A lot of the time the best deals are targeted towards new customers, but MoneySavingExpert has revealed which firms you'll have the best success rate with when it comes to haggling.
0
The consumer website polled nearly 6,000 people who voted on which companies they had tried to haggle with and where they were successful.
Car insurance providers RAC came out top with 90 per cent of people managing to score a better deal, followed by Admiral where customers had a 89 per cent success rate.
Broadband firms, Sky and Virgin Media, were also among the top five with a 85 per cent and 82 per cent respectively.
How to haggle?
- Tell them you want to leave: Firms value customer loyalty so if you're reaching the end of your contract tell them you're planning to move elsewhere. A lot of the companies will have customer retention departments dedicated to keeping you on, so this is your opportunity to negotiate a better deal.
- Mention any problems you've had: If you've come across any issues during your time with the company, bring it up when you're trying to renegotiate. They might offer you a new deal that will make up for these problems.
- Pick the correct time: MoneySavingExpert found that the best time to buy car or home insurance is three weeks before you want it to start. It's also said the end of the month or financial quarter is a good time to try and renegotiate your contract.
- Don't settle: Try not to agree to the first offer they give you, as there's a chance they could give you something a little extra. For example free calls or roadside assitance.
- Try again if it doesn't work: If you haven't managed to strike a good deal, call back the next day and give it a go again.
Virgin Media customers in particular should take note as the firm is planning to hike its prices by 4.5 percent either this month or next.
This is going to affect millions of customers, adding up to £48 a year to bills.
Those customers who will be affected, even if they're in the middle of their contract, should have received a letter saying they'll have 30 days to leave.
So use this as an opportunity to renegotiate your contract in order to get a better deal.
Broadband provider BT announced last month that it would also be putting up prices for the second time this year by up to 40 per cent.
Sky customers were also faced with an extra £30 a year on their bills after the provider increased its prices in February.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the Sun Money's Facebook group for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.
Source: Read Full Article