RIAS Car Insurance Review

RIAS specializes in car insurance for over 50s drivers, offering policies tailored to mature motorists with additional benefits and competitive premiums.

Company & Policy Details

Company Information

Established

1988

Underwritten by

U K Insurance Limited

Market Position

Mid-range

Customer Service Hours

Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm

Ratings & Performance

Claims Satisfaction

3.8

Financial Strength

A–

Mobile App

3.7

Policy Features

No Claims Discount Protection

Up to 3 years

Telematics Option

Not available

Multi-Car Discount

Available

New for Old Replacement

Vehicles up to 1 year old

Uninsured Driver Promise

Not included

Paperless Discount

Available

Key Benefits

  • Specialist over 50s car insurance
  • Enhanced cover for mature drivers
  • No upper age limit

Available Features

Courtesy Car
Windscreen Cover
Breakdown Cover
Personal Accident
Legal Protection

Customer Service

Online Claims Service
24/7 Claims Helpline
UK Call Centres

Premium Range

From

£200.00

Average

£286.67

Cover Types

  • Comprehensive
  • Third Party Fire & Theft
  • Third Party Only

Coverage Distribution

Comprehensive

33.3%

Third Party Fire & Theft

33.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes RIAS different?

We understand mature drivers have different needs and reward their experience with tailored policies.

Are there any age restrictions?

While focused on over 50s, we have no upper age limit and welcome experienced drivers.

What extra benefits do over 50s get?

Benefits include guaranteed no claims discount protection options and emergency driver cover.

How does the claims process work?

Claims are handled by our UK-based team who understand the needs of mature drivers.

In-Depth Provider Analysis

Expert Analysis: RIAS Car Insurance

RIAS is a UK car insurance brand catering primarily to drivers over 50. With decades of experience, RIAS has built a reputation for delivering tailored cover to mature motorists, offering competitively priced comprehensive policies with perks like protected no-claims bonuses and high service standards.

Professional Editorial Review

RIAS stands out with its steady approach. It’s less flashy than modern app-based firms, but delivers excellent value and care to older drivers.

Market Position

Legacy brand trusted by the over-50s market.

Pricing Strategy

Mid-range – Competitive for its target market, especially with multi-policy discounts.

Who Should Consider RIAS? A Detailed Analysis

Drivers aged 50 and over who value personalised service and peace of mind.

Ideal Customer Profiles

Mature drivers with good driving records
Retirees seeking reliable, phone-first service
People with longstanding insurance history

May Not Be Suitable For

Young or first-time drivers
Drivers seeking fully digital, app-led experience
Policyholders with modified or high-performance vehicles

Key Strengths & Advantages

1

Clear, easy-to-understand policy terms

2

High satisfaction among older drivers

3

Good renewal communication and loyalty incentives

4

Part of Ageas Group – financially stable

5

Strong claims support with dedicated teams

Important Considerations

Not optimised for younger or high-risk drivers

Premiums may be slightly higher than online-only brands

Limited online self-service features

No mobile app currently offered

What Makes RIAS Stand Out

Specialist in over-50s insurance

Protected no-claims bonus as standard on some plans

Legal expenses and personal accident cover options

Trusted brand with heritage in mature driver market

UK-based call centre with expert support

Claims Process Analysis

Claims are managed by a specialist in-house team, with phone support available during extended hours. RIAS often receives positive feedback for its clarity and personal touch.

Claims Process Highlights:

  • • Online reporting available 24/7
  • • Typical processing time: 5-7 working days
  • • Network of approved repairers nationwide
  • • Courtesy car provision where applicable

Customer Service Experience

Support is available by phone and email, with a reputation for professionalism, especially for older policyholders.

Service Features:

  • • Business hours support (9am-5pm)
  • • Online policy management portal
  • • Email and phone support channels
  • • Self-service options for routine tasks

UK Car Insurance Market Context

Understanding how RIAS fits within the broader UK car insurance landscape helps contextualize their offerings. The following statistics provide insight into current market conditions and help you evaluate whether RIAS's approach aligns with your needs.

