Skip to main content

Direct Line vs Hastings Direct

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

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

VS
Lower Avg Rate

Hastings Direct

4

Avg Monthly

£71/mo

Best Rate

£55/mo

Best For

Budget cover

Top Discount

Telematics 20%

Founded

1997 · Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex

Available In

11 locations

Rate Comparison by Region

Direct Line cheaper: 0Hastings Direct cheaper: 10
London£124/mo£112/moHastings Direct saves £12/mo
South West£72/mo£60/moHastings Direct saves £12/mo
Wales£70/mo£57/moHastings Direct saves £13/mo
Scotland£68/mo£55/moHastings Direct saves £13/mo
East of England£92/mo£76/moHastings Direct saves £16/mo
South East£94/mo£78/moHastings Direct saves £16/mo
West Midlands£90/mo£74/moHastings Direct saves £16/mo
East Midlands£84/mo£68/moHastings Direct saves £16/mo
Yorkshire & Humber£82/mo£66/moHastings Direct saves £16/mo
North East£78/mo£62/moHastings Direct saves £16/mo

Pros & Cons

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

Hastings Direct

Pros

  • YouDrive telematics can save young drivers up to 20%
  • Competitive pricing for budget-conscious drivers
  • Easy online quote and management
  • Flexible excess options

Cons

  • Claims satisfaction scores are below the market leaders
  • Add-ons (breakdown, legal, key cover) can add up

Which Should You Choose?

Hastings Direct is the cheaper option in 10 of 10 regions where both insurers operate, saving an average of £15/month. Direct Line is cheaper in 0 regions.

Direct Line has a higher average customer rating (4.4/5) compared to Hastings Direct (4/5). However, ratings can vary by region and coverage type.

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

Direct Line vs Hastings Direct — FAQs

Is Direct Line cheaper than Hastings Direct?
Hastings Direct is cheaper in 10 of 10 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 — Direct Line or Hastings Direct?
Direct Line has an average rating of 4.4/5, while Hastings Direct averages 4/5 across all regions. Both are well-established insurers with strong financial stability.
What discounts does Direct Line offer vs Hastings Direct?
Direct Line's top discount is "Online 10%", while Hastings Direct offers "Telematics 20%". Both insurers offer multi-policy, good driver, and other standard discounts — check each insurer's site for the full list.
Can I switch from Direct Line to Hastings Direct?
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 Direct Line and Hastings Direct 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.

Related Comparisons

Share this guide