Are 1St Central Good For Car Insurance?
Are 1st Central good for car insurance? If you’re looking for an affordable insurance provider, you’ve probably come across 1st Central. But is it actually worth your money?
Some insurers promise low prices but hit you with hidden fees or bad customer service. So, let’s dig into the truth about 1st Central car insurance.
Who is 1st Central Car Insurance?
1st Central is a UK-based car insurance company under First Central Group. They started in 2008 and focus on offering **low-cost car insurance** with a **digital-first experience**.
Unlike traditional insurers, they handle most things online. That means policy management, renewals, and even claims are handled digitally.
What Types of Car Insurance Does 1st Central Offer?
Before deciding if 1st Central is good for car insurance, let’s look at what they actually offer.
- Comprehensive Car Insurance: Covers damage to your car and others, theft, fire, and personal injury.
- Third-Party, Fire & Theft: Covers damage to other people’s cars, plus theft and fire damage to your vehicle.
- Third-Party Only: The legal minimum coverage. Covers damage to others but not your own car.
They also offer add-ons like breakdown cover, legal protection, and no-claims discount protection. But are these extras actually worth it? Let’s find out.
Are 1st Central’s Prices Competitive?
1st Central positions itself as a **budget-friendly** insurance provider. But are their prices actually lower than competitors?
- New customers: They often provide very competitive quotes, especially for first-time policyholders.
- Renewals: Some customers report that renewal prices go up significantly.
- Discounts: They don’t have dedicated multi-car policies, but adding a named driver can sometimes lower costs.
Compared to bigger names like Admiral, Hastings, and Direct Line, 1st Central’s initial pricing can be cheaper. However, long-term customers might see price hikes.
Customer Reviews: Do People Like 1st Central Car Insurance?
What are real customers saying? Let’s break it down.
Trustpilot & Online Ratings
On Trustpilot, 1st Central has a **4-star rating out of 5**, based on thousands of reviews. That’s a solid score, but let’s see what customers actually say:
- Positive reviews: Many customers like their **cheap prices and easy online setup**.
- Negative reviews: Some report **slow claims processing and long customer service wait times**.
The biggest complaint? **Getting in touch with support can take time.** If you need quick responses, this could be an issue.
How Does 1st Central Handle Claims?
A car insurance company is only as good as its claims process. So, how does 1st Central perform?
How to File a Claim with 1st Central
If you need to make a claim, here’s what to expect:
- Report the accident: Call their claims team as soon as possible.
- Provide details: You’ll need your policy number, accident details, and any evidence like photos.
- Assessment: They review the claim and estimate repair costs.
- Payment or repair: If approved, you either get compensation or have your car repaired.
The downside? Some customers report that claims take longer than expected. If you want **fast payouts**, you might want to check other options.
1st Central’s Customer Service: Good or Bad?
Good customer service can make or break an insurance provider. Let’s see how 1st Central does.
- Phone support: Available, but wait times can be long.
- Live chat: Limited hours, but helpful for quick questions.
- Email: Slow response times reported.
- Online portal: Allows you to manage your policy without calling.
If you’re the type of person who prefers **quick phone support**, this might be a downside.
Who is 1st Central Best For?
Not every insurance company is a perfect fit for everyone. So, who benefits the most from 1st Central?
- Budget-conscious drivers: If you want **low-cost** insurance, they’re worth considering.
- People comfortable with online services: Most of their support and management is digital.
- Drivers with a clean record: Their best rates are for low-risk drivers.
If you **want top-tier customer service and fast claims**, you may want to check other providers.
Is 1st Central Good for Young Drivers?
Young drivers often pay higher premiums. So, how does 1st Central compare?
They offer **telematics policies** (black box insurance), which track your driving habits and reward safe driving.
Pros for Young Drivers:
- Cheaper premiums if you drive safely.
- Potential for discounts at renewal.
Cons for Young Drivers:
- Restrictions on driving hours (e.g., late nights can affect your score).
- Some don’t like having a tracking device in their car.
If you’re a **safe driver**, a black box policy could save you money. But if you **drive late at night**, this might not be ideal.
Does 1st Central Offer Multi-Car Discounts?
Some insurance companies give discounts for insuring multiple cars. 1st Central doesn’t have a **dedicated** multi-car policy like Admiral, but you might still get a lower rate by:
- Adding a named driver to your policy.
- Getting quotes for multiple cars on the same day.
If you need a true multi-car discount, Admiral might be a better fit.
Final Thoughts: Are 1st Central Good for Car Insurance?
So, are 1st Central good for car insurance? **It depends on what you’re looking for.**
✅ **Good if you want cheap, digital-first car insurance.**
❌ **Not great if you want instant customer service and fast claims.**
If saving money is your priority, 1st Central is worth considering. But if you need a provider with **top-notch customer support**, you may want to explore other options.
1st Central Car Insurance: What to Watch Out For
Before signing up, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Customer service delays: Some users report long wait times when trying to get help.
- Slow claims processing: If you need a quick payout, this could be frustrating.
- Price increases on renewal: Many insurers do this, but it’s worth checking before staying loyal.
- Cancellation fees: Leaving mid-policy might come with unexpected charges.
Knowing these upfront can save you from unpleasant surprises later.
Does 1st Central Cover Business Use?
If you drive for work, you might need business car insurance. 1st Central offers coverage for:
- Driving between different work locations.
- Using your car for client meetings.
However, **they don’t cover delivery drivers or ridesharing (Uber, Bolt, etc.).** If you need insurance for that, check out specialist providers like Zego.
How to Save Money with 1st Central Car Insurance
Want to lower your insurance premium? Here are some smart ways to cut costs:
- Compare quotes: Never auto-renew without checking other providers.
- Increase your excess: A higher voluntary excess lowers your premium.
- Use a black box: Telematics policies can save money for safe drivers.
- Pay annually: Monthly payments usually include interest.
- Limit your mileage: The fewer miles you drive, the less you pay.
Insurers reward low-risk drivers. The safer you look, the lower your premium.
Alternatives to 1st Central Car Insurance
Not sure if 1st Central is the right choice? Here are some other options:
- Admiral: Best for multi-car discounts and add-ons.
- Direct Line: Offers solid customer service but isn’t on comparison sites.
- Hastings Direct: Competitive pricing with both budget and premium options.
- LV=: Highly rated for claims processing.
- Aviva: Great for digital policy management and add-ons.
Each insurer has different perks, so compare before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1st Central good for high-risk drivers?
1st Central covers high-risk drivers, but premiums may be higher. If you have points on your license or previous claims, compare with specialist insurers like Adrian Flux.
Does 1st Central offer temporary car insurance?
No, 1st Central only offers standard annual policies. If you need short-term insurance, look at providers like Tempcover or Cuvva.
Can I manage my 1st Central policy online?
Yes, their online portal allows you to manage your policy, renew, and update details.
Does 1st Central offer breakdown cover?
Yes, but it’s an optional add-on, not included by default.
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.
Final Verdict: Are 1st Central Good for Car Insurance?
So, are 1st Central good for car insurance? **It depends on what you value most.**
✅ **Good for budget-conscious drivers who want digital-first insurance.**
❌ **Not great if you need instant customer service or fast claims processing.**
For cheap insurance with online management, 1st Central is a solid option. But if you value customer support and quick claims, you might want to look elsewhere.
At the end of the day, the best car insurance is the one that fits your needs and budget.