Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about comparing plans, getting quotes, switching providers, and using YouCompare. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us.
General Questions
The basics about YouCompare and how our service works.
Is YouCompare free to use?
Yes, 100% free. You can compare insurance, energy, internet, mobile, streaming, and more without any cost or obligation. We never charge you anything — our service is funded by affiliate partnerships with providers (at no extra cost to you).
Do I need to create an account?
No account required. You can compare plans and see results without signing up. We only ask for your email if you want to save quotes for later or receive help from our support team.
Do I need to enter payment information?
Never. YouCompare is a comparison platform, not a seller. We never ask for your credit card or bank details. You only provide payment information directly to the provider when you decide to sign up for a service.
How does YouCompare make money?
We earn affiliate commissions from providers when you switch through our links. This never affects the price you pay — you get the same rates (or better) as going direct. Commissions also don’t influence our rankings; we show the best options for your needs regardless of what we earn.
What products can I compare?
You can compare: Insurance (health, auto, home, life, renters), Energy (electricity, gas, solar), Internet (fiber, cable, DSL, satellite), Mobile (unlimited, family, prepaid), Streaming (video, music, live TV), Telecom (phone, VoIP, bundles), Software (security, productivity), and Legal services.
Is YouCompare available in my area?
YouCompare currently serves the United States. Availability of specific services depends on your location — enter your ZIP code when comparing to see providers available in your area. We’re continuously expanding our coverage.
Comparing Plans
How to get the best results when comparing providers.
How long does it take to get quotes?
Most comparisons are instant — you’ll see personalized results within seconds of entering your information. Some insurance quotes may take a few minutes if they require additional verification.
Are the prices accurate?
Yes. We show real, up-to-date prices including standard fees. We update rates regularly and clearly flag promotional pricing that may increase later. What you see is what you’ll pay.
Why do I need to enter my ZIP code?
Service availability and pricing vary by location. Your ZIP code helps us show you only the providers and plans actually available in your area, with accurate local pricing.
Can I compare plans without providing personal details?
For basic comparisons, you only need your ZIP code. Some categories (like insurance) require additional information to provide accurate quotes, but we only ask for what’s necessary.
How do you rank the results?
By default, we rank results by overall value — a combination of price, features, coverage, and user ratings. You can sort and filter by price, rating, or specific features to find what matters most to you.
Do you show all providers?
We show all major providers plus many regional and specialty options. We include providers even if they don’t pay us commissions — our goal is to show you the best options, not just our partners.
Can I save my comparison results?
Yes. You can save quotes to review later by entering your email. We’ll send you a link to access your saved comparisons anytime. We don’t spam — you control what emails you receive.
How often should I compare?
We recommend comparing annually for insurance, energy, and internet — or whenever your contract is ending. Prices and plans change frequently, and you might find better deals even if you’re happy with your current provider.
Switching Providers
What happens after you decide to switch.
How do I switch to a new provider?
Click on your chosen plan to go to the provider’s website, then complete signup directly with them. Most switches can be done online in minutes. We guide you through the process and your new provider handles the rest.
Will I experience any service interruption?
In most cases, no. For utilities (energy, internet, phone), your new provider coordinates the switch to ensure continuous service. There’s typically no gap in coverage when switching insurance either — your new policy starts when the old one ends.
Can I keep my phone number when switching mobile carriers?
Yes! You can transfer (port) your existing number to any new carrier. Don’t cancel your old plan first — just sign up with the new carrier and provide your account info. The transfer usually completes within hours to 2 days.
Do I need to cancel my old service myself?
It depends on the service. For energy and phone, your new provider usually handles cancellation. For internet and insurance, you may need to cancel yourself. Always confirm with your new provider to avoid overlap charges.
What about early termination fees?
Check your current contract for early termination fees before switching. We clearly show contract terms in our comparisons. Some new providers offer to pay your termination fees (up to a limit) if you switch to them.
How long does switching take?
It varies by service: Energy switches typically take 1-2 billing cycles. Internet installation is usually within a week. Mobile number transfers complete in hours to days. Insurance can start immediately or on a chosen date.
What if I’m not happy with my new provider?
You can switch again! Most services don’t have long-term contracts anymore. Come back to YouCompare to compare options and switch to a better provider. Many services also offer money-back guarantees or free cancellation periods.
Can YouCompare help if I have problems switching?
Yes. While the switch happens directly with the provider, our support team can help troubleshoot issues, answer questions, and point you in the right direction. Contact us if you need help.
Privacy & Security
How we protect your information.
Is my personal data safe?
Yes. We use bank-level encryption (256-bit SSL) to protect all data you share with us. We follow industry best practices for security and regularly audit our systems to keep your information safe.
Do you sell my data?
Never. We don’t sell your personal information to third parties, data brokers, or marketers. Your data is only used to generate quotes and improve your experience on YouCompare.
Who do you share my information with?
We only share your information with providers you choose to get quotes from. We don’t share data with anyone else without your explicit consent. You control which providers receive your information.
Will I get spam calls or emails?
No spam from us. We don’t sell your contact info to lead generators. You may receive follow-up from providers you request quotes from, but we don’t flood your inbox or phone with unsolicited contacts.
How can I delete my data?
You can request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us. We’ll remove your personal information from our systems within 30 days, in compliance with applicable privacy laws.
Do you use cookies?
Yes, for essential site functionality and to improve your experience. You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings. See our Privacy Policy for full details on how we use cookies.
Savings & Pricing
Understanding how much you can save.
How much can I really save?
Savings vary by service and individual circumstances. On average, our users save: $340/year on insurance, $180/year on internet, $600/year on mobile, 22% on energy bills. Your savings depend on your current rates and available options in your area.
Are the savings guaranteed?
We can’t guarantee specific savings because they depend on your current plan and available alternatives. However, comparing is free and takes just minutes — at worst, you’ll confirm you already have a good deal.
Do you show promotional or introductory pricing?
Yes, but we clearly label promotional rates and show what the price will be after the promotional period ends. We want you to understand the true long-term cost, not just the teaser rate.
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
We do our best to show all fees upfront — including setup fees, equipment costs, and regulatory charges. If a service has common hidden fees, we’ll call them out in our comparison details.
Do I pay more if I switch through YouCompare?
No! You pay the same price (often less with exclusive deals) as going directly to the provider. Our commission comes from the provider’s marketing budget, not from your pocket.
Do you have exclusive deals?
Sometimes. We negotiate exclusive discounts with some providers that aren’t available elsewhere. We clearly mark these deals so you know when you’re getting a special offer through YouCompare.
Contact & Support
Need more help? We’re here for you.
Can I speak with someone directly?
Absolutely. Our support team is available to help with questions, guide you through comparisons, or troubleshoot issues. Contact us via email or chat and we’ll get back to you quickly.
What are your support hours?
Our online resources are available 24/7. Our support team responds to inquiries Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm ET. We aim to respond to all emails within one business day.
How do I report an issue with the site?
If you encounter a bug, error, or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know. We appreciate feedback and are constantly working to improve YouCompare.
Can I suggest a new comparison category?
Yes! We’re always looking to expand. If there’s a service you’d like us to add, send us a suggestion. User feedback helps shape our roadmap.
Quick Links by Topic
Jump to category-specific FAQs.
Insurance FAQs
Questions about comparing health, auto, home, and life insurance.
View Insurance FAQsReady to Start Comparing?
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