FAQs

Welcome to BillBuddy!

You can think of BillBuddy as your personal savings assistant, where our first priority is to ensure that you're never paying more than you should be for your gas and electricity.

When you sign up with BillBuddy, we scan the market to check if you could be paying less for your energy, based on your location and other factors you provide. Then, once we've (hopefully) found you a better deal, we switch you over to the new plan and save you money in the process.

The process is simple, fast and doesn't cost you a penny!

By creating an account with BillBuddy, you'll get access the your very own Hub - this is the control centre from where you will manage your household bills.

It also allows us to store your details safely and securely, so we can always find the cheapest rate for you personally. On top of that, it allows us to switch your tariff hassle-free.

Remember, gas and electricity aren't the only bills we can help with...

We don't just stop at energy - we're on a mission to save our users money in a whole host of ways, from broadband to home insurance and beyond.

Based on your postcode we can estimate how much you could potentially save across many different households bills, and we won't rest until you're saving as much as you can.

Once you've created an account with BillBuddy, we get to work on maximising your household savings.

Once we've found you a cheaper tariff, we will arrange your switch with the energy supplier directly. In order to do this, we need your direct debit details.

There are a few reasons we do it this way:

• It allows us to make the switch for you, completely hassle-free. We'll take care of setting up the new account, you'll just get a letter / email to confirm once this is done.
• Energy suppliers often give bigger discounts to customers who sign up via direct debit, so we can ensure that you're getting the cheapest rate possible.

Don't worry - we never take any money from your account. Our service is completely free, and always will be!

Furthermore, you don't need to worry about the security of your details. Our entire site is encrypted with SHA-256 SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption, meaning you never have to worry about your data being lost or accessed by anybody it shouldn't be.

BillBuddy is constantly checking the market to see if you could get a better deal, based on your location, usage and other factors. We take into account any exit fees (this is where your current providers charges you a fee to leave the contract early) and ensure that you’d be saving money even with these fees taken into account.

We'll let you know when you can save more money, but don’t worry - we won’t do anything without your approval. We’ll just keep you in the loop and give you all the tools you need to save the most amount of money possible.

Whenever a BillBuddy user switches to a cheaper energy tariff, we receive a fee from the new energy supplier - almost like a thank-you for introducing you both. It’s a win-win - you get cheaper energy, and we get a bonus for making it happen.

The best thing about this setup is that we’re paid the same by each energy supplier - this means our only incentive is to secure you the best deal. Whether we find you a better tariff with British Gas, EDF, npower or anyone else, we get the same introducing fee. You are our biggest priority, and always will be.

If you don't know your exact usage or spend when you sign up, we estimate your consumption based on your house size, supplier and tariff. We pass this estimated usage on to your new supplier, meaning their estimated bill might not be what you’re expecting.

If you do not like the supplier we have available, don’t worry! You can use the filters to find the perfect supplier for you, whether that's one who only supplies green energy or gives you a paper bill, we can help you pick whatever is best for you.

On average, Billbuddy users save over £200 per year.

The more accurate you are when inputting your current supply details, the more accurate the saving you’ll be shown.

Some suppliers may charge exit fees depending on your current tariff, but they cannot prevent you from moving to a different supplier unless you are in debt with them. Once all of your outstanding balance has been cleared, you will be free to switch.

It normally takes around 2-3 weeks for your switch to be processed, but we can set everything up for you in minutes. Don’t worry, it will fly by!

It can sometimes take up to 4 weeks for your new supplier to send your welcome pack. Once you have switched, we send a request to your new supplier and they normally confirm the switch within a few days. You can always speak to us if you think it is taking too long and we will be able to update you.

Prepayment energy plans are some of the least competitive on the market. Unfortunately for those on prepayment meters, you will have fewer options and less savings.

In order to secure savings as high as possible, we encourage prepayment meter owners to explore the possibility of moving to a direct debit meter once they've switched. This is something that certain suppliers will be able to help you with once your switch has gone through.

