NFU Mutual car insurance review

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.

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.

• Third party
• Third party, fire and theft
• Comprehensive cover
• Optional extras

What’s covered under my policy?

Check your policy document carefully to ensure it covers everything you need it to cover.

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 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 pros and cons

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 the deals on offer to find the best one for you.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I make changes to my NFU Mutual motor policy?

  Yes – and you won’t be charged any admin fees.

• Which countries does NFU Mutual car insurance cover?

  Regardless of whether you have third party insurance or a comprehensive policy, you’ll be covered for the following countries:

  Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

• How do I cancel my NFU Mutual car insurance policy?

  You can cancel your NFU car insurance deal at any time by calling or writing the company. It will give you a pro-rata refund for the time in your coverage you haven’t used.

• What is Mutual Assist breakdown cover?

  All of NFU Mutual’s car insurance policies include Mutual Assist Breakdown cover from the RAC as standard.

  Unfortunately, it only covers breakdowns that are less than 1/4 mile from your home. But, if you’re more than this distance away, it will provide emergency roadside assistance, a tow to a garage and a hire car for up to 48 hours if your car can’t be repaired on the day.