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1st Central: Car insurance reviews

1.51
Based on 947 reviews, last reviewed 23rd Jan 2026
100% decrease in 5 star reviews
in the past 90 days
38% increase in 1 star reviews
in the past 90 days
See only 5 star reviews
12%
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5%
See only 3 star reviews
2%
See only 2 star reviews
2%
See only 1 star reviews
79%

Latest highest rating:

5

Good and not too expensive Was looking for good value car insurance and found this one. Not too expensive and so far can’t say anything bad. Very easy to sign up. Reviewed on: 5th September 2025
Matus's avatar
Matus

Latest lowest rating:

1

Bait-and-switch insurer Feels like a scam – stay away Quoted one price, then after the policy started 1st Central changed things retrospectively, increased the premium and a... Read more Reviewed on: 23rd January 2026
Leanne McIvor's avatar
Leanne McIvor

About this product

With 1st Central, you can insure a single car or opt for a multicar policy. There’s also a telematics policy.

As standard, you get up to 90 days free cover when driving in Europe. There are five policies to choose from giving different levels of cover: ValueOnline, Online, LegalOnline, PlusOnline and PremierOnline.

1st Central car insurance reviews help you find out what it’s really like to be a customer. If you’ve used 1st Central before, you can also leave a review and share your experience.

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1st Central Car insurance reviews (947)

0 SCORE IF I WAS ALLOWED...

1
If i could've put 0 star review score I would've definitely done it. NEVER EVER insure your car at this company that operate like a scam. They without hesitation will be charge you twice without even notifying you that there are 2 active policies on the same car. And after you sell your car do not expect a refund for unused period but expect another fee for cancellation (£50 in my case) and another monthly charge in advance on the top of it... small print, eh! SCAM insurance company! NEVER EVER! Reviewed on: 21st March 2021

No integrity

1
The company is an absolute disgrace. They cancelled my policy without notice or contacting me verbally. I have been driving without knowledge of this for almost two weeks! Oddly they had emailed requesting at least 8 documents. I had provided them with the vast majority of the documents they requested except for proof of address. As I was in the process of moving home I had not yet received bills and proof of address. I had explained this to them via email. When I called to find out their reason, their representative said it’s because I didn’t call and that it is within their right to cancel my policy leaving me driving illegally without notice or calling me. A totally hypocritical and disgraceful organisation. This is not the way to treat your customers. Reviewed on: 11th March 2021

Ms

5
Very good . Is the best for me. My opinion. Reviewed on: 24th February 2021

Straightforward with a good website

3
1st central were a straightforward company to work with, truly paper free and their website was easy to use. Reviewed on: 22nd February 2021

Avoid this company

1
I cancelled my pre-paid car insurance with 4 months remaining and was informed that I was not due any refund for the unused 4 months. Cancellation fees are way to high and customer service is poor. Emails are not responded too and telephone operators lack consistent information Reviewed on: 31st January 2021

Avoid if you don't want to be ruined....

1
Please avoid these bunch of fraudsters. They are happy to take your money for insurance, but when you do get into an accident and want to claim, they will definitely look for a way to make sure they don't pay you and will ensure your insurance gets voided and cancelled. I have put in a complaint against them and will be taking the complaint all the way to the financial ombudsman. I cannot believe that a car insurance taking out in good faith gets voided because the car had alloy wheels??? The end result is my car insurance costs has gone up from £650/year to over £3000/year due to my having to declare a policy voided by these fraudsters. Please avoid. If you choose to ignore this advice and you get into an accident or your car gets stolen and you want to claim, I can assure you you wouldn't get a penny because they will go through your policy and void it because you didn't declare you had a a sat nav!! I have to pay over £21,000 for my car repair from my own pocket and also have to deal with the high car insurance costs due to a voided policy. Avoid these scam artists like a plague! I'm taking them to the financial ombudsman and will be posting this negative reviews everywhere so people can be forewarned. Reviewed on: 24th January 2021

The definition of why I hate car insurance companies

1
Absolutely disgusting, money thriving company. If you want to pay £100 to cancel your car insurance then this is the company for you. Vile treatment received for a good customer that has paid their way. Will NEVER use this company again and certainly won’t be recommending to anyone. Avoid like the plague Reviewed on: 5th January 2021

Cheap and nasty for good reason

1
Cheap and nasty for good reason. Firstly expect to be hounded by 'Policy Validation' threatening to cancel your policy. God help you if you need to make a claim! After a year renewing I was mis sold the policy and extorted for more money. After cancelling they will rip you off further with ficticious charges. Avoid at all costs- will be taking them to the FCA. All emails will be ignored incidentally if you have a grievance. Customer service is simply shocking. Reviewed on: 11th December 2020

Dont use!!!!!!!!!!

1
Worst insurance company I have used in my life. They will try and RIP you off!!!! It's a con. Run while you can!!! Reviewed on: 25th November 2020

??????

1
Unable to offer renewal due to Underwriters can’t give any reason. A year older no driving convictions never speed. Don’t understand why poor customer service Reviewed on: 8th November 2020

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