Are 1St Central Car Insurance Any Good? -

Are 1st Central car insurance any good? If you’re shopping for car insurance, you’ve probably seen 1st Central pop up. But is it worth it? Or is it just another insurer with big promises and small print?

Let’s break it down—no fluff, just straight facts. We’ll cover what 1st Central car insurance offers, what customers say, and whether it’s a solid pick for your ride.

Table of Contents

What is 1st Central Car Insurance?

1st Central is a UK-based car insurance provider. They launched in 2008 and are part of First Central Group. Their focus? Affordable premiums with digital-first service.

The company claims to offer competitive prices. But do they actually deliver? That’s what we’re here to find out.

Types of Coverage 1st Central Offers

Before deciding if 1st Central car insurance is any good, let’s see what they offer:

Comprehensive Car Insurance – Covers damage to your car and others, theft, and personal injury.

Third-Party, Fire & Theft – Covers damage to others, plus protection if your car is stolen or catches fire.
Third-Party Only – The minimum legal coverage in the UK. Covers damage to other people but not your own car.

They also offer add-ons like breakdown cover, legal protection, and no-claims discount protection. But are these extras worth it? Let’s dive deeper.

Customer Reviews: Do People Like 1st Central Car Insurance?

Insurance is only as good as its customer experience. If claims are a nightmare, cheap prices don’t mean much.

Trustpilot & Online Ratings

1st Central scores around 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. That’s not bad. But what do the reviews actually say?

Positive reviews: Many customers praise their competitive pricing and easy sign-up process.

Negative reviews: Some people complain about slow claims processing and customer service delays.

Common complaints include long wait times on calls and issues when making a claim. That’s a red flag for anyone who needs quick support.

How Reliable is Their Claims Process?

Car insurance is pointless if you can’t get paid when you need it. So, how does 1st Central handle claims?

Some customers say claims were handled smoothly. Others had to chase them for updates. That’s a mixed bag.

Is 1st Central Cheap Compared to Other Insurers?

1st Central markets itself as an affordable option. But how do their prices compare to big names like Admiral, Direct Line, or Hastings?

New customers often get cheap deals. If you’re switching insurers, they might offer a lower premium.

Renewals? Not always great. Some customers report premium increases at renewal time.
Pricing depends on risk. Younger drivers and high-risk areas might see higher quotes.

It’s best to compare quotes. Don’t assume their cheapest rate will stay cheap after year one.

Policy Extras: Are They Worth It?

1st Central offers optional add-ons. Let’s see if they’re worth paying for.

Breakdown Cover: If you rely on your car daily, roadside assistance can be a lifesaver.
Legal Cover: Helps with legal expenses if you’re in an accident that’s not your fault.

No Claims Discount Protection: Keeps your discount intact even after an accident.

These extras can be useful, but always check if they’re already included with your bank or another provider.

1st Central Car Insurance: Who is It Best For?

Not every insurance company is a perfect fit for everyone. Here’s who might benefit from 1st Central:

Budget-conscious drivers: If you want a lower premium, they could be a good option.
Drivers who prefer digital service: Most interactions happen online or through their app.
People who rarely need customer support: If you don’t expect to call them often, service delays won’t be a huge issue.

If you need fast, phone-based customer support, you might want to look elsewhere.

How to Get the Best Deal with 1st Central

Want to save money on your 1st Central car insurance policy? Here’s how:

Compare quotes: Always check other insurers before committing.

Adjust your excess: A higher voluntary excess lowers your premium.
Use a black box policy: If you’re a young driver, telematics can cut costs.
Pay annually: Monthly payments come with interest.

Limit your mileage: Fewer miles = lower risk = cheaper insurance.

Insurers love low-risk drivers. The safer you look, the less you’ll pay.

Are 1st Central Car Insurance Any Good? Final Thoughts

1st Central car insurance can be a good option if you’re looking for affordability. Their policies are competitively priced, especially for new customers.

However, customer service isn’t their strong suit. If claims processing speed and easy phone support matter to you, you might want to consider alternatives.

At the end of the day, the best car insurance is the one that fits your budget and gives you peace of mind.

Alternatives to 1st Central Car Insurance

Not sure if 1st Central is right for you? It’s always smart to compare. Here are some alternatives that might suit your needs better:

Admiral: Known for multi-car discounts and solid customer service.
Direct Line: Offers comprehensive coverage without being on comparison sites.

