Website FAQs
Important
Most important, please don't use the 'back' and 'next' buttons on your web browser. To make sure you always have the most accurate information, use our navigation buttons and links on each page. Most pages will have their own 'back' and 'next' buttons at the bottom of the page.
On the left hand side you'll find a navigation bar. On the navigation bar, the page you are on will be highlighted by a blue bar. Pages you have already completed are in black, and if you need to go back and change your details, just click on one of these links. The pages you still need to complete are in grey.
Why do you conduct identity checks?
We conduct an identity search to verify your identity. This is one of our anti fraud processes to help keep your premium down.
Are identity checks and credit scoring the same?
No. With the identity scoring process only a "soft footprint" will be left on your credit file, which means that this can only be seen by yourself and no-one else. Your credit score will not be affected by any identity check we carry out.
Help
You'll notice that throughout the site we have help icons with a question mark (?). If you need more information, just click on one of these icons, and an explanation will appear in a pop-up window. You can close the window by clicking on the 'X' located on the top-right of the help window.
Error messages
If you enter incorrect information the error will be highlighted in a red box immediately below the form field. You will also see an error message in a red box at the top of the page if we are unable to give you a quote for any reason.
Your quote options
At the end of the quote process you can vary certain elements of your car insurance. You can increase or decrease your voluntary excess, and add or remove motoring legal protection, no claim discount protection and breakdown assistance cover. The ability to vary elements of your policy will depend on the car you drive and the cover level you choose.
Don't have time to buy online?
If you get a quote and want to buy a First Alternative policy, but don't have time - don't worry. You can save your quote by entering a few personal details, and can come back and retrieve your quote in the next 90 days (or up to your cover start date, if earlier). You can then buy your policy online and all your insurance documents will be sent to you by first class mail.
Don't want to buy online?
Our website is secure. Click here to see more about our online security. If you don't want to enter your bank or card details online, save your quote and call us on: 0845 607 0380 to purchase your policy through our call centre. But remember, you save 10% when you buy online!
What is 3D Secure, Verified by Visa & MasterCard SecureCode?
3D Secure is a security initiative which gives you enhanced protection when making payments online. 3D Secure includes two security programmes – “Verified by Visa” and “Mastercard SecureCode”.
Why do First Alternative use it?
Like many online retailers, First Alternative takes the privacy and security of its customer data and payment details very seriously. First Alternative already employs a number of advanced fraud prevention and detection initiatives that are detailed in our Privacy and Security policy to protect your details while they are being entered into our systems, as well as during the administration of your policy. 3D Secure is a card payment industry initiative that is designed to prevent the fraudulent use of credit/ debit card details by requiring the person using the card to know an additional piece of information that is not physically present on the card. This helps reduce the potential for your card being used without your permission if it is lost or stolen. Additionally, this information cannot be “skimmed” from the card.
Verified by Visa / MasterCard SecureCode
These are security programmes created by the major card Suppliers (Visa and MasterCard). They allow you to create your own personal password/ PIN, known only to you, for use as an extra security measure each time you use your Visa or MasterCard (including Maestro) payment card to make a future payment online on a participating website.
How does it work?
You only need to register each card with Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode once to create your password or PIN for your credit / debit card. Then whenever you make a payment online using your card on a participating site you will be asked to enter this password/ PIN as additional validation before the payment is confirmed.
What do I need to do to register?
To register for Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode you need to register your card at the website of your card issuer, or during the purchase process on this website. After entering your card and personal details you will then be asked to create a personal password/ PIN which will be used to authenticate future payments made online with your card. The details you enter in this process will be submitted to your card issuer over a secure link; this information will not be held/viewed on any First Alternative systems.
What if I am already registered?
If you have already registered you just need to enter your personal Visa or MasterCard SecureCode password/ PIN as instructed.
Which cards are checked for 3D Secure?
All major debit and credit cards, including Maestro and Solo are checked for participation within 3D Secure.
If I haven’t enrolled can I still make a payment?
Yes, you can. But you may not be protected against fraud if your card details are used without it being checked for 3D Secure (though other security checks will be performed on this website). First Alternative is working hard with card providers to reduce the level of online fraud and we want all our customers to benefit from this increased level of protection.
Any other questions?
If you have any questions regarding 3D Secure please contact your card issuer, or use the links below:
http://www.visaeurope.com/personal/onlineshopping/verifiedbyvisa/main.jsp
http://www.mastercard.com/us/business/en/corporate/securecode/sc_popup.html