Comparison sites 'leaving searchers confused'

Research carried out by a consumer finance magazine has found that price comparison websites could be leaving people more confused or worse off than they would have been without the service.

Which? Money looked at the three biggest price comparison sites in the UK, checking how quotes compared for home contents, car and travel insurance policies.

In most cases, it was discovered that the cheapest quote was different on each site, with prices for one example of home contents cover differing by £20.

The investigation also found that each site asked different questions about what was required in the cover.

In addition, in some cases, it was cheaper to get a quote from the insurer themselves.

Martyn Hocking, editor of Which? Money, said that it can be tempting to simply let comparison sites do the legwork, but consumers should be careful.

"You need to use two or three comparison sites and check directly with providers to get the best quote. Remember that cheapest isn't always best - it's a false economy if you don't get enough cover for your needs or have to pay a huge excess if you claim," he advised.

According to Thisismoney.co.uk, price comparison sites have soared in popularity with the increase in broadband.