Price comparison sites - are they really what they seem?

It's  always been about referral fees, these sites cannot make money without their fee. Years ago I applied for a loan via one of these sites got an interest rate of around 7% signed up got to the end of the process and rate had suddenly risen to 15%

That's the bit I don't get. It's handy to have a quick comparison, but unless they have got some great deal with whatever vendor you are looking at, then you are better off going direct who nine times out of ten will have some kind of promotion for new punters.

Or maybe most people just blindly click away and don't read the small print?

It is often the case that these websites take advantage of people who are short on time (I mean, literally everyone these days). I think you should go and check at least a couple of them, and then compare.

What do you think about moneysavingexpert.com? They "rate" the comparison engines and give their recommendations as well, with clear indication when they have incentives from clicking on the link.

Very good point about moneysavingexpert, and they do tread a nice ethical line about declaring any interest if there is any affiliate link or kick back.

Got to say that this post is right on time for me, as I am busy comparing car insurance at the moment. The quote from my current insurance company was nearly twice as expensive as last year (Ohhh Yess), so it seems loyalty doesn't pay?

I usually go online and compare all of the comparison sites (if that makes sense), but I think it might be time to #keepitlocal and talk to a broker in Darlington and see what they can do, as I think we sometimes overlook some of the great local businesses around us.

Cheers - Tom

Hi Tom

Totally agree - there are some great brokers out there (used to be one myself) and far to many are being absorbed by larger companies where the individual feels kind of gets lost.

Comparison sites are ok if you want a cold heartless cheapest policy, but as i always said, i may not be the cheapest, but i'm one of the best and surely worth a couple of ££s more to get a service.

Cracking quote from my old boss - your insurance is only as good as the claims service