Fire away with questions!

[James Clatworthy]

Hi all, I've been reading a lot of insurance related queries etc on here, having worked for an insurance company for a while, I'd like to think i know my stuff, so I thought it would be an idea to start a thread and answer any questions any of you may have regarding insurance, so they're all on one thread for people to read through, so as the title says, please fire away, and I'll answer any questions...

 

[Boydie]

Why are insurance companies such dicks?

 

[James Clatworthy]

Why are insurance companies such dicks?

Because they can get away with what they like! One of the reasons I quit, they rip everyone off! Hahaha

 

[paradigital]

Why do insurance companies make renewal "quotes" lol-worthy in value? Why waste both my time, and your own?

 

[Liquidfusion-S3]

Who is the cheapest insurance company to go with?
What's the best tip to get the lowest premium?
Why does most if not all insurance database not have an imported car reg on the database, and if it does why is the model incorrect? How do you go abouts correcting it?

Is it a problem if you model on the insurance database doesn't match even if you enter in your reg number? As in Insurance company has it down as A3, but my car is S3.

 

[Tom.H]

As in Insurance company has it down as A3, but my car is S3.

I guess technically it is an A3, mine is insured as an Audi A3 S3 I'm sure.

 

[azibux1]

I guess technically it is an A3, mine is insured as an Audi A3 S3 I'm sure.

This. I would expect S3 to be in there somewhere at least though. Mine is "A3 S3..."

 

[Audi Bairn]

I guess technically it is an A3, mine is insured as an Audi A3 S3 I'm sure.

Agreed.
Mines shown as an A3 blah blah...... S3 Quattro etc
Same with my S5, it was an A5 etc etc.

 

[James Clatworthy]

Why do insurance companies make renewal "quotes" lol-worthy in value? Why waste both my time, and your own?

So there is an actual reason for this, and its what's called a sleeper customer, someone who signs up for their insurance, then doesn't look at the renewal documentation, and it's actually over 30% of customers that fall into this category, which is why they can always knock money off due to previously inflated prices, hoping you won't call about your renewal.

Who is the cheapest insurance company to go with?
What's the best tip to get the lowest premium?
Why does most if not all insurance database not have an imported car reg on the database, and if it does why is the model incorrect? How do you go abouts correcting it?

Is it a problem if you model on the insurance database doesn't match even if you enter in your reg number? As in Insurance company has it down as A3, but my car is S3.

The MID is updated every night, so the registration should be correct, how ever a quick call to your insurer should solve the issue as they can update it.
As to the cheapest company, every company has over 60 different rating factors, so different people in different circumstances fall differently. Admiral is 100% the cheapest for people under 25, as they work on volume of customers and have a ridiculously low average pay out. Tips for getting the lowest premium.. occupation, try and spin it some way, EG a painter or builder is bad, if youre a manager or some sort in those trades put that down because it's still applicable, ALWAYS shop around, and threaten to leave a company, you'll be amazed at what they can do to bargain with you, from discounts to upgraded cover F.O.C

The imported Car would be through the DVLA as that's where insurers go for their info. and as to the A3 S3 situation. absolutely, an A3 S3 TFSI is 25 groups lower than an S3 it self, just a little loophole for you all there... i hope this helps.

 

[Liquidfusion-S3]

as to the A3 S3 situation. absolutely, an A3 S3 TFSI is 25 groups lower than an S3 it self, just a little loophole for you all there... i hope this helps.

That's interesting because last year when I took out my insurance with Admiral they had my car down as A3 S3 TFSI on documentation, now this year all it states on the documentation is A3, the S3 TFSI is no where to be seen.
Now the real question is, is this going to be a problem? Will they refuse a claim if I ever needed to because of the model type?

I would urge everyone who has taken a policy out with Admiral to double check as nothing from my end had changed.

I asked the adviser when renewing the policy and he stated yes it's on their systems, but not on the given insurance document which sounds fishy.

 

[James Clatworthy]

That's interesting because last year when I took out my insurance with Admiral they had my car down as A3 S3 TFSI on documentation, now this year all it states on the documentation is A3, the S3 TFSI is no where to be seen.
Now the real question is, is this going to be a problem? Will they refuse a claim if I ever needed to because of the model type?

