How to Switch Providers

Switching Your Bank Account

The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes switching your bank account one of the simplest changes you can make. It has been running since 2013 and is backed by a guarantee.

How It Works

1. Choose your new bank and open an account. You can do this online, in branch, or by phone. Most banks let you apply in under 15 minutes.
2. Request the switch through your new bank. They will contact your old bank and handle everything. You choose a switch date (at least 7 working days away).
3. Automatic transfers -- all your direct debits, standing orders and salary payments are moved to the new account automatically. Any payments sent to your old account are redirected for 36 months.
4. Old account closes -- your old account is shut down on the switch date. Any remaining balance is transferred.

The CASS Guarantee

If anything goes wrong during the switch, CASS guarantees you will not be left out of pocket. If a direct debit is missed because of a switching error, any charges or interest you incur will be refunded.

Switching Your Energy Supplier

Switching energy supplier can save hundreds of pounds a year, and the process is largely handled by your new supplier.

Step by Step

1. Take a meter reading on the day you decide to switch. This ensures your final bill from the old supplier is accurate.
2. Compare deals using Ofgem-accredited comparison sites (Uswitch, Compare the Market, or the Citizens Advice price comparison tool). Check fixed vs variable tariffs and any exit fees on your current deal.
3. Sign up with the new supplier -- they will manage the switch and contact your old supplier. Under Ofgem rules, the switch should complete within 5 working days.
4. 14-day cooling-off period -- after signing up, you have 14 days to change your mind with no penalty.
5. Check your final bill from the old supplier. If there is a credit balance, they must refund it. If they delay, complain.

Exit Fees

If you are on a fixed-rate tariff, you may face an early exit fee (typically 25-50 per fuel). Do the maths: if the saving from switching exceeds the exit fee, it is still worth it. Variable tariffs never have exit fees.

If you are unhappy with your energy supplier's service, check their complaint record on our energy scorecards and use it as evidence when you switch.

Switching Your Broadband Provider

Broadband switching depends on the network your current and new providers use. The process is simpler than it used to be, but there are still a few things to watch.

Openreach Network (Most Providers)

If both your current and new providers use the Openreach network (BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, EE, Vodafone and most others), the new provider handles the switch. You do not need to contact your old provider. The process takes about 10-14 days.

Different Networks

Switching to or from Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, CityFibre or another non-Openreach provider requires you to cancel your old contract separately. Watch out for:

• Overlap charges -- you may pay for both services during the transition
• Early termination fees -- can be substantial if you are mid-contract
• Equipment returns -- you may need to return the router and any other hardware

One Touch Switch (2023+)

Ofcom's One Touch Switch rules now mean that in most cases, you only need to contact your new provider. They will handle the cancellation of your old service, even across different networks. This is still being rolled out, so check with your new provider.

Switching Your Insurance Provider

Insurance switching is straightforward but the timing matters. Whether it is car, home, travel or pet insurance, here is how to do it properly.

At Renewal

The easiest time to switch is at renewal. Your insurer must send you a renewal notice at least 21 days before your policy expires. This gives you time to compare quotes and switch if a better deal exists. There are no exit fees when you switch at renewal.

Mid-Policy

You can cancel most insurance policies at any time, but you may face:

• Cancellation fees -- typically 25-75 depending on the insurer and policy type
• Pro-rata refund -- you should receive a refund for the unused portion of your premium, minus the cancellation fee
• Gap in cover -- for car insurance, you must have continuous cover if the vehicle is on the road. Arrange new cover before cancelling the old policy

Claims in Progress

If you have an active claim, switching mid-claim can complicate things. The old insurer typically handles claims that occurred during their policy period, but confirm this before switching.

Compare insurer complaint records on our insurance scorecards before choosing a new provider.

General Tips for Any Switch

1. Never cancel your old service before the new one is active -- avoid gaps in service or cover
2. Keep records -- save confirmation emails, reference numbers and switch dates
3. Check your first bill carefully -- billing errors during transitions are common
4. Use complaint data to choose better -- our scorecards show which companies get the fewest complaints per customer
5. Set a calendar reminder for renewal dates -- the loyalty penalty is real. Reviewing annually can save hundreds