Let us know as soon as your switch is complete, and we'll walk you through the steps to get your meter changed.

You can leave any tariff up to 7 weeks before it ends and face no penalties. OFGEM, the energy regulator, set this rule and all suppliers must obey it. Therefore, no suppliers will charge you to leave within these timeframes.

If you pick a fixed contract, you won’t be affected by rising energy prices as your unit rates are secured for the duration of the tariff.

Before you switch, we recommend reading the Tariff Information Label underneath every tariff we offer which will walk you through the features of that tariff, and let you know if it’s fixed or variable.

If you find that you have been placed on a variable tariff and you would prefer fixed, please get in contact with us.

Here are some simple ways you can save as much as possible on your gas & electricity bills with BillBuddy:

• Did you know that direct debit users receive much higher discounts than other payment methods?
• Some energy suppliers will give you a discount when you choose a dual fuel tariff, meaning you have the same tariff for gas and electricity. Don’t worry, we only switch our customers to dual fuel tariffs if you use both gas and electricity.
• Read your meters and send off monthly meter readings. If not, think about getting a smart meter installed - we can help you find a supplier that will install you a smart meter for free!
• You don’t always need to choose a supplier from the “Big Six”, smaller suppliers are still regulated by Ofgem. Sometimes smaller suppliers will offer cheaper energy.
• If you are on a prepayment meter, consider switching to a credit meter. Prepayment energy plans are some of the least competitive on the market, and you can often save much more by switching to a direct debit tariff.

Absolutely. BillBuddy has over 1,500 positive reviews across multiple sites online, and have saved over £15,000,000 on user's energy bills, all for free.

Remember, your BillBuddy account is completely free and you'll never be charged a penny to use the service. If you'd like to cancel a switch you made through BillBuddy, simply let us know and we'll take care of it for you.

Even if you've just recently taken out a new energy tariff, you can still sign up for BillBuddy.

Our algorithms are constantly scanning the market for a better deal, which could still be out there even if you've just signed a new contract.

Worried about cancellation / exit fees from your existing contract? No need - we'll only show you new tariffs if you'll make a significant saving including any exit fees!

Plus, don't worry about the headache of switching again if you just have - we take care of everything, so there's no extra hassle on your end.

Yes, you can! If you are moving within the next few months, we would be able to help you to start saving now while you are in your current home. However, if you're moving within the next few weeks, please make sure that you get back in contact with us after a week or two once you have settled in.

Did you know that when you move into a new home, you could move on the most expensive tariff? This is why it is really important to get back in contact with us or email us and we will contact you on your preferred date.

If you’re paying the bill for your energy, you’re entitled to switch provider to get a better deal. If you’re not sure whether you pay the energy bill or your landlord, check your tenancy agreement or give your landlord / letting agent a call.

Your landlord may have a ‘preferred supplier’ when it comes to gas and electricity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch. You might have to switch back when your tenancy agreement comes to an end, but this is something you’d need to check with your landlord or letting agent as well.

You've come to the right place!

Send us an email using our contact form and we'll walk you through getting the best tariff for your business.

BillBuddy compares prices from both traditional and green / renewable energy suppliers, so there’s a solution for everybody.

Your FIT (Feed-in Tariff) is completely separate to your energy tariff - you can switch to a different supplier and keep earning money from your solar panels.

If you switch to a smaller energy supplier, you can most likely keep your FIT with the existing supplier. If you’re with a Big 6 supplier and switch to another Big 6 supplier, they might ask you to move the FIT (not always), but don't worry as the rates are set by the government and are the same regardless of who is paying you for your FIT.

You can still switch energy suppliers if you have a smart meter. Sometimes the smart functionality will be lost during the switch, but this just means that the meter will need to be read in the same way as a traditional meter.

The good news is that smart meters are currently being upgraded in the UK, meaning that all smart meters will work seamlessly with all suppliers.

