Paid advertisement
Smart Money People Logo
Newsletter
Go to business site

Voting in the Consumer credit awards 2026 is open - Vote here

Own this company?
Share this page
Link copied

Hastings Direct reviews

Hastings Direct Logo
Rated Average • 3.18/5

Hastings Direct reviews

Unverified business Last reviewed within 7 days
Write a review

Review summary

People rate this company as Average based on 893 product reviews

Average score of 3.18/5
5 star
41%
4 star
18%
3 star
6%
2 star
4%
1 star
31%
Reviews for Hastings Direct have trended negatively over the past 90 days

Hastings Direct scores highly for easy online applications, competitive pricing, and helpful customer service, especially for loans and initial insurance setup. However, many found claims handling frustratingly slow or unhelpful, with poor communication and issues around policy cancellations and unexpected fees. Auto-renewal and price hikes also caused a fair bit of grief.

Positive themes

  • Hastings Direct made applying quick and straightforward with competitive prices.
  • Customer service was often friendly and helpful when contacted by phone or app.
  • Loans from Hastings Direct were quick to approve with good rates and smooth process.

Negative themes

  • Claims handling was slow or poor with little communication and unresolved issues.
  • Policy cancellations and auto-renewals caused unexpected charges and hassle.
  • Renewal prices often increased sharply with little explanation or loyalty reward.
Summarised by AI
Was this helpful?

About Hastings Direct

Hastings Direct reviews written by our Smart Money People can help you to find out more about what it's like to have an insurance policy with Hastings Direct. Smart Money People is the UK's independent financial services review site. Read and write Hastings Direct reviews, and together we can help to increase trust and transparency in financial services.

Hastings Direct at a glance

Reviews for Hastings Direct

Showing 11 of 893 company reviews • Last reviewed within 7 days

Terrible Customer Service

Car insurance • 17th June 2026

Been with Hastings a few years and Never had a problem until now. Moved house so got a quote online for my new address, got... Been with Hastings a few years and Never had a problem until now. Moved house so got a quote online for my new address, got the price and agreed the change - easy right? Nope. Paperwork is not available straight away and no notification is given when it’s added to the app at any random time. So I went about my week then the payment was taken £64 more than the quote/price I agreed to. I rang up and was told the only option I had was to cancel my insurance and take out a new one with them? Absolutely not. Then I got a letter to say that had cancelled my insurance? When I called up it was due to me not telling them where the car would be kept? What do you think the change was for? Exactly that. They literally told me my address and where I was keeping the car? No apologies, no notice, not one bit of courtesy when they noticed that the amount they had quoted me was incorrect just taken the money and went on with their day. When I logged a complaint was offered £20 to drop it. They use the same trigger phrases constantly to just try get you to drop the complaint. The customer service is a mess. They admitted in the end it was an error on their side but still blamed me? I will be leaving at the end of this and I will never use this company again. Terrible customer service with absolutely no curtsey or morals about any of them. Just avoid. Read more Read less

{"display":"Amy","full_name":"Amy","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/images\/default_new.png"}}'s avatar
Amy
Rated Terrible • 1.00/5
Read more product reviews

Had a accident,rung a management company by mistake,...

Car insurance • 12th June 2026

Had a accident,rung a management company by mistake,didn't realise I did.as many others have from what I've read..rung hastings direct to find out what was... Had a accident,rung a management company by mistake,didn't realise I did.as many others have from what I've read..rung hastings direct to find out what was happening.was told not heard anything.explained for 30mins,then told can't help...never use them again Read more Read less

{"display":"John w","full_name":"John w","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/images\/default_new.png"}}'s avatar
Rated Terrible • 1.00/5
Read more product reviews
  • 5.00/5

    Brilliant

    Great app, great customer service, and great quote offered. Speaking on the phone usually helps to get a better quote but being loyal to Hastings... Great app, great customer service, and great quote offered. Speaking on the phone usually helps to get a better quote but being loyal to Hastings has worked massively in my favour, used a black box to start with but seeing driving habits on the app is really motivating and helps to keep your price low, fantastic offer! Read more Read less

    {"display":"aisha aj","full_name":"aisha aj","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/uploads\/avatars\/users\/1630128.png"}}'s avatar
  • 1.00/5

    Home Insurance claim for flood.

