Tesco Insurance Services

Although they started out in food and drink, Tescos has branched out into clothing, financial services, electronics, the Internet, software, telecommunications, CD’s, DVD’s – and now insurance. In 1999 Tescos began offering car insurance underwritten by Privilege and customers were able to pick up leaflets from Tesco petrol stations and stores. They were the first insurer to introduce instant breakdown and you can now buy this and motor insurance direct from their website which has several unique promotional features such as earning club card points on your premiums, as well as various discounts for completing a Pass Plus course. Discounts are also available for insuring more than one car and for a named driver.

Tesco’s insurance policies can cover your home, car, travel, pet, health, dental, life as well as car breakdown. Most policies are flexible and can be tailored to your needs, and they can all be purchased through the Tesco finance website at www.tescofinance.com (www.tescofinance.co.uk doesn’t work so make sure and type carefully!).

For the over 25′s only, Tesco insurance considers any proven no claims discount that you may have earned whilst driving a motor bike or company car. If you want to keep the costs down further, then you may be interested in value car insurance – this is cheaper because it does not include ‘frills’ like windscreen or stereo cover. However it does bridge the gap between comprehensive and third party insurance for those who own a second car, one with a low value, or for individuals who do minimal mileage.

They appear to understand that not everyone who drives a van runs a business and so offer a variety of cover, although none is available for single cab pickups or drivers under 21.

They usually offer an incentive to encourage you to for buy home insurance as well as their motor insurance. Tesco home insurance gives you three choices: the 5 star policy known as Tesco Finest, Tesco Standard and Tesco Value, which covers the basics like flood damage, storm, fire and theft.

At the beginning of 2007 the tabloids reported that Tescos had launched into health insurance because they believed consumers were being put off by difficult medical questionnaires, high prices, complicated products and that the market was subject mainly to workplace schemes. The insurance is provided by AXA PPP health care limited and they offer three types of cover, Core, Premium and Finest, which cover curable complaints, but not chronic conditions or emergency treatment. If you are under 75 when you take out a policy, you do not have to provide your medical history or undergo an examination and you will receive an immediate no claims discount. With continuous cover and no claims, you can apparently increase to a maximum discount of 55%.

Tesco branched into pet insurance after conducting a survey and discovering that only 12% of pet owners have pet insurance and that many people were often left facing a hefty bill when there pet is ill. Like all Tesco insurance you can pick up a leaflet in store and apply by mail or online.

Another first for Tesco was the launch of Tesco Compare, which is a comparison site for new car insurance.