New research from a 2024 Go Compare study found that just over one third of Brits haggle on their bills. Many bills are open to discussion, so if you’re willing to negotiate, you could reduce your recurring expenses on items like breakdown cover, broadband, mobile, and more.
In this guide, we’ll share some practical steps to help you negotiate your bills confidently.
Can you negotiate all your bills?
There are certain bills you typically can’t negotiate including student loans and taxes. Below is a list of some of the main bills you should be able to negotiate:
- Broadband
- Car insurance
- Mobile phone contract
- Energy contract
- Home insurance
If you’re wondering whether your service companies are open to negotiation, a 2023 MoneySavingExpert poll found that the top UK companies to haggle with include Virgin Media, TalkTalk, RAC, AA breakdown, Plusnet, Sky, BT, Admiral, Churchill, AA insurance, O2, EE, Direct Line, LV.
Understand your current bills
The first step is to understand what you’re currently paying for and how much you’re spending. Gather your recent statements for all your regular bills, such as electricity, gas, broadband, mobile phone, and any subscriptions.
It’s generally a good idea to evaluate your recurring bills on an annual basis at a minimum. Some companies have set policies on how often you can negotiate, but others may be more flexible.
Look at the details, including how much you use the service, what you’re paying, and if there are any charges that aren’t immediately clear. Understanding your usage and the structure of your bills will help you identify potential areas for savings.
Research the market
Start by researching the prices and plans of competitors before negotiating with your current provider. Websites such as Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket and Compare the Market can help you run comparisons so that you’re able to find the best deals available.
Try to be as accurate as possible with the information you enter when you’re running comparisons. Take the time to find the information you need, as details like your job description can affect your quote more than you think.
Can you afford to pay annually rather than monthly? Although it may seem like a large lump sum, this can make more financial sense and save you money in the long run.
Prepare your case
Before contacting your service provider, gather your facts, write down all your notes, questions, and any lower prices you’ve found through comparison sites with other providers.
It’s also worth outlining the points you want to discuss, such as:
- Your loyalty to the company
- Keeping up with your payments
- Finding cheaper offers from competitors
If you’ve been with the same provider for many years, this is a strong point in your favour as companies tend to reserve their best deals for new customers to attract their business.
Timing is key
Once you’ve signed a contract—whether it’s one, two or more years—you’re usually tied in. This means if you’re three months into your new broadband contract and you spot a cheaper deal, you’re unlikely to have much luck trying to haggle with your provider. The only exception to this is if you’ve signed up to a one-month rolling contract. But these aren’t easy to find and can be quite expensive.
The best thing to do is check when your contract ends and haggle around 30 days before it’s up. This is the best time as it sends a message to your provider that you’re ‘shopping around’, rather than just paying out and sticking with the same deal. It means they may be more likely to offer a discount so they can keep you as a customer.
Timing your call can also impact the success of your negotiations. Try to call at a time when customer service might not be swamped with calls—mid-morning or early afternoon during the workweek can be ideal. Avoid Mondays and Fridays when call volumes are typically higher.
Be polite but persistent
When you make the call, avoid being rude or confrontational. No one wants to offer deals to a customer who comes across as rude or intimidating. The key is to charm your seller so that they find it difficult to say “no”.
You could start by stating your appreciation for their service but express concerns about the cost. Discuss the recent deals you’ve found via competitors. If the representative doesn’t offer to lower your bill, ask to speak with someone in the customer retention department. These are the people who should have the authority to offer better deals to keep you as a customer.
Request email confirmation
Once you reach an agreement, ask the provider to send you a confirmation email or letter with what has been agreed. It’s important to gather this information so that if there are any discrepancies with billing in the future, you have something to refer to.
Review regularly
Finally, make bill negotiation a regular part of your financial routine. Market conditions change, new deals come up, and your usage patterns might shift, too. Make a note to review your services and costs annually. This not only ensures you’re always getting the best deal but also keeps you aware of your service usage and any changes in the market.
For more tips, see How to Save Money on Household Bills, including council tax and water bills.
