Thinking about Sterling for your next car insurance policy? This review covers what Sterling actually offers, what customers say about them (good and bad), how their pricing compares, and who they're best suited for. This review was last updated in March 2026 to reflect current pricing and policy information.
MySupermarketCompare may earn commission if you purchase insurance through our comparison links. This doesn't influence our editorial review. We aim to provide honest, balanced assessments to help you make informed decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Sterling offers comprehensive, third-party fire & theft, and third-party only cover.
- Quotes are available through comparison sites and directly — comparing is recommended.
- Customer reviews are mixed — good on price, some complaints about claims handling.
- Sterling is best suited for drivers looking for straightforward, competitively priced cover.
- Always compare Sterling's quote against at least 3–4 other insurers before committing.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons | |---|---| | Competitive pricing on comparison sites | Limited direct customer service options | | Standard cover options available | Not as well-known as major brands | | Available through major comparison platforms | Mixed reviews on claims process | | Optional add-ons like breakdown and legal cover | May not offer the most comprehensive extras | | Learner driver policies available | Fewer policy management features than larger insurers |
What Is Sterling Car Insurance?
Sterling Insurance is a UK-based car insurance provider offering policies for a range of drivers, from experienced motorists to learners. They're not one of the household-name insurers like Direct Line or Admiral, but they appear regularly on comparison sites and compete on price for standard risk profiles.
Sterling is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — you can verify this on the FCA Register. They distribute policies through both comparison platforms and their own website.
Like all UK insurers, Sterling must provide at least the minimum legal cover required under UK vehicle insurance law. The key question isn't whether they're legitimate (they are) — it's whether they offer the right cover at the right price for your circumstances.
Sterling Car Insurance Coverage Options
Sterling offers the three standard types of UK car insurance:
Comprehensive cover
Sterling's comprehensive policy is their most complete offering. It typically covers:
- Damage to your own vehicle (accidental damage, fire, theft)
- Third-party damage and injury liability
- Windscreen repair and replacement
- Personal belongings in the car
- Courtesy car (depending on policy terms)
Comprehensive cover is what most UK drivers choose, and it's often cheaper than third-party only — because insurers associate third-party-only policies with higher-risk drivers.
Third-party, fire and theft
A mid-range option covering damage to other people's vehicles and property, plus fire and theft protection for your own car. This doesn't cover accidental damage to your vehicle.
Third-party only
The legal minimum in the UK. Covers damage and injury to other people, but nothing for your own car — not even theft or fire.
Optional add-ons
Sterling offers additional cover that can be added to your policy:
- Breakdown cover — roadside assistance if your car breaks down
- Legal expenses insurance — covers legal costs if you need to pursue a claim after an accident
- No-claims discount protection — protects your NCD from being wiped out by a single claim
Always check what's included as standard and what costs extra — the cheapest headline price sometimes means fewer features included by default.
Learner driver insurance
Sterling also offers learner driver insurance, available from short-term policies (a few hours) up to annual cover. This is a useful option for learners practising in a family member's car, as it avoids affecting the car owner's no-claims discount if a claim is made.
How Much Does Sterling Car Insurance Cost?
There's no single answer — Sterling's pricing depends on your individual profile, just like every other insurer. Your age, location, car type, driving history, mileage, and chosen cover level all affect the quote you'll receive.
That said, Sterling tends to be competitive on price, particularly when appearing through comparison sites. They often show up as one of the cheaper options for drivers with:
- A clean driving record
- Reasonable annual mileage
- A car in a mid-to-low insurance group
- No recent claims or convictions
A word of caution on price
The cheapest quote isn't always the best deal. Before choosing Sterling (or any insurer) purely on price, check:
- Excess amounts — a low premium with a £500 excess may cost you more in the long run than a slightly higher premium with a £250 excess
- What's included as standard — does the price include windscreen cover, courtesy car, and breakdown, or are those all extras?
- Policy limits — are there mileage caps or restrictions on who can drive the car?
For context on what UK drivers typically pay, see our average car insurance cost guide.
Sterling Car Insurance Customer Reviews
Being honest: customer reviews for Sterling are mixed. This is actually normal for mid-tier insurers — they don't have the same level of brand investment in customer service that the biggest names do, but they also tend to be more competitive on price.
What customers say is good
- Competitive pricing — many customers mention getting a good deal through comparison sites
- Straightforward quote process — the online application is simple and quick
- Helpful individual staff — when customers do interact with staff, specific team members are often praised for friendliness and efficiency
- Easy renewals — the renewal process is described as quick and hassle-free, with competitive renewal prices
What customers complain about
- Claims handling — some customers report delays or difficulties when making claims, which is the most common complaint
- Communication during claims — a few reviewers mention difficulty reaching the right person or getting updates
- Limited direct contact options — compared to larger insurers with extensive call centres and live chat, Sterling's direct customer service can feel more limited
- Policy changes — some customers find it harder to make mid-policy changes (vehicle swaps, address updates) compared to larger providers
Our assessment
Sterling's customer service is adequate for the price point. If you're unlikely to make a claim and value price over brand experience, Sterling is a reasonable choice. If you want the most responsive customer service and don't mind paying a premium for it, a larger insurer might suit you better.
