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How to use comparison websites Steal of the month

CBY REBECCA RUTT BY

onsumer groups are calling for more regulation to be bought into the comparison website market, as information provided by these sites isn’t always fair or accurate. Which? tested 11 different comparison websites offering insurance quotes and found they tend to make basic assumptions that don’t necessarily apply, and may even invalidate cover. Prices for car insurance quotes varied between £310 and £660, and in many cases excluded optional extras such as legal cover, a courtesy car or personal injury cover. When it came to home and travel insurance, no single website covered more than a third of the market.

However, if you’re aware of the pitfalls to avoid, the sites can still save you money.

DON’T GO FOR THE CHEAPEST QUOTE Although it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, if it doesn’t meet your needs you’re likely to end up paying more in the long run. This is particularly important with insurance policies, make sure you choose a policy that has the right level of cover for you and that the specifications match your circumstances.

ALWAYS SHOP AROUND Not all companies use comparison websites: for example, Direct Line does not.These websites therefore don’t cover the whole of the market, so it’s best to visit two or three to get an accurate idea about what products to buy. Although comparison sites are a good place to research what’s available, going to individual company websites as well will allow you to make a proper comparison before you buy.

WATCH OUT FOR SPONSORED LINKS Some products, such as savings accounts, will be bumped to the top of a comparison table if the company has paid for the position.This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best. So keep an eye open for adverts.

WIN WITH

WIN AN IPAD 2 CASE

Spring has sprung, so why not treat yourself to days out over the bank holiday or update your wardrobe with some of these money-saving vouchers?

15% off at Florence & Fred By entering the code AFF12 at the checkout you can get 15% knocked off the price of Florence & Fred clothing at Tesco until 17 June. More details can be found on the website: http://bit.ly/wrlm0F

40% off clothes at Brook Taverner Brook Taverner is offering 40% off full-priced clothes on its website; to benefit you simply need to enter the code AW40 at the checkout before 31 June. More details are on the website: http://bit.ly/I86Tpu

10% off orders at Urban Adventures

If you’re planning a day trip with a difference, Urban Adventures has slashed 10% off its tours.To qualify, enter the code UA5740 at the checkout before 5 October; full details can be found on the website: http://bit.ly/TzvVa

20% off your food bill at Henry’s Enter your details and download a voucher from the website to enjoy 20% off the price of your food bill until 31 May. A voucher can be downloaded from the website: http://bit.ly/cIszkd

20% off bike tours in London The London Bicycle Tour Company has cut 20% off the price of its guided tours.To get the discount, enter the code 004BVCC11EGB on the website http://bit.ly/4tSm4L

This month you have the chance to win one of ten FitFolio iPad 2 cases from Speck.

The ultra-slim case comes in a choice of five colours and has a sleek, padded design that’s lightweight yet keeps your iPad protected.The custom cradle holds your device securely in place, and the cover folds back into a stand – making it the perfect case for reading, working, viewing presentations and lots more while on the move. For more information visit speckproducts.com.

For a chance of winning, send a postcard with your name, address, phone number and email address to ‘Speck’, Moneywise, First Floor, Standon House, 21 Mansell Street, London, E1 8AA by 10 June.

60% off orders at Symantec

Symantec, the company that sells Norton Security software, is offering a discount of 60% on its products.To benefit, enter the code Norton60VK at the checkout before 30 June. http://bit.ly/HCmkEn

25% off spring bookings at Macdonald Hotels You can get 25% off spring bookings for ‘best available’ rooms with the code SPW. Children under 12 stay for free. Full details are on the website: http://bit.ly/HCmEDg

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MAY 2012 | MONEYWISE 11