RIAS Car Insurance Reviews: Expert Verdict and Ratings
Thinking of switching your car insurance? You might be wondering what others think of Rias. Many reviews mention poor service, high prices and claims being declined. Before you decide, weigh up the pros and cons from current and past policyholders.
On the other hand Rias offers full cover with optional extras for over 50s drivers. If you’re in that age group this can be a big plus as there are benefits tailored to your needs that may be better than a general policy.
To make an informed decision you should read real customer reviews on Trustpilot. By doing so you can see if Rias is right for your car insurance needs.
Rias Car Insurance Review
Rias Car Insurance is an insurer known for its service and price. Established over 25 years ago it offers reliable cover and options to suit different needs.
History of Rias
Rias was founded over 20 years ago initially for older drivers. Over time it has expanded to include home and car insurance. Rias home insurance is part of the Ageas group which insures millions of customers across the UK. This long history has given Rias a reputation for stability and trust in the insurance industry. Using UK call centres, Rias claims service makes customer interactions simple and quick.
Policy Options
Rias offers a range of car insurance policies to suit different needs. These include comprehensive, third party, fire and theft, and third party only. Comprehensive cover includes a courtesy car, motor legal protection and 24/7 UK based claims service. The third party, fire and theft policy covers damage to other people’s vehicles and property and fire and theft. The third party only policy is the minimum legal requirement and covers damage to third parties. So you can choose the policy that’s right for you.
Cover
Rias car insurance offers different levels of cover to suit different needs. Understanding these options will help you choose the right policy for your vehicle.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive is the highest level of cover available from Rias. It covers your car against accidental damage, theft and fire.
You’re also covered for damage to other people’s property and injuries to others. A big plus is the courtesy car while storm damage to your car is being repaired. This cover also includes windscreen repairs, travel insurance, personal belongings cover and up to £1,500 for lost keys.
Having a comprehensive policy means you’re also covered for third-party liabilities so it’s a good option for peace of mind.
Third-Party, Fire and Theft
The Third-Party, Fire and Theft is a mid-range option if you want more than basic cover.
It covers damage to other people and their property. It is buildings insurance and also covers your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
This doesn’t cover accidental damage to your own car which is a limitation compared to comprehensive cover. A big plus is it’s cheaper while still offering safety nets for theft and fire.
Third-Party Only
Third-Party Only is the minimum level of insurance required by law.
It covers damages and injuries you cause to other people and their property. But it doesn’t cover damage to the contents insurance your own car. This type of policy is often chosen for older cars that are not worth much.
It’s the cheapest to buy without insurance but remember if your car is damaged or stolen you’ll have to pay for it yourself.
This is for those who just want to meet the minimum legal requirements at the lowest cost.
Claims
Claiming can be scary but understanding each step makes it easier. This section explains how to make a claim and what to expect re the claim timeline.
How to Make a Claim
Making a claim with RIAS is designed to be quick and easy. First get all the information together, policy number, details of the incident and any supporting documents or evidence, photos or witness statements.
Call the claims team on 0345 125 6850. They’re available 24/7. You can also make a claim online through their website where you’ll find a simple form to fill in. Make sure you provide all the details accurately to avoid delays.
Once you’ve submitted your claim a representative will guide you through the next steps including any further documentation required. Keep all communications for reference and follow up if you need more info or help.
Claim Settlement Timeline
RIAS will settle claims as soon as possible but the timeline will vary depending on your case. Simple claims where all the information is available can be processed quickly.
You can expect an initial response within a few days of making a claim. More complex claims may take longer especially if further investigation or documentation is required. You’ll get regular updates and can track the progress of whole process online or through customer service.
In emergency situations where you need repairs or temporary transport immediately RIAS can offer a quicker resolution so you’re not left without essential services. Always report your claim as soon as possible to help speed up the process.
Customer Service
Rias Insurance has several ways for you to get in touch and is known for its quick phone service. Your experience may vary depending on how you get in touch and what you need.
Contact Options
Rias Insurance has multiple ways to contact their customer service team. You can call their UK based call centres for more personal service. They also have online support on their website. Some contact rias. customers prefer the ease of email for non urgent queries.
Rias Insurance has a detailed FAQ section on their website which can answer many of your questions. This will save you from waiting on the phone. Also they have social media channels where you can get in touch with them.
