Haggling guide: scripts for broadband, insurance and more
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
Haggling simply means asking politely for a better price, and in the UK it works best on broadband, mobile and TV contracts, insurance renewals, breakdown cover and big-ticket items. You do not need to be pushy: you need a competitor's price, a calm voice and a willingness to say "I will think about it".
Where haggling works and where it does not
| Usually worth trying | Rarely works |
|---|---|
| Broadband, landline, mobile and pay-TV contracts once the minimum term has ended | Supermarket groceries at the till |
| Car, home and travel insurance renewals; breakdown cover | Stamps, prescriptions, council tax and other fixed charges |
| Furniture, beds, carpets, kitchens and large appliances | Small items in chain stores |
| Cars, mobility scooters, stairlifts and other equipment sold by a salesperson | Standard energy tariffs, though you can ask about cheaper tariffs and available help |
| Independent shops, market stalls, tradespeople's quotations |
As a rule, haggling works where there is a salesperson with some discretion, a contract coming to an end, or a competitor who would like your custom.
Before you pick up the phone
- Know what you pay now and when your contract or policy ends. Providers must tell you when a broadband or mobile contract is ending, and insurers must show last year's price on your renewal letter.
- Get two or three comparison prices for the same service or the same level of cover. Our price comparison guide shows how. Write them down with the company names.
- Decide what you actually need. If you never use the sports channels, the fast broadband speed or the legal cover, dropping them is the easiest saving of all. See broadband for over-60s and SIM-only deals for light users.
- Check whether you qualify for a social tariff. If you receive Pension Credit or certain other benefits, a broadband social tariff may be cheaper than anything you could negotiate.
- Choose a quiet time and have a pen and paper ready. Midweek mornings are often less busy.
Phone scripts you can use
Broadband, phone or TV
When the automated menu offers the option, choose "thinking of leaving" or "cancel". This puts you through to the team with the most freedom to offer discounts, often called retentions.
"Good morning. I have been a customer for some years and my contract has ended. I am paying £X a month, and I have seen the same service from another provider for £Y. I would rather stay with you if you can do something about the price. What is the best you can offer?"
If the first offer is weak: "Thank you, but that is still more than I can get elsewhere. Is that really the best price available?"
If they will not move: "I understand. In that case I would like to know how to give notice, please." Often a better offer appears at this point. If it does not, you can go ahead or simply say you will think it over.
Insurance renewal
"I have received my renewal and it is £X. I have a quotation from another insurer for £Y for the same cover and the same excess. Can you match or beat that?"
Insurers are not allowed to charge an existing home or motor customer more at renewal than they would charge a new customer for the same policy bought the same way, but prices still differ widely between companies, so comparing remains worthwhile. Make sure the cover and the excess (the part of any claim you pay yourself) are the same before you compare prices.
A big purchase in a shop
"I like this one and I am ready to buy today. Is there anything you can do on the price?"
If the price cannot move, ask for something extra instead: "Could you include delivery, fitting, or taking the old one away?" A free mattress protector, an extended guarantee or free delivery costs the shop less than a cash discount and is often easier for staff to agree.
Six rules for polite, effective haggling
- Be friendly. The person on the phone did not set the price and is more inclined to help someone pleasant.
- Be specific. "Another provider offers this for £24 a month" beats "it seems rather a lot".
- Mention loyalty, but do not rely on it. Companies generally keep their best prices for customers who look likely to leave.
- Never accept on the spot if unsure. Ask them to note the offer on your account and ring back.
- Get it in writing. Ask for the new price, the contract length and any changes to be confirmed by email or letter, and check it when it arrives.
- Be prepared to switch. Changing broadband or insurance provider is much simpler than it once was, and the new company usually handles most of it.
Haggling on equipment sold at home
Stairlifts, adjustable beds, riser recliner chairs and mobility scooters are often sold by a visiting salesperson, with room for negotiation in the first price quoted. Get at least two written quotations, never sign on the first visit, and remember that contracts agreed in your home normally come with a 14-day right to cancel. See stairlifts, mobility scooters and doorstep selling rights.
If the phone is difficult
Many providers offer online chat, which gives you time to think and a written record. If you are hard of hearing, ask about text relay or other accessible contact options. You can also ask a relative to make the call with you beside them: the company will need you to confirm on the line that you are happy for them to speak on your behalf.
Common questions
Is it rude to haggle?
No. Call-centre staff deal with these requests all day and many companies expect them. A polite question is never an imposition.
Will they cut me off if I say I want to leave?
No. Saying you are thinking of leaving is not the same as giving notice. Nothing changes unless you clearly ask to cancel.
What if they will not reduce the price?
Thank them and switch to the cheaper deal you found, or ask for extras instead. You have lost nothing by asking.
Can I haggle if I am still inside my contract?
It is harder, because you would usually pay a charge to leave early. Note the end date in your diary and ring a few weeks before it.