iSelect

iSelect Insurance Review: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

iSelect, founded in 2003, is an Australian company dedicated to simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing household services, including a wide range of insurance products. Their mission is to save Australians time, effort, and money. With over two decades of experience, iSelect has become a leading player in the Australian comparison industry, assisting millions in finding the best deals on essential services. Their focus remains on providing a user-friendly platform and expert guidance to navigate the often complex world of insurance and financial products.

Regulatory Compliance and Licenses

iSelect operates within the regulatory frameworks established by Australian authorities. While specific license and certification details aren't prominently displayed on their website, it's recommended to verify their credentials with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) or other relevant regulatory bodies for comprehensive information. Ensuring regulatory compliance is paramount for consumer protection and trust.

Insurance Products and Services

Main Insurance Products

iSelect offers a diverse portfolio of insurance products to cater to various needs:

• Health Insurance: Compare policies from leading health funds, accessing options like Hospital Cover and Extras Cover, ensuring you find the right level of protection for your healthcare needs.
• Car Insurance: Compare policies from a variety of providers, enabling you to select the best car insurance policy tailored to your vehicle and driving history.
• Life Insurance: Explore various life insurance options, including income protection, total and permanent disability (TPD) cover, and trauma insurance, to safeguard your financial future and loved ones.
• Travel Insurance: Compare travel insurance policies from different providers to secure the best coverage for your adventures, ensuring peace of mind while traveling.
• Home and Contents Insurance: Protect your home and possessions with comprehensive coverage, comparing policies to find the best value and protection.
• Business Insurance: In partnership with BizCover, iSelect facilitates the comparison of business insurance policies, including options like personal accident insurance and tradies insurance, for various business types and needs.

Coverage Options and Policy Details

The specific coverage options and policy details for each insurance type vary depending on the chosen provider and policy. For instance:

• Health Insurance: Policies often include Hospital Cover, Extras Cover, and sometimes Ambulance Cover. The extent of coverage differs based on the insurer and selected plan.
• Car Insurance: Options range from third-party liability to comprehensive coverage, with add-ons such as roadside assistance available. The level of protection is customized to the individual's requirements and risk profile.
• Life Insurance: Policies encompass life cover, income protection, TPD cover, and trauma insurance. The specific inclusions and exclusions are detailed in the individual policy documents.

Additional Services

Beyond core insurance offerings, iSelect's services indirectly support financial planning:

• Financial Advisory: Although not explicitly advertised as a standalone service, iSelect’s comparison service and consultant support offer a degree of financial advisory guidance.
• Retirement Planning: While not a direct service, the financial advisory support may indirectly assist in retirement planning considerations.
• Claims Assistance: While iSelect focuses on policy comparison, it's advisable to contact their customer service for assistance with claims-related inquiries.

Premiums and Pricing

Pricing Structure

Insurance premiums vary significantly depending on factors specific to each policy and provider. Key determinants include:

• Health Insurance: Premiums are influenced by the policy type (Hospital, Extras), the chosen level of cover, and the provider's pricing structure.
• Car Insurance: Factors influencing premiums include the driver's history, vehicle type, location, and coverage level.
• Life Insurance: Premiums are based on age, medical history, occupation, lifestyle, and the sum insured.

Comparative Analysis with Industry Averages

iSelect doesn't directly compare its pricing to industry averages on its website. However, its core function is to compare offerings from multiple providers, allowing customers to identify potentially competitive premiums within the market.

Discounts and Special Offers

iSelect may offer various discounts and promotions:

• Multi-Policy Discounts: Bundling multiple policies can result in cost savings.
• Safe Driver Discounts: Car insurance premiums may be reduced for drivers with clean driving records.
• Loyalty Rewards: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on finding the best deals may implicitly benefit long-term customers.
• Promotional Deals: Check the iSelect website or contact customer service for current promotions and limited-time offers.

Customer Service and Support

Contact Methods

iSelect primarily provides customer service via phone (13 19 20). Email support is likely available through their website, although not explicitly stated. Live chat support is not currently offered.

Availability of 24/7 Support and Multilingual Assistance

iSelect's customer service is available during standard business hours. 24/7 support and multilingual assistance are not explicitly mentioned on their website.

Pros and Cons of iSelect Insurance

Pros

• Competitive Premiums: iSelect's comparison service helps customers find competitive premiums by presenting options from multiple providers.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The platform offers a wide array of insurance products with comprehensive coverage options.
• Expert Consultants: iSelect's consultants provide guidance in navigating complex insurance choices.

Cons

• Limited Product Range: iSelect may not compare every insurance product available in the market. Availability of specific products may also vary based on location.
• Complexity: The comparison process can be complex, potentially overwhelming for some users without proper guidance.

Conclusion

iSelect is a well-established Australian comparison website offering a valuable service to consumers seeking insurance. Its strengths lie in its broad range of products, competitive price comparisons, and expert assistance. However, users should be aware of the potential complexities involved in comparing policies and the fact that iSelect may not compare every product on the market.

iSelect is best suited for individuals valuing convenience, competitive pricing, and expert guidance in navigating insurance choices. Those comfortable with self-directed research might also find the platform useful for comparing different options.

Frequently Asked Questions about iSelect Insurance

1. How does iSelect compare insurance policies? iSelect uses its platform to compare policies from a wide range of providers, presenting options to customers based on their specified needs and budget.
2. What types of insurance does iSelect offer? iSelect offers a variety of insurance products, including health, car, life, travel, home and contents, and business insurance.
3. How can I contact iSelect’s customer service? Contact iSelect customer service via phone at 13 19 20.
4. Are there any discounts available for purchasing multiple policies? Yes, multi-policy discounts are often available.
5. What happens if I find a cheaper policy within 30 days of purchasing with iSelect? iSelect offers a $500 eGift card under their Price Promise if a cheaper policy is found within 30 days of purchase.

References

1. https://www.iselect.com.au/our-partners/
2. https://www.iselect.com.au/business-insurance/
3. https://www.iselect.com.au/life/
4. https://www.iselect.com.au
5. https://www.iselect.com.au/health-insurance/