
NFU Mutual car insurance review
Contrary to popular belief, car insurance from NFU is not just for those living in rural areas. See the pros and cons of cover and compare policies below to see if it's right for you.
NFU Mutual started as a provider for farmers, but now offers great levels of car insurance cover for everyone. All policies from NFU include breakdown cover, European cover, motor legal protection, trailer cover and access to a 24-hour motor legal advice helpline. Find out what else is included and how to save on your policy.
Who is NFU Mutual?
NFU Mutual, or the National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Ltd was founded by seven farmers in a tea shop all the way back in 1910. Since these early beginnings in Warwickshire, it has ploughed on to become a UK-wide company, offering various types of insurance and other financial services.
Who underwrites NFU Mutual’s car insurance?
NFU Mutual’s car insurance policies are underwritten by NFU Mutual Services.
NFU Mutual is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Compare NFU Mutual’s car insurance policies
What are NFU Mutual’s levels of cover?
NFU Mutual has three different levels of insurance: You can get third party cover; third party, fire and theft protection; or a comprehensive policy.
If you have an old banger of a car, then you might opt for the lowest and most basic of these options – third party insurance.
For some people, this is often the cheapest choice, yet it’s always worth getting quotes for third party, fire and theft and comprehensive policies too.
Why? Higher risk drivers have historically taken out third party policies, so insurers sometimes charge you more for these types of deals.
NFU Mutual’s Third Party
This is the lowest level of car insurance cover NFU Mutual offers. It only covers any injury or damage you do to other people and their property.
This means your own car has zero protection. With NFU Mutual, there is one major perk though. With any of its motor insurance policies, you get Mutual Assist breakdown cover provided by the RAC as standard.
NFU Mutual’s Third Party, Fire and Theft
This is the mid-range level of cover NFU Mutual offers. It protects other people and their property if you’re involved in a collision, while also covering your car for any damage it suffers as a result of fire or theft. Extras like in-car entertainment system cover and courtesy car cover are included too.
NFU Mutual’s Comprehensive
This protects you for all that third party, fire and theft does, but it also covers your vehicle for any accidental damage or vandalism. You also get several perks with NFU Mutual’s comprehensive policy, such as windscreen repair, entertainment system cover and a courtesy car if your vehicle needs repairs.
Optional extras
NFU Mutual also has a number of extras to add to your cover. Optional extras include the following:
- Continental breakdown cover
- Protected no claims discount protection
- RAC National Assist cover
- Increased personal possessions cover for motorhomes up to £1,000
What’s covered under my policy?
Product Name | NFU Mutual Third party, fire and theft | NFU Mutual comprehensive |
---|---|---|
Damage to your car | ✓ | |
Damaged windscreen and window glass | ✓ | ✓ |
Fire and theft | ✓ | ✓ |
Personal accident cover | ✓ | |
Personal belongings | ✓ | |
Liabilities to third parties | ✓ | ✓ |
Using the car abroad | ✓ | |
Permanently fitted audio equipment | ✓ | ✓ |
General exclusions
Like with all insurers, NFU Mutual has a list of reasons why it will refuse to pay out for a claim. You will not be covered in the following situations:
- If you use your car for any purposes not outlined in your motor insurance certificate.
- If damage is a result of wear and tear.
- If your personal possessions aren’t kept in a locked boot or compartment.
For a full list and explanation of the exclusions, see your insurance policy.
How to save on your NFU Mutual car insurance policy
- Drive responsibly. Insurers will charge you more in premiums if you build up a history of speeding tickets and make frequent claims.
- Keep your car locked up securely. Putting your car in a garage or leaving it parked in a secure driveway will lower your insurance costs.
- Lower mileage. If you’re set to retire or you’ve moved to a job that’s closer to home, tell your insurer. It may decide to lower your premiums.
- Up the excess. Voluntarily agreeing to a higher excess will lower your premiums – although be aware that it could drive up costs in the long run if you have to claim.
- Pick a smaller car. Driving a smaller and less powerful car will generally push insurance costs down.
- Check comprehensive. An insurer may charge you less for comprehensive, as higher risk customers have historically opted for third party deals. So get quotes for comprehensive policies too.
What is my excess?
A car insurance policy excess is the amount you have to contribute towards the costs incurred from a claim and will generally be up to £350. By volunteering to pay a higher excess, you can lower your premium costs. Or vice versa, by lowering your excess fees, you can drive up your premiums. What you’re liable to pay in excess costs will be decided when you take out your policy.
How do I make a claim?
You can make a claim with NFU Mutual by calling its 24-hour claims service on 0800 282 652. You’ll need to have your insurance details to hand when you get in touch.
NFU Mutual car insurance customer reviews
On customer review platform Trustpilot, NFU Mutual as a company has 2.2 out of 5 stars and a rating of “Poor”, based on more than 200 reviews.
On similar platform, Reviews.io, the company has 3.57 out of 5 stars, based on a handful of reviews. 57% of customers say they would recommend the service.
Customers praise the helpful and personal service, but some report being turned down for cover due to their postcode or job (updated December 2020).
NFU Mutual car insurance pros and cons
Pros
- 24/7 claims line
- No admin fees for amending your policy
- RAC Mutual assist breakdown cover included with all car insurance policies
- Product information documents available for all three levels of cover
- Optional extras available to enhance protection
Cons
- NFU Mutual a little difficult to navigate around
Our Verdict
You don’t have to live in the countryside to benefit from car insurance from NFU Mutual. If you’re in the heart of a city, it’s still worth checking if NFU will protect you and your car.
Whilst the website could be easier to navigate around, what is available are details about the cover levels as well as how to make a claim. If you need a little more cover, NFU Mutual has several optional extras that can be bolted onto your policy.
Just remember to shop around and compare other car insurance deals on offer to find the best one for you.
Frequently asked questions
Car insurance ratings
Our customer satisfaction scores ("Customers say") are based on a survey of 1,654 customers carried out in December 2022.
Learn the details of our methodology and scoring.
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