I had been with Budget direct for my car insurance for over 11 years. One minor claim made during this time when I dented one of the doors which was easy to claim online. However, recently I bought a brand new car and contacted them to get a quote.
Summary:
Terrible customer service over the phone, took very long and details not required for a quote, provided wrong information, lied about existing information, lied about rules, was rude and argumentative, signed me up to a new policy when I only wanted a quote and included people into it when I specifically asked them not to do so. Found much better prices with higher coverage from another place.
Details:
The guys I spoke with (let's call him "D") at 2:58 pm on 31/5/21 took extensive information about the new car. He asked about specs for the car I had no idea about. 23 mins he asked & I answered to the best of my knowledge but once you start talking about motor this, engine that, suspension stuff I have no idea. I mentioned a few times that I would like the same as my current policy set up when he asked specific questions about mileage etc. He repeatedly said he did not have access to my existing policy.
Then he had to call me back because he needed to check, and I quote, "whether we will cover your car or not". He called back at 4:32pm and started asking more questions. At this point, I repeated that I was only looking for a quote to compare so just make it out to me and send the quote.
He said the name of the person currently on my insurance policy. (I thought he didn't have access to my existing policy?) He then gave me false information. He said, and I quote, "anyone living under the same roof must be included in the policy or else we won't cover you". He was becoming argumentative when I asked what if I didn't want anyone else driving my brand new car as yet. Apparently, according to him, it didn’t matter and he said it had to be done. At this point, I sternly told D to send me a quote based on the information I have provided thus far and just include me in the policy. He was rude, do not provide customer service and left me feeling angry and annoyed.
Later I received email confirmation that a NEW policy had been added to my existing policy, my existing policy was amended and the other person from my existing policy was included in the NEW policy!
I had to contact them again to get them to remove the new policy - I had only asked for a quote but instead, D had set up a new policy in my account ready for the first annual payment to occur in a week. There was no apology from the next person who had to correct everything, only saying that it was a system thing.
Since then I cancelled my policy with them. Unlike most companies Budget does not send you an exit survey with opportunities for improvements. No feedback was sought showing how little then actually care about their customers or their customers views. I would not recommend this company to anyone. If they can treat a loyal long standing customer like this, imagine how they would be with new ones.

Excellent service. A competitive quote was provided promptly with the work ready to get done within the week. Job done perfectly following all requests. Paul Mcpherson, who provided the quote had timely professional correspondence and was available until the work was completed. The installers were friendly and the Daiken split system is working well in the bedroom.
Would highly recommend using them, however, will not recommend using their online quoting service as it does not get recorded or followed up. The best way is to call them directly.

Approximate cost: $2000

Terrible customer service. I own & love Mazdas. I convinced my partner to try them as she is looking for an upgrade. We visited two dealers and test drove two other cars before visiting City Mazda at Hindmarsh, SA.
The salesman (Teigan) appeared most unenthused and tried everything to discourage us from going for a test drive. We explained the type of car we were after (SUV around 2014-2015) and gave some comparative examples of other models. He said and I quote "it's best if you know the car you want, before going for a test drive". I asked him how would someone know the feel of a car without driving it?? At this point, as I was walking off when he asked my partner if she wanted to take it for a test drive! I really wanted to say "no, we just want to stand here and stare at these cars".

After the necessary paperwork was completed Teigan, not only came with us but he drove the car most of the way. When asked why he was driving he said quote "we cant expect our older customers to know how to drive these modern cars" and he needed to explain how things worked. We are in our 40s and have advanced IT skills and a dash of modern cars is not something we find puzzling. What an inappropriate and arrogant comment to make. Then for around 3 mins my partner was allowed to drive it but was directed by the salesman on which roads to take.

When I asked if she liked the car she replied - "I don't know, I suppose it was okay. I was too busy taking directions to notice anything else about the car".
I have not had salesmen coming on the test drive let alone drive the car. This guy has no people skills. She has decided to steer clear of Mazdas (not that the cars are bad - just the experience) and I am probably going to follow her.

Good, professional prompt service. Would recommend to others due to competitive price, friendly atmosphere & our conveyancer, Anna was very knowledgeable.