General Chat

Funny old thing car insurance isn't it? It used to be that if you were using your car for commuting to and from work the premiums would be higher........now it's the other way round!

When I asked the chap at the insurance company about it he explained that the reasoning now is that if you're driving to work you are (a) travelling a familiar route, (b) the car will be parked for most of the day.

Whereas, if you're not working, you will be more likely to be travelling on unfamiliar roads to unfamiliar area (trips to out of town shopping areas etc).

Mary

I used Compare the Market and saved nearly 50% and there were extras in the policy that weren't included in my old one. It's not just the price on the screen that you get. Once you have made an enquiry you will get several phone calls from people representing different brokers and you just take the one that suits you best

That too happened to us. About four years ago I was ringing/networking and a quote from AA was one of the silly ones. Saga came out with best price, paid our money and when paperwork arrived it was AA!!!!

Chris, last month we had renewal letter from company we had been with for 20 yrs. they did not state price just said to phone as circumstances may have changed. I went on to a comparison site and like you had varying quotes. By time I got off computer one of the companies phoned me with a quotation. I said I had not spoken to own company yet and would get back to them. When we spoke the quote our company gave was £80 more, said that was the cheapest they could do. Obviously went with new company. The irony is when the paperwork came through from new broker it was with the company we had previously been with.
Carol

Yes - it is so low 3000 miles. Car is garaged. OH no convictions/points/anything nasty. As I have not drive for 2 years made it driver only. Tried couple more sites this morning and rang insurance broker we have used in past - cheapest they could offer was nearly £300 so looks like our renewal is cheapest of all.

Thanks to all for suggestions

It is riduculous, isn't it? Have you checked the actual mileage he does in a year, rather than a wet finger approach? That may help to reduce it.

Having said that, any change in circumstances may alter the premium. OH's contract ended 2 years ago, meaning he no longer had a 120 mile daily roundtrip commute on the circlular carpark around London. When we renewed and advised that he was no longer employed, they actually put the premium up! His weekly mileage is probably his previous daily!

Hi Mayfield, the comparison sites last night quoted from £220 - £558! Our renewal still slightly cheaper than lowest but will ring around this morning.

Hi Chris,
I remember reading somewhere recently that premiums for “older” older drivers were to go up, I don’t remember where the line was being drawn 65 - 70 I would guess I don't know if your OH falls into this trap or not. Just another excuse to jack up the profits for insurance companies I suspect!
Insurance makes no sense at all, as our car is getting a bit long in the tooth just out of interest, I got a quote from a well known company for third party fire and theft, and it was about £20 more than they quoted full comp!

I’ve found price comparison websites a bit disappointing. I find going direct to the company sites can sometimes get you a better deal, a bit more form filling but presumably in some cases you are saving an additional commission charge.
My wife did manage to reduce her premium this year (with a leading company) by shopping around, so there are deals out there, it’s worth checking with your home insurers or roadside recovery company for customer discounts.
Regards,
Mayfield.

I heard on tv the other day that car insurance has gone up a lot, will be even more when vat goes up I suppose. Times are going to be so hard for so many people in the next few years I think.
Not sure when our insurance is due again.

Lizx

OH nearly had a fit when his renewal came through yesterday. Have gone on line and the quotes there are dearer! His insurance has risen about 30% and no claims, no nothing. Anyone else had a shock?