws for online quote applicants. Policy wording available online, although no privacy statement is given online. Tesco Car Insurance reported as willing to negotiate with existing customers to retain second-year business.