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Aviva vs Direct Line

Side-by-side car insurance comparison based on rates across all available locations

Lower Avg Rate

Aviva

4.3

Avg Monthly

£81/mo

Best Rate

£61/mo

Best For

Comprehensive

Top Discount

Multi-policy 12%

Founded

1696 · London, England

Available In

12 locations

VS

Direct Line

4.4

Avg Monthly

£84/mo

Best Rate

£67/mo

Best For

Claims service

Top Discount

Online 10%

Founded

1985 · Bromley, London

Available In

11 locations

Rate Comparison by Region

Aviva cheaper: 10Direct Line cheaper: 1
Wales£64/mo£70/moAviva saves £6/mo
Scotland£62/mo£68/moAviva saves £6/mo
Northern Ireland£61/mo£67/moAviva saves £6/mo
East of England£88/mo£92/moAviva saves £4/mo
South East£90/mo£94/moAviva saves £4/mo
West Midlands£86/mo£90/moAviva saves £4/mo
East Midlands£80/mo£84/moAviva saves £4/mo
Yorkshire & Humber£78/mo£82/moAviva saves £4/mo
North East£74/mo£78/moAviva saves £4/mo
South West£69/mo£72/moAviva saves £3/mo
London£132/mo£124/moDirect Line saves £8/mo

Pros & Cons

Aviva

Pros

  • Widest product range of any UK insurer — car, home, life, health in one place
  • 5-Star Defaqto ratings on key products
  • Multi-product discount when bundling two or more policies
  • Strong financial stability — part of the FTSE 100

Cons

  • Premiums for single-product policies are not always the lowest
  • Claims experience can vary by product line

Direct Line

Pros

  • Consistently strong claims service ratings
  • Comprehensive car insurance includes courtesy car as standard
  • Not sold on price comparison sites — direct pricing can be competitive
  • Home emergency cover available as standard on some policies

Cons

  • Not available on price comparison sites — harder to benchmark
  • Premiums can be higher than budget-focused competitors

Which Should You Choose?

Aviva is the cheaper option in 10 of 11 regions where both insurers operate, saving an average of £5/month. Direct Line is cheaper in 1 regions.

Direct Line has a higher average customer rating (4.4/5) compared to Aviva (4.3/5). However, ratings can vary by region and coverage type.

Aviva is generally best for comprehensive, while Direct Line stands out for claims service. The right choice depends on your priorities — lowest price, best service, or specific discounts.

Aviva vs Direct Line — FAQs

Is Aviva cheaper than Direct Line?
Aviva is cheaper in 10 of 11 regions where both operate. However, rates vary by location, so Direct Line may be cheaper in your area. Always compare quotes for your specific region and circumstances.
Which has better ratings — Aviva or Direct Line?
Aviva has an average rating of 4.3/5, while Direct Line averages 4.4/5 across all regions. Both are well-established insurers with strong financial stability.
What discounts does Aviva offer vs Direct Line?
Aviva's top discount is "Multi-policy 12%", while Direct Line offers "Online 10%". Both insurers offer multi-policy, good driver, and other standard discounts — check each insurer's site for the full list.
Can I switch from Aviva to Direct Line?
Yes. You can switch car insurance at any time, though it's usually best to switch at renewal to avoid cancellation fees. Get quotes from both Aviva and Direct Line to compare rates for your specific situation.
Which is better for my region?
It depends on where you live. Use the rate comparison table above to see which insurer is cheaper in your region. Factors like your driving record, age, and vehicle also affect your personal quote.

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