Hastings Direct: Competitive pricing, with both standard and Premier options.
LV=: Highly rated for claims handling and customer support.
Aviva: Good for digital services and add-ons like breakdown cover.

Each insurer has strengths and weaknesses. The key is to compare quotes and read reviews before making a decision.

What to Watch Out for with 1st Central

Before signing up, here are a few things to consider:

Customer service delays: Some customers report long wait times when trying to contact support.

Claims processing: Mixed reviews suggest that some claims take longer than expected.
Auto-renewals: Like many insurers, renewal quotes can be higher than new customer prices.
Cancellation fees: Leaving mid-term could cost you, so check the terms before committing.

Being aware of these factors can save you stress later.

Is 1st Central a Good Choice for Young Drivers?

If you’re a young driver, insurance costs are a big deal. 1st Central offers telematics policies (black box insurance) to help lower premiums.

Pros for Young Drivers:

Cheaper upfront costs: Telematics policies often start cheaper.

Rewards for safe driving: Drive well, and your renewal price could drop.

Cons for Young Drivers:

Tracking device required: Some drivers don’t like the idea of a black box monitoring them.
Strict driving limits: Late-night driving and sudden braking can impact your score.

If you’re a responsible driver, a black box policy could save you money. But if you don’t like restrictions, it might not be the best fit.

Is 1st Central Good for High-Risk Drivers?

Had accidents, claims, or points on your license? You might be considered high-risk.

1st Central does insure high-risk drivers, but your premium will be higher. If you’re struggling to find affordable coverage, look into specialist insurers like Adrian Flux or Marmalade.

How to File a Claim with 1st Central

Making a claim should be simple. Here’s the process:

Report the accident: Call their claims team as soon as possible.
Provide details: Have your policy number, vehicle info, and accident details ready.

Send supporting documents: Photos, witness statements, and police reports help speed things up.
Wait for assessment: The insurer will review your claim and estimate repair costs.
Get your payout: If approved, your car will be repaired, or you’ll receive compensation.

Fast claims processing is crucial. If you’re concerned about delays, check recent customer feedback.

1st Central’s Customer Support: What to Expect

Need to contact 1st Central? Here’s how:

Phone support: Available, but some customers report long wait times.

Live chat: Limited hours, but helpful for quick questions.
Email: Not the fastest option, but useful for non-urgent issues.
Online portal: Manage your policy and documents without calling.

Phone delays are the biggest complaint. If you prefer quick resolutions, this could be a dealbreaker.

Does 1st Central Offer Multi-Car Discounts?

Many families and couples want a discount for insuring multiple cars. 1st Central does not currently offer a dedicated multi-car policy, unlike Admiral.

However, you can still get a lower rate by:

Adding a named driver to your policy.
Checking if a joint policy saves more than separate ones.

If you need a true multi-car discount, Admiral or Direct Line might be better.

Does 1st Central Cover Business Use?

If you drive for work, you need the right cover. 1st Central offers business car insurance for:

Driving between multiple work locations.
Using your car for client meetings.

It does not cover delivery driving or ridesharing. If you’re an Uber or delivery driver, look into specialist insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1st Central car insurance good for new drivers?

Yes, if you want a budget-friendly policy. But check renewal prices and customer service reviews before committing.

Does 1st Central allow monthly payments?

Yes, but monthly payments include interest. Paying annually is cheaper.

How do I cancel my 1st Central car insurance?

Call customer service to cancel. Be aware of potential cancellation fees.

What happens if I don’t renew my 1st Central policy?

Your cover ends, and you’ll need to find a new insurer. Always compare renewal prices.

Does 1st Central offer breakdown cover?

Yes, but it’s an optional add-on, not included by default.

Final Verdict: Are 1st Central Car Insurance Any Good?

Here’s the short answer: 1st Central car insurance is a solid option if you’re looking for an affordable policy. They offer competitive pricing, a straightforward online experience, and a decent range of coverage options.

But there are trade-offs. Customer service wait times and claims processing can be slow. If you value premium service and instant support, you might prefer Direct Line or LV=.

For budget-conscious drivers, 1st Central is worth considering. Just make sure to compare renewal prices before committing long-term.

So, are 1st Central car insurance any good? If low prices matter more than fast service, then yes.