Flow Insurance offers car insurance as a relatively new option in the car insurance market. It was launched by LV in 2020 in response to the “new normal” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What car insurance coverage does Flow offer?
Instead of policies based on coverage level, Flow offers car insurance based on the time you pay the monthly premium. Flow’s monthly car insurance provides comprehensive coverage that you pay for on a monthly basis. This means you can cancel the coverage at any time without administrative fees. Every three months, a guaranteed price will be set for that period based on your circumstances. This means that the amount you pay monthly may increase or decrease every three months. For example, if you make a claim during one three-month period, your premium is likely to increase in the next three-month period. However, it has rules regarding the maximum increase in the monthly premium that can occur, but there is no cap on the decrease.
Flow’s Monthly Car Insurance
With Flow’s monthly car insurance, you will receive comprehensive coverage that you pay for on a monthly basis. This means you can cancel the coverage at any time without administrative fees. Every three months, a guaranteed price will be set for that period based on your circumstances. This means that the amount you pay monthly may increase or decrease every three months. For example, if you make a claim during one three-month period, your premium is likely to increase in the next three-month period. However, it has rules regarding the maximum increase in the monthly premium that can occur, but there is no cap on the decrease.
Flow’s Annual Car Insurance
Flow’s annual car insurance is the most popular product for most drivers. It is a comprehensive policy paid annually. Unlike the monthly subscription, any no-claims discount you have built up during your driving history will apply to your premium. Similarly, you will be able to obtain proof of your no-claims history with Flow at the end of your policy.
Optional Car Insurance from Flow
In addition to basic coverage, you can also choose the following optional extras with Flow’s car insurance:
- Family Package: You can add the family package to the annual policy for an additional £6 per year. This package includes a child car seat, in-car equipment, and the travel expenses covered in the monthly policy.
- Breakdown Cover: If you have an annual policy, you can add breakdown cover starting from £32 per year. You can choose local, national, or European coverage.
- No Claims Discount Protection: If you have an annual policy, you can choose to protect your no-claims discount. This means that regardless of how many claims you make, your discount will not be affected. You must have built up four years or more of discount to be eligible.
- Guaranteed Hire Car: With an annual policy, you will receive a guaranteed hire car as part of the policy. This means you can get a temporary replacement vehicle when your car is being repaired at an approved repair shop.
- Legal Costs Coverage: The annual policy includes coverage for legal costs up to £100,000 if you need to sue an uninsured driver for losses incurred in an accident not caused by you, or in the event of legal action or litigation following an incident.
How to Make a Claim with Flow Car Insurance
If you need to file a car insurance claim with Flow, whether you have a monthly subscription or an annual policy, you must:
- Check
- Ensure everyone’s safety: This includes yourself, your passengers, and any third parties involved in the accident.
- Exchange details with other drivers and make notes: You will need to exchange details with those involved and jot down any relevant information such as the location, time of day, and weather conditions.
- Contact Flow as soon as possible: You should contact your service provider as soon as possible, even if you do not intend to make a claim. The Flow helpline is open 24/7. Call 0330 678 5557 if you are in the UK, or (+44) 1202 848509 if you are calling from abroad. You can find these numbers through the “Make a Claim” button in your online account on Flow.
- Inform Flow of the type of claim you are making: You will need to inform Flow of the type of claim you need to file.
- Flow will arrange what happens next: The service provider will recommend the best course of action, for example, driving to an approved repair shop or waiting for someone to assist you.
How to cancel car insurance with Flow
To cancel your car insurance policy with Flow, you will need to log in to your account and select “Cancel Policy.”
If you wish to cancel your monthly car insurance with Flow, you can do so at any time without incurring a fee. However, if you cancel the annual policy, it will cost you as follows:
| Cancellation Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| Within 14 days of the policy start date | £0 |
| After 14 days, or if Flow has to cancel the policy | £40 |
How to contact Flow car insurance
Aside from making claims, you can manage most aspects of your Flow car insurance policy through your online self-service account.
If you need assistance, you can email Flow at [email protected]. You will need to provide your full name, postcode, and your vehicle registration number. Flow states that they will respond within 24 hours, but they acknowledge that in most cases, they will direct you to one of their help pages.
If you wish to file a complaint, you can also write a letter to:
Customer Relations Manager
LV=
County Gates
Bournemouth
BH1 2AT
If your complaint relates to a new or ongoing claim, you can also email [email protected].
Customer reviews of Flow car insurance
Flow Insurance has an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot with a score of 4.6 out of 5, based on over 15,300 reviews.
It is important to note, however, that these ratings pertain to Flow Insurance generally, not just its car insurance products specifically. This is because Flow also offers monthly renters’ insurance for homes alongside its car policies.
Among the five-star reviews – which make up 81 percent of total reviews – customers praised Flow for the simplicity and ease of obtaining a quote and purchasing a policy. Flow’s services were also commended when handling claims.
However, the few negative reviews frequently mentioned frustration with Flow’s online-only customer service, particularly concerning renewals.
Defaqto rating for Flow car insurance
In addition to the “Excellent” Trustpilot rating, Flow receives the following ratings from Defaqto:
- Flow annual car insurance (with and without the family pack): ★★★★★
- Flow monthly car insurance: ★★★
How does Flow compare to its competitors?
| Provider Name | Trustpilot Rating | Defaqto Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Flow | 4.6 stars | 5 stars (3 stars for monthly car insurance) |
| Direct Line | 3.7 stars | 5 stars (3 stars for third party, fire and theft, and essentials) |
| People’s Choice | 1.4 stars | 5 stars (4 stars for third party, fire and theft) |
| Hastings Direct | 4.1 stars | 5 stars (4 stars for third party, fire and theft, 3 stars for comprehensive, 2 stars for essentials) |
| Admiral | 4.4 stars | 5 stars (4 stars for add-ons, 3 stars for essentials) |
| Aviva | 4.0 stars | 5 stars (3 stars for third party, fire and theft) |
| AXA | 4.3 stars | 4 stars (5 stars for add-ons) |
| LV= | 4.5 stars | 5 stars (3 stars for third party, fire and theft) |
| esure | 3.2 stars | 5 stars (4 stars for third party, fire and theft) |
| Ageas | 4.1 stars | 5 stars (3 stars for essentials and add-ons) |
| NFU Mutual | 4.4 stars | 5 stars |
Conclusion
Monthly car insurance from Flow may be the right choice if you need something more permanent than temporary car insurance but do not want to commit to an annual policy.
Their annual coverage includes everything you’d expect from a comprehensive policy, including rental car coverage and legal protection for vehicles as part of the policy.
Both policies also come with relatively comprehensive coverage for personal accidents and medical expenses, including payments if you were injured due to an incident.
On the other hand, the absence of no-claims discounts in the monthly policy may suit experienced drivers. While Flow is very upfront about the self-service nature of their offering, this may be a red flag if you’re someone who prefers speaking to a person over the phone to resolve any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flow Car Insurance
Who owns Flow car insurance?
Flow Insurance is owned and managed by LV. Its premiums are underwritten by Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited.
Can I earn a no-claims discount with Flow?
With the Flow annual policy, you can earn a no-claims discount just like you would with any other car insurance provider.
However, with your monthly subscription, things are a bit different. While you can request written proof of any no-claims period you’ve built up, there’s no guarantee that other providers will accept this evidence.
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Flow Car Insurance
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/advisor/insurance/flow-car-insurance-review
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