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1st CENTRAL Reviews

3.9 Rating 5,237 Reviews
75 %
of reviewers recommend 1st CENTRAL
3.9
Based on 5,237 reviews
Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods
Own Driver, Postal Service
On-time Delivery
99%
Customer Service
Communication Channels
Telephone, Email, Live Chat
Queries Resolved In
Under An Hour
Customer Service
4.1 out of 5
Read 1st CENTRAL Reviews
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Phone:

0333 043 2066

Email:

marketing@1stcentral.co.uk

Location:

Capital House, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath
RH16 3SY

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1st CENTRAL 1 star review on 8th January 2025
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1st CENTRAL 1 star review on 8th January 2025
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1st CENTRAL 1 star review on 22nd August 2024
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1st CENTRAL 1 star review on 21st August 2024
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1st CENTRAL 1 star review on 9th May 2024
Marcus Wickwar
5
Anonymous
Anonymous  // 01/01/2019
Quick and easy to set up but help pages are misleading. Had to cancel within the 14 days of the policy start due to car being written off in an accident. Was told the arrangement fee was non-refundable whereas the help pages state they have the 'right to retain the fee' (which means they don't have to) was told that non refundable is clear in the 'fee' section. Advisor wasn't interested.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear about your experience of having to cancel your policy. We will use your comments to help improve our service and process. if you would like to look into this further for you, please give us a call on 0333 043 2066 or speak to us on web chat which can be found on our website. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm.
Posted 4 years ago
Absolutely disgusting money thriving company. If you want to pay £100 to. cancel your insurance this is the company for you. Will NEVER be insuring any vehicle with this fraudulent company and will most certainly not be recommending to anyone. Absolutely appalling, misleading service. I am shocked.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Joanna, Thank you for your feedback. We're really sorry to heat about the experience you've had when cancelling your policy with us. We can't see your details but we would really like to look into this further for you. Please send us an e-mail to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. If you could include your policy number and a summary of your experience similar to your review, we will look into this further for you.
Posted 4 years ago
Never going to recommend this company to anyone. Horrible experience i had few years ago. So very big noooooo
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Saima, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear your experience hasn't been as positive as we'd hoped it would be. We would like to look into this further for you, please give us a call on 0333 043 2066 or speak to us on web chat which can be found on our website. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm.
Posted 4 years ago
**AVOID, AVOID,AVOID** Absolutely awful company. The poor reviews are correct & wish I had seen these before taking out Ins. After a month of being Ins with them threatened to cancel the policy even after sending in proof of no claims, them saying they hadn’t received it which surprising they found when we called. They are now wanting to charge £357 + £50 admin fee to change job on policy. No matter who you try to speak to about the astronomical fee they just fob you off and now wanting to charge £300 to cancel the policy which has only been running a month. My advise do not take out Ins with this company the quote may be cheaper but trust me it will cost you much more in the long run.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Annie, Thank you for your feedback, we're sorry to hear about the experience you've had with your policy and speaking to our team to resolve this. Unfortunately, we can't see your details but we would like to look into this further for you. Please send us an e-mail to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. If you could include your policy number and a summary of your experience similar to your review and we will look into this further for you.
Posted 4 years ago
Over the last few months I've been charged 130£ in two seperate excess charges. So the first charge came as I wanted to change my policy from personal to business use, I checked on a compare website and it said first central would charge near enough the same as my current policy, so I rang up first and asked why it would then be costing me so much more a month for the new one (when going through their change details service). They said if i wanted to i could just cancel and get a new policy. I did this and was told it'd cost me 80£ just to cancel my policy. Oh well this was still cheaper than what they were quoting me to change my details. Despite pleeding that this change was a requirement in order to drive for a charity I was helping, they didn't change their mind. Stupidly I got my new policy (with business) with first again, as they are annoyingly the cheapest provider. So now my car dies with this plicy and I get a new one. I tried changing the details before buying the car a few weeks ago to see how much itd cost and it didnt seem too bad so i went ahead and bought it. Today I tried again and it wouldnt work. I rang up and they said i had to be over 26 to get this policy, and they must have changed the policy in the last few weeks. Still no concession. I assumed, and they agreed, that as it was their fault for not being able to offer me the change i desired they would not charge me the £50 cancellation fee! Result. Combined with the fact the original car had been scrapped, an I had informed them and DVLA, and they then said I absolutely had to cancel the policy within 7 days. But that was only one of the cancellation fees. They then went on to say that ofcourse I had to pay another fee, of £60. I was so shocked. I wanted to stay with these guys but they wouldnt offer me a policy, and i was still being charged? I asked about just cancelling the direct debit but they scared me into saying that wouldnt end well. I wonder how much of that is scaremongering? Maybe That is the best option. Anyway I paid it as im a wimp and rather not take a multinational insurance conglomerate to court over £60. I just feel defeated. The only thing I can do is leave this bitter review and vow never to use them again. I warn anyone the same. Yeah they're cheap but at any possible way they will mercilessly charge you absurd amounts of money. Also the people on the phone were obviously fed up of my pleading and moaning but they were shocking customer service reps with no compassion. The first woman a few months ago was rather compassionate but these two almost seemed to be mocking me in my missery. Sorry but £120 doesnt come too easily for me!