I would urge everyone who has taken a policy out with Admiral to double check as nothing from my end had changed.

I asked the adviser when renewing the policy and he stated yes it's on their systems, but not on the given insurance document which sounds fishy.

The reason for that is they've gone to a new system called guidewire, they've changed the policy documentation as well now, to make it more generic, because would call in saying there fiesta was the zetec, when it made no difference, and just clogged the lines up, so there aim is to drop hold time and increase the answer rate, which is now why the documents dont tend to state the exact car, if you've stated its an S3 the calls are recorded and you're covered regardless now, as its their liability to make sure it's correct.

 

[Ormesome]

So there is an actual reason for this, and its what's called a sleeper customer, someone who signs up for their insurance, then doesn't look at the renewal documentation, and it's actually over 30% of customers that fall into this category, which is why they can always knock money off due to previously inflated prices, hoping you won't call about your renewal.

This was going to be my question. Thanks of the info. Surely though keeping the business of existing customers that leave after 1 year is worth more than the 30% average of people who don't check the renewals? is there a breakdown of average customer stats? like 30% renewals, 40% new customers, 30% leaving? i go to a different company nearly every year as the new price is almost always 20%+ cheaper to change and every insurer seems to not care if they keep me as a customer or not!

Nice thread though, I'm sure it will develop into a good "sticky" and help us all

 

[Liquidfusion-S3]

The reason for that is they've gone to a new system called guidewire, they've changed the policy documentation as well now, to make it more generic, because would call in saying there fiesta was the zetec, when it made no difference, and just clogged the lines up, so there aim is to drop hold time and increase the answer rate, which is now why the documents dont tend to state the exact car, if you've stated its an S3 the calls are recorded and you're covered regardless now, as its their liability to make sure it's correct.

Brilliant response, thumbs up for you!

 

[infernox]

Will my insurance go up for a non-fault claim? If so by how much would it go up, first time it's happened and got 5 years no claims. Also when its renewal time and you compare car insurance, what if your existing provider is still the cheapest? The new customer quote is lower than the renewal quote so how would you get it as close to the new customer quote?

 

[Garvie]

Is it worth paying for no claims protection? I've never taken this option, but now that I'm at 10 years no claims I have started to wonder if it's worth taking this out. Does it actually protect your no claims?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Liquidfusion-S3]

I have a Toyota Estima as a second car and every online insurance company brings it back as a Toyota Previa when entering the reg number. (if it works)
You can't find it manually either as the exact model doesn't come up (different engine size/fuel type), how do you go about insuring this imported Jap car with the correct details online?

Also, why isn't the car on confused.com when searching by reg?


These aren't my cars but let's take these for example and their reg:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703193459626?model=ESTIMA&make=TOYOTA&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&postcode=da74sj&sort=sponsored&keywords=hybrid&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1500&page=1

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201705135423063?model=ESTIMA&make=TOYOTA&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&postcode=da74sj&sort=sponsored&keywords=hybrid&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1500&page=1


Can't find the car by using reg number, and can't find exact model of car manually whether it is confused.com / admiral.com etc

 

[James Clatworthy]

This was going to be my question. Thanks of the info. Surely though keeping the business of existing customers that leave after 1 year is worth more than the 30% average of people who don't check the renewals? is there a breakdown of average customer stats? like 30% renewals, 40% new customers, 30% leaving? i go to a different company nearly every year as the new price is almost always 20%+ cheaper to change and every insurer seems to not care if they keep me as a customer or not!

Nice thread though, I'm sure it will develop into a good "sticky" and help us all

Thanks! The money they off the 30% is truly mind blowing, and even the next 50% that call and renew (makes the renewal rate 80%) still rarely get maximum discount and pay an over the odd rate so to speak, I would completely agree with you that loyalty would work better, but with the market being so competitive they work on new business quotes the most and hope people are too lazy to move...

Will my insurance go up for a non-fault claim? If so by how much would it go up, first time it's happened and got 5 years no claims. Also when its renewal time and you compare car insurance, what if your existing provider is still the cheapest? The new customer quote is lower than the renewal quote so how would you get it as close to the new customer quote?

