What Is Defaqto?

Defaqto is an independent financial information and ratings service based in the UK. Founded in 1994, the company researches a wide range of financial products – from car insurance and home insurance to credit cards and bank accounts. Their mission is to make it easier for consumers to understand and compare different offerings on the market.

One of Defaqto’s most recognisable features is its Star Ratings system. These ratings are designed to give a quick indication of how a product’s features and benefits are. By thoroughly reviewing each product’s coverage and extras, Defaqto provides an unbiased assessment, helping consumers make more informed choices when selecting insurance or other financial services.

Why Do Defaqto Ratings Matter?

When you see an insurance product labeled “5-Star Defaqto Rated,” you’re essentially seeing an independent stamp of approval.
It means the policy meets a high standard of coverage, offering a broad range of features that go beyond basic requirements.

For example, a 5-Star Defaqto home insurance policy might include:

Buildings and contents coverage
High single-item value limits
Accidental damage protection
Personal possessions cover away from home
Additional benefits like home emergency assistance

On the other hand, a 3-Star policy may offer core coverage, but fewer extras—making it suitable if you’re on a budget but still want standard protection.

At Intelligent Insurance, our Buildings & Contents cover is proud to hold a 5-Star Defaqto Rating. This means we include valuable features such as high single-item value limits, accidental damage cover, and more—all designed to provide peace of mind for you and your home.

How Are Defaqto Star Ratings Determined?

Defaqto closely reviews each product’s features – like coverage limits, optional extras, and policy benefits – to evaluate how comprehensive it is. But their scoring doesn’t stop at a simple checklist. Defaqto’s metrics are shaped by what real customers say matters most in an insurance policy. In other words, they identify the coverage elements people genuinely value and use those insights to guide how a product is scored.

By capturing the features that influence buying decisions, Defaqto ensures its Star Ratings reflect not just an expert opinion, but also the priorities of everyday policyholders. That’s why a 5-Star Defaqto rating is a strong signal that an insurance product meets a broad range of needs and concerns—from core coverage to essential extras.

Defaqto Ratings vs. Other Rating Systems

You might have seen ratings from other services like consumer review websites or price comparison platforms. While those often focus on price or customer satisfaction, Defaqto Star Ratings concentrate on the features of the product itself.

Price vs. Features: A cheaper policy might have a lower star rating if it excludes key benefits.
Customer Reviews vs. Independent Analysis: Public feedback can be subjective.

Defaqto’s approach is objective, focusing on documented policy details.

Are Defaqto’s ratings trustworthy?

Absolutely. Defaqto is an independent organisation and doesn’t receive commissions for higher ratings. Their methodology is transparent and data-driven.

Do Defaqto ratings take price into account?

Typically, they do not factor in the cost of a policy. Ratings are based on coverage and features, not how cheap or expensive the product is.

How often are these ratings updated?

Defaqto generally updates its data every year, though it can also make in-year changes when providers alter or re-launch products.

Do all insurers display their Star Ratings?

Not necessarily. Some insurers choose to promote their rating if it’s strong. Others might not, even if they have a solid rating. It’s worth checking the Defaqto website if you don’t see a rating displayed.

How to Use Defaqto Ratings When Choosing Insurance:

Identify your coverage needs: Make a list of essential features (buildings and contents, accidental damage, etc.).
Compare the Star Ratings: Look at products with ratings of 3, 4, or 5 stars to see how they differ.
Check policy details: Even if a policy has a high rating, ensure it meets your personal requirements (e.g., valuables cover).
Balance cost vs. features: A 5-Star policy might provide more comprehensive coverage, but confirm it aligns with your budget.

Next Steps

Defaqto’s Star Ratings serve as a reliable guide to help you gauge a policy’s depth of coverage at a glance. Once you’ve got an idea of the features you need, we’re here to help you:

If you’d like the confidence of 5-Star Defaqto-rated protection for your home, we make it easy to:

Request a Quote – Get a fast, no-obligation quote for our award-winning Buildings & Contents policies.
Compare Coverage – Explore our full list of features to see why we’ve earned a top rating.
Contact Our Team – Have specific questions? Speak to an advisor who can guide you on coverage limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.