Once we've switched you to a cheaper energy tariff, the real fun begins.

You will have access to your very own savings hub - your one-stop-shop for saving money on everything from broadband to car insurance.

We'll estimate how much you could save on a host of different bills based on the information you provide us, then we'll try and find you a better deal - simple.

We automatically set up your account as you fill out our form, and you can access your account here.

If you haven't completed the energy switch form yet, you can create an account here.

You can update your details in your dashboard - click here to login.

The entire switching process usually takes between 2-3 weeks to complete, depending on how quickly your existing supplier and new supplier work on the arrangement. Don't worry, we'll keep you updated every step of the way. Switching energy suppliers is straightforward with us, and we handle almost everything for you - it couldn't be easier!

Exit fees may occur when you leave a fixed-term contract before the expiry date. Exit fees don't apply if you're less than 49 days away from your contract's end date, in line with the energy regulator's guidelines. Don't worry, any exit fees are always clearly displayed on the Tariff Information Label, which is presented to all customers prior to switching to a new energy supplier.

Fixed-term tariffs guarantee that rates will not change throughout the duration of the contract, whereas variable tariffs rates can change at any time. In response to the ongoing energy crisis and wholesale energy prices volatility, customers seeking peace of mind may prefer to lock in a fixed-term tariff.

Absolutely not. Did you know that your actual energy supply never changes?

The energy supplier that pays the local distribution network will change, but that's it!

We'll arrange everything once we've chosen your new supplier, meaning that your energy supply is never interrupted.

Some broadband deals are only available in certain postcodes, so in order to only show you deals that are available in your area we ask for your postcode first.

Fibre optic broadband offers faster internet speeds through an advanced delivery system which is now rolling out across the UK. Fibre is only available in certain areas, so once you’ve provided your postcode we can show you fibre only deals by using the filters on the deals page.

Getting a broadband package or bundle means getting more than just broadband - you could get a deal which includes broadband, TV and a mobile phone deal for example. The biggest benefit of consolidating your bills via a package is the saving - it’s normal to get a much cheaper deal if you opt for a multi-product bundle. Of course, if you’d prefer to just switch your broadband, then this is absolutely fine!

If you’re out of contract (meaning you’re not currently on a fixed-term plan) then yes, you’re free to switch to a cheaper deal whenever you like! There are over 8 million UK households that are out of contract currently, paying more than they need to for their broadband package. If you’re still in a contract with your existing provider, you may need to pay to exit that contract. If what you’d save by switching outweighs the fee to leave your existing contract, it’s something you’ll definitely want to consider.

There are a few ways to avoid getting a phone line with a new broadband package, namely via mobile broadband. This is where you’d have a dongle providing your broadband connection, which acts as a personal hotspot obtaining signal through the 4G mobile network. For most of us, however, broadband packages are still reliant on a phone line - even fibre optic packages.

Whilst you can technically switch whenever you like, how much it will cost you to do so depends on whether you’re currently in a contract. If you’re in a contract you may need to ‘pay off' your contract in order to switch, meaning you need to pay the remainder of your contract in one go.

For example, if you’re 2 months in to a 12 month contract which costs you £20 a month, you’d need to pay £200 (£20 x 10 months) in order to leave that contract early. If you’re not in a contract right now, you can leave whenever you like!

Does the thought of having to update your friends, family and entire network when you get a new phone number send shivers down your spine? You’re not alone! Luckily, keeping your existing mobile number when switching mobiles is a breeze - you simply request your PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) code from your current supplier and give it to your new one. Nice and easy.

We compare deals from the biggest UK mobile phone networks, including EE, O2, Vodafone and 3. Not only do we have deals from the biggest networks, but we have the latest models from leading manufacturers as well.

Absolutely, the choice is yours. Whether you prefer the flexibility of a SIM-only deal, or the consistency of contract, there are great deals available on the best new phones for both options.

