i have always found HIC friendly and efficient. They know what they are talking about, and they arnt complete morons.
On the price front, im unsure, i only used confused.com and them to get my premium of £800 a year (im 20, 2 years ncb)... im hoping that it will drop in june when i renew, will be using HIC again, but i will also shop around. im a student now, so cheaper the better.