Customer Service Rating
Many customers rate Rias for their quick response and helpful staff. According to feedback the team is knowledgeable and can handle multiple issues. They’re available 24/7 for claims so you get help when you need it most.
There have been some complaints about price increases but overall customers mention good problem resolution. Feedback on Trustpilot shows both positive and negative experiences with some customers liking the ease of contact and staff helpfulness.
Price and Value
When looking at RIAS Car Insurance you need to consider price and value. How does RIAS compare to others and what discounts or offers are available.
Compare with others
RIAS Car Insurance can be competitive especially for customers over 50. According to Trustpilot reviews customers have found discounts on their premiums. Compared to other insurance companies RIAS also offers car and a good balance of affordability and cover.
A RIAS policy includes extras like a courtesy car and an uninsured driver promise which may not be available with other insurers. These added benefits can make RIAS a good value if you consider the overall package.
Discounts
RIAS often has multiple discounts that can reduce your premiums. As mentioned on Over50choices there are specific discounts for older drivers. These can be substantial so coverage is more affordable.
Also RIAS has multi-policy purchase discounts if you have home and car insurance. This can add value. Seasonal promotions and offers may also be available to reduce the cost even further. Check the RIAS website or customer service for the latest deals.
Customer Reviews
When looking at RIAS Car Insurance customer reviews are key to your decision.
Many customers like the 24/7 claims service and 5 star Defaqto rated cover.
Some like the ease of contacting UK based call centres which they find helpful and quick.
RIAS has a rating of 3.98 out of 5 on one review site with 1,462 reviews. 1,107 of those customers rated their experience as good.
A Trustpilot review says they have been around for over 25 years and claim number have over 3 million customers in the UK.
A recent review mentions good coverage.
But some reviews mention problems with the claims process and delays or communication gaps.
You can read more and leave your own review on Trustpilot or Reviews.io.
It’s good to read multiple reviews and testimonials before you decide.
Financial Strength
Rias is part of the i Ageas insurance group, a global insurance company. This means stability and customer confidence.
Regulation
Rias follows all FCA regulations. This means the company is transparent and fair. The FCA protects your interests as a policyholder.
Rias also complies with the PRA. This body checks the company’s financial health to make sure it has enough capital and risk management processes. Being PRA compliant is key to being trusted and reliable.
The regulatory bodies carry out regular checks and audits. These checks confirm Rias has robust financial processes so you and other providers can have confidence in their services.
Extras and Features
When you get RIAS car and home insurance policies you’ll find several added benefits. Two of them are comprehensive breakdown cover options and a courtesy car during repairs.
Breakdown Cover Options
RIAS car insurance has multiple breakdown cover options to choose from. You can add local, UK or European cover to your policy. So you’re covered whether you’re driving down the road, across the country or on a European road trip.
Local cover is for when your car breaks down near home. UK cover gives you peace of mind on longer journeys knowing help is available anywhere in the UK. European cover extends this to many European countries for holidays or business trips.
Each option includes roadside assistance, recovery to a chosen location and help to get you back on the road as soon as possible. These options give you flexibility so you can choose the level of cover that suits your driving style.
Courtesy Car
RIAS car insurance also provides a courtesy car during repairs which can be a big bonus if your car needs extensive work. This is included in many of their policies so minimal disruption to your daily life.
A courtesy car is available while your car is being repaired in an approved garage. This covers you for the entire duration of the repairs so you can commute, run errands or enjoy leisure activities without interruption.
This shows RIAS’s commitment to customer convenience. Having a courtesy car can make a big difference if you rely on your car for work or family commitments. Not having to arrange alternative transport yourself is a big plus.
Policy and Online Services
Managing your RIAS car insurance policy is easy with their online services. You can access and update your policy online.
Features:
24/7 Portal: View your policy, renew or make changes.
Document Management: View, download and print your documents.
Payments: Pay online.
You can update your personal and account details such as address or vehicle details. This keeps your policy up to date.
Claims:
24/7 claims service: Get help when you need it most.
Online Claims Tracking: Track your claims online.
If you need to cancel your auto renewal policy the RIAS car insurance online platform has a simple cancellation process.
Customer Support:
UK Call Centres: Speak to experts.
Live Chat: Get answers on the website.
Benefits:
Access to all policy information.
Quick claims handling.
Flexible payments.
These make policy management easy and hassle free so you can focus on what matters most – peace of mind on the road.