Bell vs By Miles
Comprehensive comparison of Bell and By Miles car insurance. Our expert analysis examines pricing, coverage, customer service, and claims handling to help you choose the right provider for your needs.
Key Comparison Insights
Overall Recommendation
Go with Bell if you want a traditional black box with reward incentives. Choose By Miles if you want pricing flexibility and drive rarely.
Pricing Analysis
Bell offers traditional telematics policies with initial savings for young drivers. By Miles uses pay-per-mile pricing, which is more economical for i...
UK Market Context
UK average car insurance premium is £694(Association of British Insurers). See how Bell and By Milescompare to this benchmark in our detailed analysis below.
Company Information Comparison
| Feature | Bell | By Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1972 | 2017 |
| Underwriter | EUI Limited | U K Insurance Ltd |
| Market Position | Budget | Mid-range |
| Customer Service Hours | Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm | Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm |
| Claims Satisfaction | 3.2 | 4.2 |
| Financial Strength | A+ | A |
| Mobile App Rating | 3.2 | 4.3 |
Policy Features Comparison
| Feature | Bell | By Miles |
|---|---|---|
No Claims Discount Years protected | Up to 3 years | Up to 3 years |
Telematics Option | ||
| Multi-Car Discount | ||
New for Old Replacement Vehicle age limit | Up to 1 year | Up to 1 year |
Uninsured Driver Promise | ||
| Paperless Discount |
Starting Premium
£260.00
Bell
£210.00
By Miles
Maximum Cover
£5,000,000
Bell
£5,000,000
By Miles
Total Policies
3
Bell
3
By Miles
Comprehensive Cover
Full Coverage
Bell
Full Coverage
By Miles
Premium Analysis
Features Comparison
Policy Type Distribution
Bell
Comprehensive
1
Third Party Fire & Theft
1
By Miles
Comprehensive
1
Third Party Fire & Theft
1
In-Depth Comparison Analysis
Expert Comparison Analysis: Bell vs By Miles
Our comprehensive analysis compares Bell and By Milesacross multiple dimensions including pricing, coverage options, customer service quality, and claims handling. This detailed comparison is based on real policy data, customer feedback, and market research to help you make an informed decision about your car insurance.
Overall Verdict
Go with Bell if you want a traditional black box with reward incentives. Choose By Miles if you want pricing flexibility and drive rarely.
Detailed Head-to-Head Analysis
Pricing & Value Analysis
Bell offers traditional telematics policies with initial savings for young drivers. By Miles uses pay-per-mile pricing, which is more economical for infrequent drivers. By Miles can be up to 30% cheaper depending on mileage.
Bell
Average: £346.67
By Miles
Average: £290.00
Coverage & Benefits Comparison
Bell includes standard coverage with discounts tied to driving behaviour. By Miles includes a tracker device and base features with simple pricing, but lacks extras like courtesy car.
Customer Service Comparison
Bell’s support is linked to Admiral's infrastructure and is reliable but not app-optimized. By Miles focuses on digital support through its mobile dashboard and real-time analytics.
Claims Process Analysis
Claims support is faster and more tech-friendly with By Miles, especially for common low-impact accidents. Bell users may face longer call centre queues.
Key Differentiators
Bell rewards good driving via black box feedback
By Miles uses per-mile billing for real savings
By Miles is perfect for hybrid workers or urban drivers
Bell appeals to first-time drivers under 25
By Miles has superior real-time tracking and trip history
Which Should You Choose? Real-World Scenarios
New Driver (Age 18-25)
First-time driver looking for affordable coverage with good support
Based on pricing for young drivers, available discounts, and customer support quality
Family with Multiple Cars
Two adults with 2-3 vehicles needing comprehensive coverage
Considering multi-car discounts, family-friendly features, and overall value
Senior Driver (65+)
Experienced driver seeking reliable coverage with excellent customer service
Based on senior-specific benefits, claims handling, and service quality
Business Vehicle
Commercial use requiring business insurance coverage
Evaluating business coverage options, commercial claims handling, and fleet discounts
UK Car Insurance Market Context
Understanding how Bell and By Miles fit within the broader UK car insurance market helps contextualize this comparison. The following statistics provide insight into current market conditions.
Average Claim Settlement Time
15 days
Source: Financial Conduct Authority
Black Box Policy Uptake Among Drivers Under 25
51%
Source: Compare the Market, 2024 Telematics Report
Young Driver Premium Increase
+127%
Source: Confused.com Price Index
Percentage of Drivers Switching Insurers in 2024
39%
Source: GoCompare Switching Trends Survey
UK Car Insurance Market Size
31 million policies
Source: Statista UK Insurance Report
Average UK Car Insurance Premium 2024
£694
Source: Association of British Insurers
Average Cost of Car Insurance Fraud Per Case
£1,150
Source: Insurance Fraud Bureau, 2024
Customer Satisfaction Average
72%
Source: Consumer Intelligence
Detailed Real-World Analysis
A remote worker with under 6,000 miles annually could save £200–£300 using By Miles compared to Bell. A teenager building a good driving record might benefit more from Bell’s discounts.
Our Final Recommendation
After analyzing pricing, coverage, customer service, and claims handling, here's our recommendation for different customer profiles:
Choose Bell if:
- You prioritize comprehensive service and support
- You value additional benefits and coverage options
- You don't mind paying extra for premium service
Choose By Miles if:
- You're focused on getting the best value for money
- You're comfortable with essential coverage levels
- You prefer straightforward, no-frills insurance
Important: The best choice depends on your individual circumstances, driving history, vehicle type, and personal preferences. We recommend getting quotes from both providers to compare actual prices for your specific situation.
Comparison Methodology
This comparison is based on comprehensive analysis of policy documents, customer reviews, claims data, pricing information, and independent research. We maintain editorial independence and regularly update our analysis to reflect market changes. Last updated: 7/17/2025
Making Your Decision
When comparing Bell and By Miles, consider how each provider's strengths align with your specific vehicle and driving needs. Bell's average premium of £346.67compared to By Miles's £290.00 should be weighed against the coverage and benefits each provider offers.
Key Differences:
- Premium range and pricing structure
- Coverage limits and exclusions
- Available policy types
- Claims process and service features
Next Steps:
- Review detailed policy documents
- Check for vehicle-specific coverage
- Consider your no claims bonus
- Compare excess options and limits
Remember that the best choice depends on your individual circumstances, including your vehicle's age, make, model, your driving history, and your budget. Consider getting quotes from both providers to make a fully informed decision.