I reckon it is as wise as ever to shop around. Apparently there are some, er, sneaky aspects to how comparison sites function. And location and circumstances might make one person's good provider be another person's second best choice.
There is a thread from about a year ago I remember with some very useful specialist provider links that might help you.
I tried my local branch of a-plan last year. Their 'phone was answered prpmtly by a person, no queing system. I found them to be very diligent brokers. They beat for me the quotes from various providers recommended in the forum, and they beat a comparison site.
http://www.aplan.co.uk/a-plan/branch-search
My car insurance is due for renewal soon, early in Advent. So I'm hoping they are still good for a renewal, not just for new business.
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