Your insurance would tend to rise for a non fault claim, as statistically is shows that you drive in a high risk zone or area, and that there's a possibility a fault claim could follow as a result of this, with 5 years it would depend on the claim, how ever it won't affect your NCB... regardless of the price of your renewal quote, always ask for a better one, there's always room to budge, keep your cards close to you chest, and don't give them any info, as more often than not they can beat new customer quotes, for example say your renewal was 600, and they quoted you 500 as a new customer, they could match that price... however there may actually be 150 pounds of "loyalty discount" available on your policy, which you wouldn't see as they'd just match the 500, so always get there best renewal price first.. if it doesn't come close they can match it, permitting details are the same

Is it worth paying for no claims protection? I've never taken this option, but now that I'm at 10 years no claims I have started to wonder if it's worth taking this out. Does it actually protect your no claims?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

in your situation with 10 yrs NCB, I would definitely do it myself, your premium would still go up slightly at renewals, but you still have 10 years discount, it would go up again if you lost those, if in doubt as to whether or not it's worth it, ring your insurer and ask them to quote you with 0 yrs NCB and ask what protection cost.. protection at 10 yrs is normally not very expensive, depending on the car of course, but can cost you a lot if you lose them, so in short, yes protection is worth it, at the right price, if you want more info on this, please don't hesitate to ask, as there's masses of variants in this sector

I have a Toyota Estima as a second car and every online insurance company brings it back as a Toyota Previa when entering the reg number. (if it works)
You can't find it manually either as the exact model doesn't come up (different engine size/fuel type), how do you go about insuring this imported Jap car with the correct details online?

Also, why isn't the car on confused.com when searching by reg?


These aren't my cars but let's take these for example and their reg:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703193459626?model=ESTIMA&make=TOYOTA&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&postcode=da74sj&sort=sponsored&keywords=hybrid&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1500&page=1

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201705135423063?model=ESTIMA&make=TOYOTA&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&postcode=da74sj&sort=sponsored&keywords=hybrid&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1500&page=1


Can't find the car by using reg number, and can't find exact model of car manually whether it is confused.com / admiral.com etc

On my phone at the moment, but I'll have a look at this as soon as I'm in front of a PC tomorrow for you!

 

[Tom.H]

This was going to be my question. Thanks of the info. Surely though keeping the business of existing customers that leave after 1 year is worth more than the 30% average of people who don't check the renewals? is there a breakdown of average customer stats? like 30% renewals, 40% new customers, 30% leaving? i go to a different company nearly every year as the new price is almost always 20%+ cheaper to change and every insurer seems to not care if they keep me as a customer or not!

Nice thread though, I'm sure it will develop into a good "sticky" and help us all

My R32 renewal last year was near on £700, done a quote online and it came to just over £360. Phoned them up and they matched it, shows how much they screw you when you auto renew!

 

[James Clatworthy]

My R32 renewal last year was near on £700, done a quote online and it came to just over £360. Phoned them up and they matched it, shows how much they screw you when you auto renew!

Big time, I used to write off literally 10's of thousands a day

 

[infernox]

Your insurance would tend to rise for a non fault claim, as statistically is shows that you drive in a high risk zone or area, and that there's a possibility a fault claim could follow as a result of this, with 5 years it would depend on the claim, how ever it won't affect your NCB... regardless of the price of your renewal quote, always ask for a better one, there's always room to budge, keep your cards close to you chest, and don't give them any info, as more often than not they can beat new customer quotes, for example say your renewal was 600, and they quoted you 500 as a new customer, they could match that price... however there may actually be 150 pounds of "loyalty discount" available on your policy, which you wouldn't see as they'd just match the 500, so always get there best renewal price first.. if it doesn't come close they can match it, permitting details are the same

So what would you say to them on the phone? 600 is too much, what's the lowest you can do??

 

[James Clatworthy]

So what would you say to them on the phone? 600 is too much, what's the lowest you can do??

Absolutely, just ring up, confirm everything is correct and just say i want your absolute best price, what's the lowest you can go to? I've had better price else where... let them tell you their best offer first.. and its sometimes asking a second time, as they don't put max discount onto the policy

 

[-Ju-]

With regards to insuring a modified car, are there any companies that are more mod friendly than others and would a comparison website usually produce the best quotes?
Also regards excess, are you better putting it as high as possible and getting excess insurance or is it not really worth it?

