Smart Money People Logo

Hastings Direct: Car insurance reviews

2.99
Based on 678 reviews, last reviewed 4th Apr 2026
100% increase in 5 star reviews
in the past 90 days
No new 1 star reviews
in the past 90 days
See only 5 star reviews
36%
See only 4 star reviews
19%
See only 3 star reviews
6%
See only 2 star reviews
4%
See only 1 star reviews
35%

Latest highest rating:

5

I've been with Hastings Direct for a good few years... I've been with Hastings Direct for a good few years now - they've helped me with carious claims and at a difficult time when I had a car accident they... Read more Reviewed on: 23rd January 2026
Sarah Gray's avatar
Sarah Gray

Latest lowest rating:

1

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 last year was in a coma... Read more Reviewed on: 4th April 2026
Mick Lee's avatar
Mick Lee

About this product

Hastings Direct provide award-winning car insurance.

You can get a Hastings Direct car insurance quote online and manage your policy via the mobile app. There are three levels of cover, Essentials, Direct and Premier. They're available as an online product which is a lower cost, self-service policy that you manage yourself.

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

Hastings Direct Car insurance reviews (678)

Review of the Hastings Direct, Car insurance:

Affordable for young drivers

5
I’m 18 and just got my first year of insurance with black box which helps save lots of money. It was quick delivery and the app is excellent - I recommended to all my friends starting to pass their driving tests! Reviewed on: 16th September 2024

Renewing car insurance

3
Good price for car insurance very dissapionted at how long you have to Waite in order to speak to a representative usually 20mins at least no matter what the time of day may consider looking elsewhere for better service in future. Reviewed on: 13th August 2017

Awful when needed

1
Written on behalf of a very busy friend: I have just been chatting to my friend & felt compelled to write something in the vain attempt that someone at Hastings Direct would read this, feel ashamed & pull their finger out. So, my friend insured his Land-Rover with Hastings in January 2017, for the value that he purchased it for less than 2 years ago, based on the fact they are not depreciating, & obviously paid a premium to do so. Over 5 weeks ago it was stolen from his place of work. After him chasing them on numerous occasions, and discovering that Hastings will have no involvement in the claim, but pass it to a 3rd party (after being passed to several other parties), he has just received an offer from the final 3rd party for considerably less than the value he insured the vehicle for 7 months ago and does not include the insured belongings inside. The offer is based on what the 3rd party is allowed to make, and if he wishes to contest it, he needs to contact Hastings, who have obviously passed on his details and it is no longer their issue. The ever decreasing circle. If my friend had been responsible for an accident, he would have received a courtesy car, but as his vehicle was stolen (which they have agreed after sending an investigator to his house to interview him) he is not entitled to any assistance. Their tag line is "Refreshingly straightforward car insurance". As long as you don't mind dealing with several 3rd parties, who eventually offer you a fixed amount, thousands below the amount you insured the vehicle for that they can not discuss further. Additional information (worth reading. Honest) My friend lost his wife recently, and used what he had to purchase the Land-Rover mentioned. He did so, to take his son, who is 4 years old camping. Specifically to give him something to look forward too.The booked camping trip was this week, and my friend has implored Hastings to resolve this situation to allow them to purchase a vehicle and not break the promise to his child. Their response, and this is the bit worth waiting for was "I'm afraid that is not my problem". "great value car insurance that won't leave you out in the cold" Reviewed on: 12th August 2017

Would Recommend

5
I've never had any problems with Hastings, been great for customer service and have always answered phones fairly quickly and sorted out any problems had without issue. Reviewed on: 10th August 2017

Mixed opinion but generally not that helpful

3
Not willing to easily make changes to policy , useless online service which you can never get in to , helpful phone service but high charges when you change a vehicle. Reviewed on: 5th August 2017

Hastings Car Insurance

4
Decent company that offered a competitive price. Even accepted changes to policy sorting the year without charging. Reviewed on: 5th August 2017

Abysmal

1
I have tried to contact them for 5 days in a row and been put on auto hold for over 30 minutes each time and I have also opened 'live' webchat each time in the hope that someone will respond. Not a chance. Truly awful company and unfortunately you don't realise until you try to contact them. Dread to think what would happen if you had a claim. I actually wanted to upgrade my policy. Reviewed on: 4th August 2017

Appalling service

1
Unacceptable service from a company that is cynically auto renewing and despite writing and emailing in I no longer had the vehicle AND did not want to auto renew they have charged me a cancellation fee. This firm is appalling, cynical and everything that is wrong with the UK car insurance industry. Avoid at all costs, they lack integrity and transparency. Reviewed on: 4th August 2017

Rubbish, rip off broker

1
Fee after fee, don't buy of try change a policy, or have an accident. Call centre run by muppets Reviewed on: 1st August 2017

excellent ...

5
This company are literally the best .... you can speak to people .. they give the best service and advice ... to help you save money Reviewed on: 1st August 2017

Easy to set up

5
I recently changed my car insurance to Hastings and have found them very easy to deal with. Even when I changed my car they were very helpful. Reviewed on: 1st August 2017

Do you have a different Hastings Direct product?

Share your experiences with products to help others make smarter financial decisions and learn more about different products available. Write a review
Are you a business? Get insights, reply to reviews, invite customers and understand their needs

Want to see more from Hastings Direct?

    View all products