First Central Insurance UK: Who They Are, What They Cover and Customer Service Contacts

Who Is First Central Insurance

First Central is a UK motor insurance provider that offers car insurance, van insurance and multi-car policies. The company trades as First Central Car Insurance and its policies are underwritten by First Central Insurance Management Ltd, a Gibraltar-based entity authorised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and passporting regulatory permissions into the UK. The company operates from offices in Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

First Central operates primarily through price comparison websites and direct channels. It positions itself in the market as a competitive option for a range of driver profiles, including younger drivers and those with penalty points or previous claims. The company is part of the First Central Group.

What Does First Central Insurance Cover

First Central offers the standard levels of UK motor insurance: third-party only (the legal minimum), third-party fire and theft, and comprehensive cover. Comprehensive policies include accidental damage to the insured vehicle, third-party liability, fire and theft, windscreen cover and personal accident benefit as standard. Optional add-ons typically available include breakdown cover, legal expenses insurance, key cover, enhanced courtesy car provisions and no-claims discount protection.

Van insurance from First Central follows a similar structure, covering commercial and personal use categories. Multi-car policies allow two or more vehicles registered at the same address to be insured on a single policy with a shared renewal date.

First Central Insurance Customer Service

First Central customer services are accessed primarily through the online self-service portal on firstcentral.com, where policyholders can view and amend policies, request documents, add drivers and report changes. Phone contact is available for policy enquiries and changes. The claims line is a separate number from the general customer service line and is available 24 hours a day for new claims reporting.

Contact numbers and hours are published on the First Central website. As these may change, always verify current contact details at firstcentral.com rather than relying on third-party sources. Policyholders should have their policy number to hand when contacting customer services.

Making a Claim With First Central

New claims should be reported as soon as possible after an incident. First Central operates a 24-hour claims reporting line. When reporting a claim, policyholders typically need to provide the policy number, details of the incident including date, time and location, details of any third parties or witnesses involved, and a description of the damage or loss. For accidents involving third parties, the third party's name, address, registration number and insurer details should be collected at the scene if possible.

First Central manages claims through its own claims handling team and approved repair network. Policyholders on comprehensive policies are typically offered a courtesy car during repairs if this add-on is included in their policy. The claims process and timescales are governed by FCA regulations requiring fair and prompt claims handling.

How to Complain About First Central Insurance

If a complaint about a First Central policy or claim is not resolved satisfactorily, the formal complaints process should be followed. First, contact First Central's complaints team in writing or by phone, clearly setting out the issue and the outcome sought. First Central is required by FCA rules to acknowledge the complaint within five business days and provide a final response within eight weeks.

If the complaint is not resolved within eight weeks, or if a deadlock letter is issued, the policyholder can refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) free of charge. The FOS is an independent dispute resolution service for financial services complaints in the UK. The FOS can require insurers to pay compensation, reverse decisions or take other remedial action if it finds in the complainant's favour. The FOS can be contacted at financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by calling 0800 023 4567.

Verifying First Central's FCA Authorisation

Before purchasing any insurance product, it is good practice to verify the insurer's FCA authorisation on the FCA Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk. Searching for First Central Insurance Management Ltd will confirm the firm's authorisation status, the products it is authorised to provide, and any restrictions or requirements on its permission. Only deal with FCA-authorised firms for insurance purchased in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who underwrites First Central Insurance?

First Central policies are underwritten by First Central Insurance Management Ltd, which is authorised by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission. The firm has passporting permissions to operate in the UK and is listed on the FCA Financial Services Register. Verify current authorisation at register.fca.org.uk.

Is First Central Insurance FCA regulated?

First Central Insurance Management Ltd is listed on the FCA Financial Services Register as a regulated firm. As with all authorised insurers operating in the UK, policyholders have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for unresolved complaints and FSCS protection in the event of the insurer failing, subject to eligibility criteria.

How do you contact First Central Insurance?

The primary contact channel for First Central is the online portal at firstcentral.com, where policyholders can manage their policies. Phone numbers for policy enquiries and claims are published on the website. Always check the current contact details on the First Central website as these may change.

What can you do if First Central rejects your claim?

If First Central rejects a claim and the internal complaints process does not resolve the dispute within eight weeks, the matter can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) free of charge. The FOS can overturn insurer decisions and award compensation. Contact the FOS at financial-ombudsman.org.uk or 0800 023 4567.