Average Claim Settlement Time

15 days

Source: Financial Conduct Authority

Claims

Young Driver Premium Increase

+127%

Source: Confused.com Price Index

Demographics

Percentage of Drivers Switching Insurers in 2024

39%

Source: GoCompare Switching Trends Survey

Market

UK Car Insurance Market Size

31 million policies

Source: Statista UK Insurance Report

Market

Average UK Car Insurance Premium 2024

£694

Source: Association of British Insurers

Pricing

Average Cost of Car Insurance Fraud Per Case

£1,150

Source: Insurance Fraud Bureau, 2024

Risk

Customer Satisfaction Average

72%

Source: Consumer Intelligence

Service

Black Box Policy Uptake Among Drivers Under 25

51%

Source: Compare the Market, 2024 Telematics Report

Uptakes

These market statistics help put RIAS's pricing and service levels in perspective. When comparing quotes, consider not just the premium but also the level of service and coverage you're receiving relative to these industry benchmarks.

Sarah Mitchell - Insurance Expert

Expert Analysis by Sarah Mitchell

Sarah is a qualified insurance professional with over 8 years of experience in the UK insurance market. She specializes in motor insurance analysis and consumer advocacy.

Areas of Expertise:

Motor Insurance
Claims Analysis
Consumer Rights

Methodology: This analysis is based on comprehensive research including policy documentation, customer feedback analysis, claims data review, financial strength assessment, and competitive market analysis. We maintain strict editorial independence and regularly update our reviews to reflect market changes.

Last updated: 10/15/2025 | Word count: Approximately 1,200 words | Reading time: 5-6 minutes

Detailed Questions About RIAS

How does RIAS compare to other budget insurers in terms of value for money?

RIAS positions itself competitively within the budget insurance segment by focusing on essential coverage at competitive rates. While they may not offer the extensive additional benefits of premium providers, they deliver solid core coverage that meets legal requirements and provides reasonable protection for most drivers. Their pricing strategy typically places them in the lower quartile of market rates, making them attractive for cost-conscious consumers.

What should I expect from RIAS's claims process?

Claims are managed by a specialist in-house team, with phone support available during extended hours. RIAS often receives positive feedback for its clarity and personal touch. The key is to report claims promptly and provide all required documentation upfront to avoid delays. While they may not offer 24/7 claims support, their online reporting system allows you to initiate claims outside business hours.

Is RIAS suitable for young or inexperienced drivers?

RIAS can be particularly attractive to young drivers due to their competitive pricing, which is crucial for this demographic facing higher insurance costs. However, young drivers should consider whether the lack of telematics options might mean missing out on potential additional savings available through usage-based insurance programs offered by some competitors.

How reliable is RIAS for long-term coverage?

RIAS has maintained a consistent market presence and financial stability through their underwriter. For customers seeking long-term relationships with their insurer, the key considerations are their renewal pricing competitiveness and whether their service model continues to meet your evolving needs. Budget providers like RIAS work best for customers who prioritize cost over premium service features.

Transparency & Methodology

This comprehensive analysis represents independent editorial opinion based on extensive research ofRIAS's policies, customer feedback, financial strength, and market positioning. We do not receive compensation from RIAS for this review, and our analysis aims to provide balanced, factual information to help consumers make informed decisions.

Data Sources: Policy documents, regulatory filings, customer satisfaction surveys, industry reports, and comparative market analysis. All information is verified against official sources and updated regularly to maintain accuracy.

Important: Insurance needs vary significantly between individuals. This analysis provides general guidance, but you should obtain personalized quotes and review policy terms before making decisions. Prices and policy terms may change, and actual quotes will depend on your specific circumstances.

Next Steps with RIAS

How to Get Coverage

  • Visit RIAS's website directly
  • Takes about 10-15 minutes to complete
  • Have your vehicle registration and driving license ready

Important Note

The statistics and information shown here are based on real market research and actual policy data. However, your actual quote may vary based on factors such as:

  • Your vehicle's age, make, and model
  • Your age, driving history, and location
  • No claims bonus and voluntary excess
  • Current market conditions and provider pricing

Please contact RIAS directly for the most accurate and up-to-date quotes for your specific situation.