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Car or Home Insurance Renewal Price Went Up
Since 1 January 2022, insurers have been banned from quoting you a higher price to renew home or motor insurance than you would pay as a new customer. You can still shop around and negotiate. If you think your renewal price breaks the rule, complain to the insurer and then the Financial Ombudsman Service.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Renewal Price Rule
No Loyalty Penalty
From 1 January 2022, insurers are banned from quoting customers a higher price for renewing their home or motor insurance than they would pay as a new customer. The rules also give easier ways to cancel automatic renewal. You can still shop around and negotiate, but you should not have to switch just to avoid a loyalty premium. source
Complaining
Complain to the Insurer First
You should first complain formally to the insurer. A business has 8 weeks to consider most complaints. If you have no final response within 8 weeks, or you are unhappy with it, you can refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. source
6 Months to Go to the Ombudsman
You have 6 months from the date on the final response to refer your complaint to the Ombudsman. After that it usually cannot help, unless exceptional circumstances (such as serious ill health or bereavement) stopped you, the insurer did not send a valid final response, or the insurer agrees. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Before renewalCompare your renewal quoteAsk the insurer for its new-customer price
- 8 weeksInsurer answers your complaintThen you can go to the Financial Ombudsman Service
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Get your renewal quote and a new-customer quote from the same insurer, through the same website or phone line.
Step 2 of 5
If the renewal price is higher, ask the insurer to explain and correct it.
Step 3 of 5
Turn off automatic renewal if you want time to compare.
Step 4 of 5
Complain in writing if it will not explain. We do not take insurance or banking complaints as cases, but our free letter templates can help you write to the firm.
Step 5 of 5
If not sorted in 8 weeks, go to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Insurer's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing.
Financial Ombudsman Service
After 8 weeks, or within 6 months of the insurer's final response. It is free.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
The rule covers home and motor insurance. Other kinds of insurance can still be priced differently.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/new-year-delivers-fairer-home-motor-insurance-renewals Checked 13 October 2026
- financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumers/complaints-can-help/expect/time-limits Checked 12 October 2026
- financial-ombudsman.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026