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Theo, Thank you for your feedback. We're extremely sorry to hear about the experience you've had of trying to update your policy and the service you've received when speaking to our team about this. We want to look into this further for you, please send us an e-mail to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. If you could include your policy number and a summary of your experience similar to your review, we will look into this further for you.
Posted 4 years ago
Absolute load of rubbish. After 4 months of car insurance they increase the monthly amount by £15 with no changes to the policy. Then when questioned on it they say we haven’t owned the car for as long as we said. Which is rubbish I know how long I’ve owned the car. Will definitely be going elsewhere
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Thank you for your feedback, we're sorry to hear about the experience you've had with your policy. We would like to look into this further for you, please give us a call on 0333 043 2066 or speak to us on web chat which can be found on our website. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm
Posted 4 years ago
Currently compiling information to take to ombudsman. First year new driver paid just over £600. Sent autorenewal for second year at £268 which I paid in full. 6 weeks later they ask for photos of licence now saying that they had information that i had been driving since 1999 which they admitted was there error as didnt ask for licence last year and basically made dates up and to pay £350 extra within 7 days or cancel and receive £25 bk. AVOID AT ALL COSTS ITS PRACTICALLY BLACKMAIL!
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Kim, Thank you for your feedback. We're extremely sorry to hear about the experience you've had with your policy and trying to speak to our Customer Services team to resolve this. We would like to look into this further for you, please send an email to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. Please include your policy number and a summary similar to your review of what's happened and we will look into this for you.
Posted 4 years ago
Avoid this company at all costs!!! After I disputed the £50 admin fee for changing my address they decided yesterday to take £305.06 from my debit card. 2 hours on the phone and they can't even tell me why they took it but they will let me know in 8 weeks when they have finished their investigation into it. I am now reporting the transaction as fraud with my bank and will be reporting them to the ombudsman.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Martin, Thank you for your feedback. We're so sorry to hear about the experience you've had of trying to change your address. We can see you've already raised a complaint, but if there is anything else you would like us to look into please send an email to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. Please include your policy number and any further information you may want us to explore.
Posted 4 years ago
Cheap and nasty for good reason. Firstly expect to be hounded by 'Policy Validation' threatening to cancel your policy. God help you if you need to make a claim! After a year renewing I was mis sold the policy and extorted for more money. After cancelling they will rip you off further with ficticious charges. Avoid at all costs- will be taking them to the FCA. All emails will be ignored incidentally if you have a grievance. Customer service is simply shocking.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Mike, Thank you for your feedback. We're extremely sorry to hear about the experience you've had with your policy and having to cancel your policy. We would like to look into this further for you but unfortunately can't see your details. Please send an email to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. Please include your policy number and a summary similar to your review of what's happened and we will look into this for you.
Posted 4 years ago
You have sent me an inexplicable bill for an extra £100 just after joining you with car insurance. You don’t answer your 0333 phones and I cannot cancel without a £100 fee for cancellation.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Sarah, Thanks for your feedback. We're really sorry to hear about the experience you've had of trying to contact our team about your cancellation. Please speak to us on web chat which can be found here: https://help.1stcentralinsurance.com/contact/do-you-offer-live-chat. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm.
Posted 4 years ago
Worst car insurance company ever!!! Keep away from them.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Lorna, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear your experience hasn't been as positive as we'd hoped it would be. If you would be happy to explain your experience in more detail for us to look into this, please give us a call on 0333 043 2066 or speak to us on web chat which can be found on our website. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm.
Posted 4 years ago
absolutely awful. after 30minutes of wasting my time and them giving me a quote they only told me oh our system wont give you insurance haha! i havea excellent credit rating and excellent 13+ years of clean driving. you guys are disgusting
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Azim, Thank you for your feedback, we're really sorry to hear about your experience of trying to take out a policy with us. We will use your feedback to help improve our service and processes.
Posted 4 years ago
I found the lady on not helpful said if u want to cancel ok they charged me £40pluse for change of address thing my parking on last address was on road new address I had private parking under cover I think they after every penny they can get not recommended
