QUOTE ME UNHAPPY ; Norwich Voted Worst Car Insurer
Jun 20, 2007By RUKI SAYID
CAR insurance giant Norwich Union is the worst in Britain, say motorists.
It came bottom out of 45 companies in a poll - a blow to its "Quote me happy" ad slogan.
The biggest car insurer was marked down on value, quality of call centre staff, helpfulness and communication.
The poll of 30,000 drivers for Auto Express magazine criticised a lack of understanding and poor customer relations by its India- based phone operators.
James Bishop, of Hythe, Kent told the magazine: "They are extremely poor at answering inquiries but are very good at taking your money."
NFU Mutual came top for the second year, praised for helpful staff and local offices instead of faraway call centres.
Saga and RIAS, which specialise in cover for over-50s, came second and third. The verdict is a massive blow to Norwich Union, which has spent millions on its campaign.
Spokesman David Ross said it was "disappointing".
Auto Express asked readers to rate firms or brokers for communication, helpfulness, value and overall performance for a percentage score. Editor David Johns said many motorists opt for the cheapest quote but lose out when making a claim. He added: "That's when saving money could prove to be a false economy."
RATING THE INSURERS
1 NFU Mutual 86.19%
2 Saga 84.28%
3 RIAS 83.67%
4 Frizzell 83.00%
5 Royal & Sun Alliance 81.85%
6 Liverpool Victoria 79.98%
7 Nationwide 79.69%
8 Kwik-Fit 79.66%
9 Sainsbury's Bank 79.61%
10 RAC 79.25%
11 Prudiential 79.16%
12 Churchill 79.08%
13 Cornhill Direct 79.01%
14 LloydsTSB 78.70%
15 Direct Line 78.63%
16 Fortis 78.58%
17 Adrian Flux 78.48%
18 Barclays 78.47%
19 Hastings Direct 78.37%
20 Marks & Spencer 78.26%
21 Quinn Direct 78.10%
22 Swiftcover 77.91%
23 Post Office 77.64%
24 Esure 77.38%
25 More Than 79.93%
26 Privilege 76.87%
27 Diamond 76.62%
28 Swinton 76.47%
29 Tesco 76.43%
30 AA 76.34%
31 First Alternative 76.29%
32 NIG 76.24%
33 Zurich 76.07%
34 Elephant 76.01%
35 Bell Direct 75.82%
36 Co-operative 75.45%
37 Equity Red Star 74.98%
38 Highway 74.57%
39 HSBC 74.48%
40 AXA 74.19%
41 Budget 73.27%
42 Admiral 73.26%
43 Halifax 73.24%
44 Endsleigh 72.94%
45 Norwich Union 72.13%
*Insurers judged on communication, helpfulness, value for money and overall performance which together gives rating.
(c) 2007 Daily Mirror. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
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