It's worth checking current review scores on platforms like Trustpilot and Defaqto before making your decision, as customer service can change over time.
How to Get a Sterling Car Insurance Quote
There are two main ways:
1. Through a comparison site (recommended)
Sterling appears on major UK comparison platforms. Using a car insurance comparison tool lets you see Sterling's quote alongside quotes from dozens of other insurers — so you can judge whether their price is genuinely competitive for your profile.
To get an accurate quote, have the following ready:
- Vehicle registration number
- Your driving licence details
- Claims and convictions history (last 5 years)
- Annual mileage estimate
- Where the car is kept overnight
- Your desired cover level and start date
2. Directly through Sterling
You can also get a quote through Sterling's own website. This is useful if you want to explore their policy details in more depth or ask specific questions before committing.
Either way, we'd recommend comparing. Two insurers looking at the same driver can quote prices that differ by hundreds of pounds. Getting a Sterling quote in isolation means you might miss a better deal — or you might not realise that Sterling is actually the best value.
Compare quotes from Sterling and other UK insurers in minutes.
How Does Sterling Compare to Other UK Insurers?
We won't name specific competitors here — the best insurer for you depends entirely on your circumstances, and the most competitive provider for one driver might be the worst value for another.
What we will say is: always compare like for like. When looking at Sterling alongside other insurers, check:
- Cover level — are you comparing comprehensive with comprehensive, or has one quote defaulted to a different level?
- Excess amounts — a cheaper premium with a higher excess may not be better value overall
- What's included as standard — windscreen cover, courtesy car, breakdown, legal expenses
- Customer review scores — price is important, but so is the experience when you actually need to claim
- Optional extras — some insurers bundle in extras that others charge for separately; the headline price doesn't tell the full story
The most reliable way to compare is to use a comparison service that shows you quotes side by side with the same cover level and details.
Who Is Sterling Best Suited For?
Based on our analysis, Sterling is a good fit for:
- Price-conscious drivers who prioritise value over brand recognition
- Standard risk profiles — clean licence, reasonable mileage, no recent claims
- Drivers comfortable managing policies online rather than over the phone
- Learner drivers looking for flexible short-term or annual cover
- Drivers who compare annually — Sterling often appears competitive at first quote but (like all insurers) may not always offer the best renewal price
Sterling may be less ideal for:
- Drivers who want premium customer service with extensive phone support
- Those with complex insurance needs (modifications, high mileage, multiple vehicles)
- Anyone who values a well-known brand name for peace of mind
- Drivers with a history of claims who may need specialist or more flexible cover
Is Sterling Car Insurance Worth It? Our Verdict
Sterling is a competitively priced option that's worth including when you compare quotes. They offer standard UK car insurance cover at prices that are often below average, particularly for drivers with clean records and straightforward needs.
However, like any insurer, the best deal depends on your individual circumstances. Sterling's strengths are in pricing and simplicity; their weaknesses are in the depth of customer service and claims experience compared to the biggest names.
Our recommendation: Get a Sterling quote as part of a wider comparison. If they come out cheapest or close to it, check the cover details carefully — excess, inclusions, and exclusions. If the policy matches what you need, Sterling is a perfectly reasonable choice. If another insurer offers similar cover at a similar price with better reviews, that might be worth the small extra cost.
Want to see how Sterling compares for your specific circumstances? Compare car insurance quotes from a panel of UK providers including Sterling. You might find Sterling is the best deal — or you might find something even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What car insurance options does Sterling offer?
Sterling offers comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only cover. Optional add-ons include breakdown cover, legal protection, and no-claims discount protection. They also offer learner driver insurance.
Is Sterling car insurance cheap?
Sterling is often competitive on price, particularly through comparison sites. However, "cheap" depends on your profile — age, location, car, and driving history all affect the quote. The best way to check is to compare quotes and see how Sterling stacks up against other providers for your specific details.
Is Sterling a legitimate insurance company?
Yes. Sterling is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can verify their status on the FCA Register.
How is Sterling's customer service?
Reviews are mixed. Customers generally praise the friendliness of individual staff and the ease of the quote and renewal process. The most common complaints relate to the claims process — some customers report delays or communication issues. This is fairly typical for mid-tier insurers.
Does Sterling offer learner driver insurance?
Yes. Sterling provides learner driver insurance ranging from short-term (a few hours) to annual policies. This is a useful option for learners practising in a family member's car without affecting the car owner's insurance.
Can I get a Sterling quote through a comparison site?
Yes. Sterling appears on major UK car insurance comparison platforms. Using a comparison site is the easiest way to see whether Sterling is competitive for your profile, as you'll see their price alongside dozens of other insurers.
Should I buy Sterling car insurance?
Sterling is worth considering if they offer a competitive price for your profile. We'd recommend comparing their quote against at least 3–4 other insurers and checking the cover details (excess, inclusions, customer reviews) before committing. The cheapest price isn't always the best value — but if Sterling offers the right cover at the right price, they're a reasonable choice.
Sources & References
- FCA Register — verify that Sterling Insurance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Insurance guidance – MoneyHelper (FCA-backed) — government-backed consumer guidance on choosing car insurance, your rights, and what to look for
- Vehicle insurance – GOV.UK — legal requirements for car insurance in the UK