    Home Insurance claim for flood. Had to be relocated and their offers of how much to give for alternative accommodation are a joke. Despite sending... Home Insurance claim for flood. Had to be relocated and their offers of how much to give for alternative accommodation are a joke. Despite sending them proof and 3-4 properties in the area higher than their offer they refuse to give more funding. Our home was unhabitable and we are covered for accommodation but they refuse to go into the budget more. They are a joke and want you to be in the cheapest house possible even if its dirty and infested. Stay clear of claiming with these as you will lose the will to live. Read more Read less

    {"display":"dene.nicholls@hotmail.com","full_name":"dene.nicholls@hotmail.com","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/images\/default_new.png"}}'s avatar
  • 4.00/5

    So far so good

    Escape of water claim has been stressful but Hastings have been brilliant so far.

    {"display":"Ann Williams","full_name":"Ann Williams","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/images\/default_new.png"}}'s avatar
  • 4.00/5

    Hail Hastings!

    Went through Hastings Direct for my car insurance, overall very efficient and quick process. Blackbox policy clearly outlined and sent out to myself very quickly... Went through Hastings Direct for my car insurance, overall very efficient and quick process. Blackbox policy clearly outlined and sent out to myself very quickly through the post. So far a good, positive experience and no drawbacks! Read more Read less

    {"display":"James W","full_name":"James W","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/images\/default_new.png"}}'s avatar
    Car insurance
    James W 19th April 2026
  • 4.00/5

    Car insurance

    Been with Hastings Direct for many many years. Easy to renew and always get a good price. I have used both online and phone and... Been with Hastings Direct for many many years. Easy to renew and always get a good price. I have used both online and phone and have always had a professional experience. Read more Read less

    {"display":"Alli","full_name":"Alli","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/images\/default_new.png"}}'s avatar
    Car insurance
    Alli 16th April 2026
  • 5.00/5

    Absolutely amazing customer service and great compet...

    Absolutely amazing customer service and great competitive prices.

    {"display":"Sameed Hussain","full_name":"Sameed Hussain","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/uploads\/avatars\/users\/781593.png"}}'s avatar
  • 5.00/5

    Good policy price

    Easy to get policy and best prices for vehicle insured recommend

    {"display":"Conor D","full_name":"Conor D","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/images\/default_new.png"}}'s avatar
    Car insurance
    Conor D 16th April 2026
  • 1.00/5

    Poor service even poorer company

    Ive given 1 star because its the lowest… Ive given 1 star because its the lowest i can give had a major motorbike accident may... Ive given 1 star because its the lowest… Ive given 1 star because its the lowest i can give had a major motorbike accident may last year was in a coma for a month fractured all my ribs my collar bone and my kneecap had 32 pints of blood and almost died but was i allowed to recover? Spent the last year arguing for what im entitled to still not got it dealing with solicitors stay away personal injury insurance isn't worth having they will do and say anything not to pay you. Lies after lies disgusting company Read more Read less

    {"display":"Mick Lee","full_name":"Mick Lee","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/uploads\/avatars\/users\/1426307.png"}}'s avatar
    Car insurance
    Mick Lee 4th April 2026
  • 1.00/5

    Charged for a renewal I didn't ask for.

    Charged for a renewal I didn't ask for. Find policies like this manipulative and deceitful. Very little understanding from customer services when ringing to explain,... Charged for a renewal I didn't ask for. Find policies like this manipulative and deceitful. Very little understanding from customer services when ringing to explain, just 'we sent you an email weeks ago', with loads of hidden small print that says we're gonna rip ya off! Read more Read less

    {"display":"Adam","full_name":"Adam","avatar":{"url":"\/assets\/uploads\/avatars\/users\/1395266.png"}}'s avatar
    Car insurance
    Adam 13th March 2026

    Products from Hastings Direct
    Showing products offered by Hastings Direct

    We are Smart Money People

    Join 2 million active users who make better financial decisions with the power of reviews.

    Create an account

    Protecting trust by verifying companies and reviewers

    The only site that specialises in financial services

    Providing everyday people with a voice