Be sure to get alternative insurance quotes

[Frank G]

Be aware of the inclusions/exclusions on the different policies.

Excesses can vary quite considerably.

Make sure you're comparing apples with apples.

Brian

Hi Brian,
You make a good point.
However, just to be clear, I created a spreadsheet with all the features of each quote that I got.
Mileage per annum, Excess, Windscreen cover, Breakdown, Euro cover and Breakdown, Legal cover etc.
The quotes are completely comparable; and Footman James were just much more expensive.
Regards,
Frank

[mjheathcote]

Moved to Peter James from Footman James last year.
Had been with Footman James for years, until I did a check and cut the cost in half ...for actually better cover too.

[Donkey]

Hi Brian,
You make a good point.
However, just to be clear, I created a spreadsheet with all the features of each quote that I got.
Mileage per annum, Excess, Windscreen cover, Breakdown, Euro cover and Breakdown, Legal cover etc.
The quotes are completely comparable; and Footman James were just much more expensive.
Regards,
Frank

Frank,
Sounds like I didn't need to tell you that, spot on.
Though it's a useful reminder to us all. We sometimes, I know I do, get drawn in by the bottom line and not the small print.

Regards,

Brian

[mike@thenook]

Knowing a bit about insurance and how it is sold etc (being an insurance broker) I find this all very amusing..

If you go direct to an insurance company (like Direct Line) they will no discount offer a sweetener to get your business (typically 25/50% in the first year) BT do it on broadband and so on too..
If you go to a broker they will/should seek out the best terms against price for you albeit most people are purely driven by price and do not ever ask to compare the actual policy cover, its terms, conditions and so on - that is what matters in the event of you having a claim - not the price.
Under changes made by the FCA effective 1st April all companies and brokers are duty bound to state what the current premium is and what the renewal premium will be and the reasons for any changes - I wonder how the Direct Line type's will disguise the hefty discounts they give in year 1 to get the business...
As far as FJ are concerned - maybe they had access to a specific classic car scheme which they either lost access to or more likely it was a financial disaster for the Underwriters and the premiums had to be increased to cover the losses..

All motor insurance is to me nightmare - I have 3 cars now on a multicar with Admiral and my Stag on the club scheme because that is where I think it should be - it helps the club and the club are there to help should there be any problems...

JMHO of course

[Richard G]

Silly question, have you tried the club insurance?

As part of our organising for National Day today we met with RH insurance, they are extremely positive, very keen on Club business and giving the SOC club BIG backing for National Day. They also are seeking more business for "Moderns".

I have contact details for the Account Executive, pm me if interested. They insure a lot of RollsRoyces too!

RG

[HersnotHis]

Knowing a bit about insurance and how it is sold etc (being an insurance broker) I find this all very amusing..

If you go direct to an insurance company (like Direct Line) they will no discount offer a sweetener to get your business (typically 25/50% in the first year) BT do it on broadband and so on too..
If you go to a broker they will/should seek out the best terms against price for you albeit most people are purely driven by price and do not ever ask to compare the actual policy cover, its terms, conditions and so on - that is what matters in the event of you having a claim - not the price.
Under changes made by the FCA effective 1st April all companies and brokers are duty bound to state what the current premium is and what the renewal premium will be and the reasons for any changes - I wonder how the Direct Line type's will disguise the hefty discounts they give in year 1 to get the business...
As far as FJ are concerned - maybe they had access to a specific classic car scheme which they either lost access to or more likely it was a financial disaster for the Underwriters and the premiums had to be increased to cover the losses..

All motor insurance is to me nightmare - I have 3 cars now on a multicar with Admiral and my Stag on the club scheme because that is where I think it should be - it helps the club and the club are there to help should there be any problems...

JMHO of course

I have insured both modern cars and 3 houses with Direct Line for a number of years. My experience is contrary to your suggestion as any annual increase is minimal and one year the insurance on one car actually decreased. I get quotes elsewhere every year and DL's premium remains very competitive. Also the way they handled a claim when my wifes car was written off after being rammed up the back at a great rate of knots was exemplary with a good payout (c/w current Autotrader prices), recovery of excess, cost of full tank of petrol, equivalent hire car, no loss of NCB and no increase in premium.

I would insure the Stag with the Club scheme but they quoted me over 50% more than another classic insurer with same conditions agreed value etc.

Just my experience of course

H

[HersnotHis]

Knowing a bit about insurance and how it is sold etc (being an insurance broker) I find this all very amusing..

If you go direct to an insurance company (like Direct Line) they will no discount offer a sweetener to get your business (typically 25/50% in the first year) BT do it on broadband and so on too..
If you go to a broker they will/should seek out the best terms against price for you albeit most people are purely driven by price and do not ever ask to compare the actual policy cover, its terms, conditions and so on - that is what matters in the event of you having a claim - not the price.
Under changes made by the FCA effective 1st April all companies and brokers are duty bound to state what the current premium is and what the renewal premium will be and the reasons for any changes - I wonder how the Direct Line type's will disguise the hefty discounts they give in year 1 to get the business...
As far as FJ are concerned - maybe they had access to a specific classic car scheme which they either lost access to or more likely it was a financial disaster for the Underwriters and the premiums had to be increased to cover the losses..

All motor insurance is to me nightmare - I have 3 cars now on a multicar with Admiral and my Stag on the club scheme because that is where I think it should be - it helps the club and the club are there to help should there be any problems...

JMHO of course

I have insured both modern cars and 3 houses with Direct Line for a number of years. My experience is contrary to your suggestion as any annual increase is minimal and one year the insurance on one car actually decreased. I get quotes elsewhere every year and DL's premium remains very competitive. Also the way they handled a claim when my wifes car was written off after being rammed up the back at a great rate of knots was exemplary with a good payout (c/w current Autotrader prices), recovery of excess, cost of full tank of petrol, equivalent hire car, no loss of NCB and no increase in premium.

I would insure the Stag with the Club scheme but they quoted me over 50% more than another classic insurer with same conditions agreed value etc.

Just my experience of course

H

[Frank G]

Hi Mike,
I did try to use the Club Scheme, however will not insure your car unless you have another cars as a daily driver. They clearly don't believe that you should use your Stag as a daily driver. My Stag is my daily driver, therefore no Club insurance.
Cheers,
Frank

[mike@thenook]

I have insured both modern cars and 3 houses with Direct Line for a number of years. My experience is contrary to your suggestion as any annual increase is minimal and one year the insurance on one car actually decreased. I get quotes elsewhere every year and DL's premium remains very competitive. Also the way they handled a claim when my wifes car was written off after being rammed up the back at a great rate of knots was exemplary with a good payout (c/w current Autotrader prices), recovery of excess, cost of full tank of petrol, equivalent hire car, no loss of NCB and no increase in premium.

I would insure the Stag with the Club scheme but they quoted me over 50% more than another classic insurer with same conditions agreed value etc.

Just my experience of course

H

got that - twice.....

ive also insured cars with DL in the past, it was not a criticism just an observation on how they and similar "non broker" companies ply for business - I speak from experience hence my comments