Nope, we have deals which will allow you to pay a small amount (or sometimes nothing) up front, meaning you can get your hands on the best phones in the market for a fraction of what they’d cost to buy outright.

The cost of your car insurance varies on a large number of factors, so it’s hard to say without knowing more about the car and the drivers. Things like where you live, where the car is kept during the day and overnight, the price and age of the car and many more factors are considered, so it’s best that you do a quick quote and find out your savings.

Whilst there’s a lot of talk about the factors that can lead to your premium going up (modifying your car, for example), people rarely talk about what can help bring it back down. One such way, which is growing in popularity, is installing a ‘black box’ or telematics device in your car. This isn’t a requirement, but insurers tend to offer lower rates to drivers when they can track their driving habits.

Just before we show you cheaper insurance deals, we’ll ask you when you want the new policy to start (this is normally on the date your existing policy is due to end). Any quote generated through BillBuddy will be valid until the date you choose for your new policy to start.

There are three levels of cover available through BillBuddy, each offering you varying levels of insurance. The highest level of cover is Fully Comprehensive cover, which will cover you against any damage to your own vehicle, as well as any damage to any third party or their property.

The second highest level is Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT) which covers any third party, as well as covering you for fire damage, theft or damage caused as a result of an attempted theft of your vehicle.

Finally there is Third Party insurance, which only covers you for damage caused to a third party or their property - nothing else.

Car (and other types of) insurance are split into two sections - premiums and excess. The premium is the amount you will pay for the insurance in total - for example £50 a month or £600 for the year.

The excess is the amount that you would pay in the event that you want to make a claim, and this is split into two further parts - the voluntary and the compulsory excess. The compulsory excess is self-explanatory and is the amount that you have to pay if you want to make a claim on your insurance policy. The voluntary excess is the amount you volunteer to pay in the event of a claim.

Why would you ever volunteer to pay more? Well, insurers know that in the event of a claim, their costs would be reduced (as you’re paying more voluntarily), so they may discount your premium in return.

Whilst having a home insurance policy is not a legal requirement, your mortgage provider may insist that you have coverage for the duration of your mortgage. Home insurance is like a safety net which covers you against something happening to your property or its contents.

Whether you take out buildings, contents or combined policy is completely up to you, and depends on your personal situation.

If you own your home and pay a mortgage, it’s likely that your mortgage provider will insist on you having buildings insurance as a way to protect their investment. If you rent, it’s likely that your landlord will have buildings insurance so you’ll only need contents insurance.

Of course, homeowners also want to insure the contents of their home - if this is the case, a combined buildings and contents insurance is what you need.

Accidental damage cover insures you against damage that occurs suddenly as a result of an unexpected and non-deliberate external action. That’s the official definition, but in realistic terms that can mean anything from a smashed vase to hammering a nail into a water pipe.

Whether you need it or not is entirely up to you - if there are small children in the property, it might be worth the extra cover as they’re often the culprit for much of the accidental damage that happens in our houses.

Content insurance should cover anything you’d take if you moved house, including things like carpets and curtains. Take a reasonable estimate of everything you’d take with you if you were to move and add it together to get the contents value of your home.

It's hard to say how much you could save by switching your business energy, as it depends entirely on the size of your business and how much energy you use. If you've not switched your business energy for a year or two, there's a good chance you could save money.

Absolutely not. Once we've found out how much you can save, we'll arrange a switch-over date for you, meaning that there will never be any interruption to your energy supply throughout the switching process.

The entire process takes around a month provided we have all of the information we need, and there will never be any interruption to your energy supply. We'll set your new tariff up to start on the day that your existing tariff ends, providing a smooth transition where the only thing you'll notice is a cheaper bill!

Just like with household energy, we believe that no business should be overpaying for their energy bills. That's why we help businesses to find a cheaper deal, and then monitor the market for them forever. We'll let you know when it's time to switch again, so you're always on a competitive rate and never paying more than you need to.