 

[Tom.H]

With regards to insuring a modified car, are there any companies that are more mod friendly than others and would a comparison website usually produce the best quotes?
Also regards excess, are you better putting it as high as possible and getting excess insurance or is it not really worth it?

Sorry to answer for you @James Clatworthy but when I was looking I looked at the difference in premium between the different excess amounts, I have mine set to £0, if I put it to £250 the premium didn't go up by £250 so in case of a claim it would end up costing me more in theory.

 

[Ormesome]

Sorry to answer for you @James Clatworthy but when I was looking I looked at the difference in premium between the different excess amounts, I have mine set to £0, if I put it to £250 the premium didn't go up by £250 so in case of a claim it would end up costing me more in theory.

Same here. I have £0 excess (comp & voluntary) and to make it £500 only brought the price down around £100 so no point really. Easy to check and configure with comparison websites

 

[James Clatworthy]

With regards to insuring a modified car, are there any companies that are more mod friendly than others and would a comparison website usually produce the best quotes?
Also regards excess, are you better putting it as high as possible and getting excess insurance or is it not really worth it?

adrian flux tend to be the best to go with for modded cars... there are also some specialist insurers out there, but cant remember all of them off the top of my head..

Sorry to answer for you @James Clatworthy but when I was looking I looked at the difference in premium between the different excess amounts, I have mine set to £0, if I put it to £250 the premium didn't go up by £250 so in case of a claim it would end up costing me more in theory.

haha no worries! This is spot on, but there's a few bits to add to it! It's independent for every person, and excess affects premium differently on every policy, so the best thing to do would be ring up like tom said.

I've always had a high excess, due to the fact it's simply deducted from you payout when if you make a claim.. so you essentially never see the money.. this is all personal preference though, and not all companies offer excess cover. but if premium is the only thing that matters, and you have faith in yourself behind the wheel.. dont be scared of excess

 

[-Ju-]

adrian flux tend to be the best to go with for modded cars... there are also some specialist insurers out there, but cant remember all of them off the top of my head..

Never had any joy with them tbh, always a good few hundred pounds more than the best quotes. My postcode has the biggest effect on premiums and it's not even a bad area!

 

[-Ju-]

I've just done my son's insurance on his first car and the premium was just over 2k with the maximum excess set to £750. I can't remember what the lowest excess was but there was still a compulsory involved and it made over £100 difference to his premium.
Excess insurance was £32!

 

[Liquidfusion-S3]

So..... any word on the missing/incorrect reg details on the insurance databases?

 

[Lyndster]

Do points on your license actually affect your premium?

 

[James Clatworthy]

So..... any word on the missing/incorrect reg details on the insurance databases?

Did some research into this, and it's actually the DVLA who would have to deal with the issue, due to insurance companies not being an official licensing agency, so to speak

Do points on your license actually affect your premium?

Absolutely, they are a huge factor, and even the offence can affect the premium, now, I'm not saying you should... but there's no way for insurance companies to prove you've done a speed awareness course as it doesn't go onto you license.. if you get my drift...

Never had any joy with them tbh, always a good few hundred pounds more than the best quotes. My postcode has the biggest effect on premiums and it's not even a bad area!

Even the average vehicle value on your postcode can have a factor, so because your son is a new driver, and if the average vehicle value is high, it makes it a high risk, due to claim potentially being more expensive with a collision with a jag, not a KA etc... unfortunately, insurance companies have figured every possible way to screw everyone

 

[musicegbdf]

First James thank you for doing this.
My occupation is not listed so I have to go with the nearest . Is it better to be a "manager" or a Clerk.

Also I know of people falling foul of the tricky tactic of no fault claim , using legal protection policy for courtesy car. I assume you know the one I mean , where unknowingly you give up your rights under the policy to be moved to a sister company that charges an exorbitant charge for courtesy car to the other insurance company and driving up premiums and increased stress for the claimant.
Am sure you know what I mean . I do not take either legal protection or courtesy car since this.

 

[James Clatworthy]

First James thank you for doing this.
My occupation is not listed so I have to go with the nearest . Is it better to be a "manager" or a Clerk.

Also I know of people falling foul of the tricky tactic of no fault claim , using legal protection policy for courtesy car. I assume you know the one I mean , where unknowingly you give up your rights under the policy to be moved to a sister company that charges an exorbitant charge for courtesy car to the other insurance company and driving up premiums and increased stress for the claimant.
Am sure you know what I mean . I do not take either legal protection or courtesy car since this.

