66 Top Insurance Companies

How to choose an insurance company

You buy insurance hoping never to use it, which makes the important part hard to judge in advance. Price is easy to compare. How a company handles a claim is not, and that is where customer reviews in this category are most useful.

Who are you actually dealing with?

Many websites that sell insurance are brokers or comparison services, not the insurer that pays claims. Check the policy documents for the name of the underwriter, and make sure both the seller and the insurer are licensed or authorized in your country or state. CandorRated company pages show who runs the website where we could identify it, along with domain age and published contact details.

Read the policy, not just the quote

• Exclusions: the list of what is not covered is often more important than the headline cover.
• Deductible or excess: a low premium may come with a high amount you pay yourself on each claim.
• Waiting periods: health, pet and some life policies may not cover certain conditions for a set time after you start.
• Pre-existing conditions: check how they are defined and whether you must declare them. Missing a disclosure can void a claim.
• Cancellation terms: find out whether you get a refund for unused months and whether a cancellation fee applies.

Warranties and protection plans

Vehicle service contracts, home warranties and gadget protection plans are not always regulated as insurance. Read which repairs are covered, whether you must use approved repairers, and what wear-and-tear items are excluded.

Common claim problems and how to reduce them

• Delayed claims: report promptly, send everything requested in one go, and keep copies with dates.
• Partial payouts: settlement amounts can depend on depreciation or policy limits. Ask how the figure was calculated.
• Renewal price jumps: renewals are not always the same price as the first year. Compare quotes before automatic renewal.
• Policies sold by phone after a web form: filling in a quote form can lead to many sales calls. Read the privacy notice to see who receives your details.

When reading reviews, give more weight to those describing a claim from start to finish than to those about the buying process alone. You can filter insurers by country or city to see providers licensed where you live.

Frequently asked questions

Why was my claim denied?

Common reasons include an exclusion in the policy, an undisclosed fact at sign-up, or missing evidence. Ask the insurer for the reason in writing and for their complaint process if you disagree.

Is a broker different from an insurer?

Yes. A broker arranges cover and may help with claims, but the insurer named in your documents decides and pays them.

Can I cancel a policy partway through?

Usually, yes. Many places give a short cooling-off period after purchase. After that, the policy terms decide whether you get a partial refund.