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi L Morley, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear your experience of cancelling your policy. If you would be happy for us to look into this, please give us a call on 0333 043 2066 or speak to us on web chat which can be found on our website. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm.
Posted 4 years ago
I provided proof of my no claims bonus and proof of address. After a month they said I had not provided this information. I again sent the documents. Today I have received an email to say my insurance policy is cancelled! And that they are taking a fee of £75. I have already paid £100 to this company! I was at work when I received this email and was told I am no longer insured. The service is deplorable! I cannot believe the incompetence of this company. If it was possible to give no stars, that is what I would have done.
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Clare, Thank you for your feedback, we're sorry to hear about the experience you've had with your policy and trying to contact our team to resolve this. We would like to look into this further for you, please send us an email to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. Please include your policy number and a summary similar to your review of what's happened and we will look into this for you.
Posted 4 years ago
1st central are the worst it took them over 2 months to fix my fender bender and then another 3 months to try after claim back my excess protect which im still trying to fight about! I have contacted the financial ombudsman as they have not dealt with my complaint and are also not helping with my excess protect claim - Avoid this company by all means as they charges me £85 to change my address and wanted another £85 to change my occupation - Rip off central!!!!! - FC/9568066
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Derek, Thank you for your feedback, we're sorry to hear about your claims experience and trying to use your excess protect to claim back your excess. We would like to look into this further for you, please send an email to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. Please include the policy number and a summary similar to your review of what's happened and we will look into this.
Posted 4 years ago
Shocking!!! Error on details in policy would not change then charge me £50 for pleasure of cancelling. Contacted within 12 hours of applying online. Then they slammed the phone down on me! STAY AWAY DO N0T USE
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Debbie, Thank you for your feedback, we're so sorry to hear about the experience you've had with trying to cancel your policy. We would like to look into this further for you, please send an email to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. Please include the policy number and a summary similar to your review of what's happened and we will look into this.
Posted 4 years ago
Worst company ever! They took £50 for nothing. I made a policy insurance car beacuse the previous was due to expiry on 14th December and even if the policy wasn’t activated they didn’t refund me all £80 but they kept £50 and this even if I cancelled the policy the right next day. I wouldn’t recommended at anyone. Very disappointed
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Roxana, Thank you for your feedback. We're very sorry to hear about your experience of trying to cancel your policy. We would like to look into this further for you, please give us a call on 0333 043 2066 or speak to us on web chat which can be found on our website. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm.
Posted 4 years ago
AVOID I HAVE INSURANCE FROM THEM CALL THEM TO ASK TO ADD A PRIVATE PLATE TO THE SAME CAR QUOTED £318.00 BUYING A PRIVATE PLATE FROM DVLA AND PUT IT ON THE SAME CAR? HAD IT DONE FROM DIRECT LINE ON MY OLD CAR THEY CHARGED £25 ONLY ADMIN FEE
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Shah, Thank you for your feedback, we're really sorry to hear about the experience you've had of trying to change your car registration plate. We would like to look into this further for you, please give us a call on 0333 043 2066 or speak to us on web chat which can be found on our website. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm.
Posted 4 years ago
ABYSMAL BUSINESS PRACTICES. Applied for insurance, realised I could get it cheaper, called 10 minutes after applying, a full 8 minutes before first contact by email to be told the price for cancelling would be £29.96. They had done nothing to earn this, hadn't even sent me a mail, I wanted to stay, just getting some cashback in the process, but £29.96 for cancellation before I was even a customer? forget it, if they act like this now, what happens when it comes to claim time?
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Hi Myles, Thank you for your feedback. We're very sorry to hear about your experience of trying to cancel your policy. We would like to look into this further for you, please give us a call on 0333 043 2066 or speak to us on web chat which can be found on our website. We’re here to help from Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 5pm, Sun: 10am to 2pm.
Posted 4 years ago
Avoid at all costs.. 1st central took money out of my account that shouldn’t have been taken from my account. I have been told 2 separate dates on which the refund will be in my account, both dates have been and gone. 2 weeks ago a manager told me they would call me back later that day to deal with the issue, still to this day Ive received no call or refund.. in short they stole money from my account, refuse to return the money and STILL expect full payment of my next instalment. I’m just thankful my policy is almost finished so I can change companies, I certainly won’t be taking a renewal with 1st central no matter how cheap the quote is!
Helpful Report
Posted 4 years ago
Thank you for your feedback. We're extremely sorry to hear about your experience with your refund and not receiving this or your call back as promised. We would like to look into this further for you but unfortunately can't see your details, please send an email to customer.relations@1stcentral.co.uk. Please include the policy number and a summary similar to your review of what's happened and we will look into this for you.
Posted 4 years ago
1st CENTRAL is rated 3.9 based on 5,237 reviews