Not a problem! I'm happy to help and share my knowledge! Ummm, I know advisor is the best, it's group 3, which is super low! Manager is also good! So try one of those 2, yeah non fault claims are a nightmare, you get charged extra in next years premium for them. And yeah MLP (motor legal protection) is an interesting one, most insurers as you said pass it on, to most of the time pretty useless 3rd parties, who again as you said, suck every last penny out of a claim, it can have its benefits in terms of lawyers in tricky situations, but if you already have cover then it's a complete waste.

Unfortunately for the consumer, no insurance company will take the moral high ground first and put their hands up and stop squeezing every claim, and unfortunately until they do, premiums are only going one way...

 

[Liquidfusion-S3]

Does defaqto ratings actually mean anything or is it just jargon for the company to sound good?
Saga insurance constantly bangs on about their 5 star rating however never having to claim (touch wood) how are we to know?

 

[deanshaw24]

Insurance prices are litterally changing everyday a ridiculous amount. Compare the markets crap now as a quote is only valid for 1 day. Last week I got a quote of £800, the day after it went down to £650, did a quote again yesterday down to £640, now today it's £1145!!! I haven't changed anything

 

[James Clatworthy]

Does defaqto ratings actually mean anything or is it just jargon for the company to sound good?
Saga insurance constantly bangs on about their 5 star rating however never having to claim (touch wood) how are we to know?

This is actually a really good point, I've always looked at defaqto as the FCA's rating system like hotels, it's a simple, consumer friendly way of rating the quality of cover on offer, whether that be car insurance or home insurance, i never pay a massive deal of attention to it, as I have certain criteria that I want My policy to meet, and as long as my preferences are ticked, that's all that matters to me, as people that enjoy cars and everything that goes with them, I would say defaqto is not something that means a great deal, as we tend to look into a policy more than it just being fully comp..

Insurance prices are litterally changing everyday a ridiculous amount. Compare the markets **** now as a quote is only valid for 1 day. Last week I got a quote of £800, the day after it went down to £650, did a quote again yesterday down to £640, now today it's £1145!!! I haven't changed anything

Unfortunately there's absolutely no logical explanation for this one, all I do know is that if they've offered you that price it'll be on their system for 2 weeks, so give them a call and they should be able to honour it, but to be safe, always write down quote numbers... then you're good to go when you give them a call, without a valid quote number the handler can't do anything

 

[SportbackSam]

Insurance prices are litterally changing everyday a ridiculous amount. Compare the markets **** now as a quote is only valid for 1 day. Last week I got a quote of £800, the day after it went down to £650, did a quote again yesterday down to £640, now today it's £1145!!! I haven't changed anything

Clear your internet cookies and cache the comparisons track each time you search and bump up prices that way. (Or so I believe)

 

[James Clatworthy]

Clear your internet cookies and cache the comparisons track each time you search and bump up prices that way. (Or so I believe)

I was going to suggest that, I know it works for flights, no idea wether it works for insurance though, however it makes sense!

 

[Tom.H]

Insurance prices are litterally changing everyday a ridiculous amount. Compare the markets **** now as a quote is only valid for 1 day. Last week I got a quote of £800, the day after it went down to £650, did a quote again yesterday down to £640, now today it's £1145!!! I haven't changed anything

You think that's bad, last year I think it was - I done 3 quotes with Direct Line all within maybe an hour, 2 at the most and all 3 were different! Thankfully I called up after the second (it was less than the first and third quotes)

 

[deanshaw24]

I just read the t&c and they said the price is correct at the time of sending the email and it's it's not their problem if the price changes after the email is sent. I went on the company that gave me the good quote and luckily it's come out at £650 again, and they have said it's saved for 2 weeks. Fewww

 

[DrEskimo]

I'm always worried that the move to comparison websites has driven me to purely look at price, rather than what the policy includes/ has to offer. Likewise, I'm always worried how an insurance company will handle any claim/repair work, and think that I may regret just paying the lowest bidder if I need to actually use them.

Any tips on what to look out for and perhaps companies that are better than others with regards to customer service and the way they handle any claims?

Thanks!