A third of Brits are haggling on bills due to cost-of-living crisis, new research reveals

More than half of the UK population are either haggling on their regular bills or intend to do so, according to new research from Go.Compare, as the cost of living crisis continues to impact households.

After interviewing more than 2,000 UK adults, the comparison site found that a third (33%) of people have already started haggling on their bills, with another 24% saying they intended to do so.

Broadband and TV packages were the most popular bills to barter on, followed by car insurance, mobile phones, home insurance and energy costs.

According to the findings, men and those aged 55 and over are the most likely to negotiate a better deal on their bills, and regionally, those living in the Northeast of England are also most likely to haggle, with people living in the East Midlands least likely.

Whether they had haggled or not, most of those surveyed (69%) had made changes to save on their outgoings due to rocketing bills. Cutting back on their gas and electric use was a popular move with 65% of those surveyed doing so, followed by cutting down on takeaways, meals out, and socialising.

More than a third (36%) of Brits have changed where they do their grocery shopping and 30% have decided not to go on holiday this year.

Ceri McMillan, Insurance Director at Go.Compare, said: “Haggling may not come naturally to everyone, but if you can get past that initial feeling of awkwardness, it can be hugely rewarding – potentially saving you hundreds on your bills.

“Prices aren’t always fixed. In fact, some service providers – like broadband, TV and mobile services - expect you to negotiate with them, even if they don’t shout about it.

“The same goes for insurance policies. Whether pet, car, home, or life insurance – make sure you shop around. If your policy is due for renewal don’t simply accept the price you’re offered. You may be able to get the same (or more) coverage elsewhere for less.

“It’s not rude to want a better price for things. Now more than ever, every penny counts.”

For more information about saving on outgoings and other practical money saving guidance, visit:www.gocompare.com/money.

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Notes to editors

**On 27th-30th January 2023, a survey of 2057 randomly selected Great British adults was executed by Maru/Blue. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.1%. The results have been weighted by age, gender, region and social grade to match the population, according to Census data. This is to ensure the sample is representative of the entire adult population of Great Britain. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.  

For further information please contact:

Lynsey Walden on lynsey.walden@futurenet.com,  or Kath Chadwick on Kathryn.chadwick@futurenet.com.