1st Central reviews
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This score is generated using our own unique scoring method. It combines the 1-5 star ratings left by verified reviewers, when those reviews were submitted and other meaningful data from the reviews.
Across our website, we use the same consistent method and scores which update in real time as new reviews come in.
1st Central reviews
Verified businesses always have up to date contact details and can respond to reviews.
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FCA approved and regulated
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Award winning organisation
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Fully digital service with no in-person branches
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On-line application and approval process
Review summary
People rate this company as Poor based on 991 product reviews
Wondering how this rating works?
This score is generated using our own unique scoring method. It combines the 1-5 star ratings left by verified reviewers, when those reviews were submitted and other meaningful data from the reviews.
Across our website, we use the same consistent method and scores which update in real time as new reviews come in.
1st Central’s car insurance often starts cheap but quickly piles on fees and hikes premiums after the cooling-off period. Many found claims handling slow and unhelpful, with poor communication and rude staff adding to the frustration. While some praised the easy setup and low initial price, the hidden charges and terrible customer service left most regretting their choice.
Positive themes
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1st Central’s car insurance is easy to set up with competitive initial prices. (24 mentions)
Negative themes
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They hit you with unexpected admin and cancellation fees after sign-up. (24 mentions)
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Claims handling is slow and poor with little communication or support. (8 mentions)
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Customer service is rude or unhelpful; calls often dropped or ignored. (8 mentions)
About 1st Central
1st Central is an award-winning, UK insurance company.
Launched in 2008 in Haywards Heath, today 1st Central policies currently protect more than 1.4m people across a range of products. You can get a quote and manage your policy online.
1st Central provide car and home insurance policies. You can also get breakdown cover and personal accident cover.
1st Central at a glance
Reviews for 1st Central
Showing 11 of 991 company reviews • Last reviewed within 7 days
Absolutely terrible
It is hard to describe my experience with this company than anything other than an absolute clown show. Since starting my policy on July 29th,... It is hard to describe my experience with this company than anything other than an absolute clown show. Since starting my policy on July 29th, I have been receiving the welcome every once every 6 hours, without fail, up until now (August 14th). I have tried 4 times to contact support and explain this to them. The first 3 times I was fobbed off saying the IT team will be contacted to resolve it (they haven't). The 4th time the agent didn't seem to have a clue what my policy was, was very rude and unhelpful and started quoting document dates that were factually incorrect. Next year, no matter how cheap these lot are, I will make sure I use a different company. Absolute disgrace and still my issue isnt resolved. Read more Read less
1st Central
AVOID this company
I had to make some changes to my policy, so I contacted the company to request the amendments. The revised premium they quoted was almost... I had to make some changes to my policy, so I contacted the company to request the amendments. The revised premium they quoted was almost three times higher than comparable quotes I received from other insurers for the same level of cover after making the exact same changes at the same time. I explained that the new premium was significantly higher than their competitors and asked whether they could offer any discount or review the price. They refused. As a result, I decided I wanted to cancel the policy. I was prepared to pay the cancellation fee, but I was then told I would also have to pay an additional "rearrangement fee", which, according to the agent, is part of their terms and conditions. I was even informed that part of this fee would still apply if I cancelled during the 14-day cooling-off period. I have never come across anything like this before. My experience left me feeling that the company attracts customers with a competitive initial premium, but once you're a customer, making even simple changes can become extremely expensive. If you then decide to leave, you may face multiple fees that make it costly to cancel. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this company. Read the terms and conditions very carefully before taking out a policy, especially the sections relating to policy amendments, cancellation charges, and rearrangement fees. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Read more Read less
1st Central
Products from 1st Central
Car insurance
by 1st CentralWith 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...
Car insurance
by 1st CentralWith 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...
Breakdown cover
by 1st Central1st Central offer breakdown cover, provided by the RAC. You can choose from five levels of cover: RAC Roadside Only, RAC Roadside + Recovery, RAC Roadside + At Home, RAC...
Breakdown cover
by 1st Central1st Central offer breakdown cover, provided by the RAC. You can choose from five levels of cover: RAC Roadside Only, RAC Roadside + Recovery, RAC Roadside + At Home, RAC...
Personal accident
by 1st Central1st Central Personal Accident Cover provides protection for anyone in the car, including the policyholder, named drivers and any passengers. Cover is up to £60,000 for people over 16 and...
Personal accident
by 1st Central1st Central Personal Accident Cover provides protection for anyone in the car, including the policyholder, named drivers and any passengers. Cover is up to £60,000 for people over 16 and...
Home insurance
by 1st Central1st Central home insurance provides cover for contents, buildings or both combined. You can add additional cover to a 1st Central home insurance policy including accidental damage, home emergency cover,...
Home insurance
by 1st Central1st Central home insurance provides cover for contents, buildings or both combined. You can add additional cover to a 1st Central home insurance policy including accidental damage, home emergency cover,...
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