Computer Quote car insurance review

Here's our analysis of Computer Quote, the insurance broker that offers pay-as-you-go car insurance and cover for convicted drivers and second cars.

Updated Feb 13, 2020

Computer Quote says it can offer competitive car insurance to a range of drivers, and it offers pay-as-you-go cover. Here’s what you need to know.

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Who is Computer Quote?

Computer Quote is broker that sources car insurance as well as van, home, pet and travel cover.

Computer Quote is a trading name of Stride Ltd, which was established in 1973.

What are Computer Quote’s levels of cover?

Computer Quote’s Third party cover

Third party cover is the minimum level of cover that is offered by Computer Quote. To be on UK roads, all drivers are legally required to have at least this level of car insurance. If you are responsible for causing an accident, you’ll be protected for damage to third party vehicles or property. You won’t be protected for any damage to your own car. And don’t assume this is the cheapest option because it offers the least protection. Sometimes, this cover may work out more expensive than comprehensive. Check each cover level to see which offers the best value for you.

Computer Quote’s Third party, fire and theft cover

You’ll get the same level of cover as third party but this will also provide protection against any fire damage or theft of your car.

Computer Quote’s Comprehensive cover

This is the greatest level of cover on offer and will provide the same protection as the other levels as well as insuring your vehicle against accidental damage and vandalism. It’s always worth getting a quote for comprehensive cover, as in some cases, it can be cheaper than lower levels of cover due to the risk profile of customers who choose them.

What types of car insurance are available?

Second car insurance. Computer Quote can provide cover for your second car whether you or your spouse owns it.
Pay-as-you-go car insurance. This is a cover plan that allows you to stop, start or cancel at any time (as long as you’re up-to-date with your payments), but it involves paying a deposit and interest.
Temporary insurance. Cover for a period of one month or more.

Paying extra for temporary cover

Looking for temporary cover? Computer Quote has an unusual way of charging for this. The premium for either a pay-as-you-go car insurance or temporary car insurance policy is calculated as a standard 12-month insurance policy rather than the intended shorter period (the minimum is 1 month). To get this cover, you have to pay an initial deposit of up to 20% of the total annual premium, with the remainder of the premium being spread out over 11 monthly instalments. You can cancel the policy at any time as long as monthly payments are up-to-date.

It’s also worth knowing, though, that you must pay the full annual premium if you have to make a claim on a pay-as-you-go or temporary car insurance policy, even if you only needed the cover for a month.

This approach could end up being an expensive way to get temporary cover. Always remember to shop around for short-term car insurance to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

What is covered under my Computer Quote policy?

The specific benefits of your policy will vary depending on the level of cover you choose and the insurer that provides cover through Computer Quote.

Check your policy details to ensure you have the right cover for your needs.

Optional extras

Computer Quote offers policy bolt-ons including:

Breakdown and rescue cover
Replacement vehicle if your vehicle is written off or stolen
Motor legal cover
Excess waiver insurance

General exclusions

Any cover arranged through Computer Quote is likely to become invalid if any of the following arises:

You are paid to carry passengers.
You fail to pay for your premium.
Your car is being driven by an unnamed driver on your policy or by a person that does not have a valid driving licence.
Your car is used for rallies, races or competitions.
You change your car during the policy term to a car that the insurer cannot cover.
You do not provide the correct documents to support your application.

Check your policy for further details to confirm your cover is valid.

How to save on your car insurance policy through Computer Quote

Check comprehensive. Contrary to what you might expect, comprehensive cover can be cheaper than third party (TP) or third party, fire and theft so it’s always worth checking. This is because of the risk profile of many people who get TP.
Park securely. Cars kept in a garage or on a secure driveway are usually cheaper to insure.
Reduce mileage. If you start working part-time or your long commute becomes much shorter, letting your insurer know about a reduction in your mileage could result in cheaper insurance.
Increase the excess. Agreeing to pay a bigger voluntary excess could make your overall premium cheaper. But remember that your insurer won’t pay out for a claim that costs less than your excess. So be careful about making it too high, as it could leave you out of pocket if damage occurs.
Pick a smaller car. Choosing to drive a small and safe car is likely to lower your premium

What is my excess?

Your insurance excess is the amount of money you have to pay towards a claim. Your insurer won’t pay out for a claim that costs less than this amount.

A voluntary excess is normally an amount set by you when taking out a policy. You’ll have the option of adding or increasing a voluntary excess, which could in turn reduce your premium.

Meanwhile, a compulsory excess amount might vary depending on the age of your car and your driving experience.

You’ll find details about any compulsory or voluntary excesses in your policy document.

What is the claims process for Computer Quote?

You should call the Computer Quote claims line on 0800 328 5552 to report a claim. This 24-hour helpline is open seven days a week. You’re likely to need your policy number and all details about the incident to hand when calling to make a claim.

It’s important that you let your insurer know about an incident as soon as possible, even if it’s not your fault. Failure to do this could result in a rejected claim later on.

Frequently asked questions

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Liz Edwards

Liz Edwards has been a consumer writer and editor for more than 20 years, spending most of this time at the testing and rating publisher Which?. She's covered everything from coffee machines to car insurance and has appeared frequently in national media. Liz loves to cut through waffle to give consumers the info they really need to make a good decision. Like all journalists, she loves nothing more than a great pun.

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Computer Quote car insurance review

Here's our analysis of Computer Quote, the insurance broker that offers pay-as-you-go car insurance and cover for convicted drivers and second cars.

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