Comparison sites vs a producer

The three models

• An insurer's own site — you're quoting and buying directly from one company
• A licensed producer or agency operating online — they quote across the carriers they're appointed with and place the policy
• A lead generator — the primary business is collecting your details and selling them to insurers or producers, sometimes several at once

How to tell which you're on

• Look for a licence number and the entity's legal name, usually in the footer
• See whether named insurers are shown, or only a promise of quotes
• Read the consent language above the submit button — it often states how many parties may contact you
• Check whether the site can actually issue a policy or only pass you on
• Look for a physical address and a phone number that reaches a person

Where online quoting works well

Straightforward risks. Good health, clean driving record, standard property, a common coverage amount — these are priced competitively by many insurers and an instant quote is often accurate.

It's also a good way to establish a baseline before speaking to anyone, so you know whether what you're later offered is reasonable.

Where a person earns their place

• A health condition, where carrier appetite varies enormously
• A hazardous occupation, aviation, or an unusual hobby
• A previous decline, where approaching the wrong carrier next puts another one on record
• Larger amounts, or coverage that must be split across insurers
• Business, trust or estate structures, where ownership and beneficiary setup matter
• Any situation where the right answer is a product you didn't know to ask for

Before you submit any form

Read the consent text. Submitting a quote form is often consent to be contacted, sometimes by multiple parties and sometimes by automated means, and that consent is what produces the volume of calls people complain about.

If you don't want that, look for who specifically will receive your details before you press the button.