Would you switch car insurers over a claim?

When it comes to choosing comprehensive car insurance, some of the most important considerations are the level of claims service and the claim features offered, such as quality of repair and choice of repairer. At a time when you need your insurer most, this is when they show their true colours and either drag you through the mud denying your claim, or make your life as easy as possible so you can move on.

So how satisfied are you with your current insurer?

According to a survey on claims service satisfaction levels, customers rated their experiences as quite high overall.

The report surveyed 3000 motorists and where asked (on a scale of zero to 10) if they would be likely to recommend their insurer to family and friends based on their experiences. About 26 percent gave a rating of 10 that they would very likely recommend their insurer, while only 2 percent said they would not at all.

The results from the survey also showed that one in three drivers (36 percent) had made a claim during the last three years, of which about half were female and half male. Of those who had made a claim, about 86 percent of females were so happy with the level of claims service that they would continue using their insurance company, while 12 percent said they would switch. Males were not as loyal, with about 81 percent of males stating they would continue, while 16 percent would make the switch.

On a state basis, the largest number of claims made was in NSW with about 34 percent, while the ACT made the least amount with less than 2 percent.

Who is the fairest of them all?

The survey also showed that drivers aged between 25 and 34 made up the largest percentage of claims made. While drivers aged younger than 20 fared the best with less than one-third making a claim on their car insurance.

Overall, the survey recognised Suncorp Insurance as the company with the highest level of outstanding claims service and for the best combination of product features and positive feedback mentions in the survey. However they are not the cheapest. RateCity’s recent study into car insurance quotes shows they are one of the most expensive comprehensive car insurance providers out of 26 companies surveyed.

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