Car Insurance

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Sheal, May 6, 2018.

  1. Sheal

    Sheal Total Gardener

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    I couldn't find a dedicated car insurance thread but need advice please.

    I'm about to bring my car insurance to the mainland from the Isle of Man. The company we are still using is Tower Insurance and although it would be cheaper to remain with them no one seems to have heard of them here which could make any future claims difficult.

    I know I'm opening a can of worms but your experiences will be much appreciated before we make the move. Thanks all! :)
     
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    • ricky101

      ricky101 Total Gardener

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      Hi,

      If Tower is covered by UK regulation, don't see why you should have any problem with a claim via them.
      Assume they are happy with your relocation and agree to continue the cover on the mainland on the same basis ?

      Although I have not had to claim from them ( touch wood), have found LV= insurances to be competitive.
       
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        I'd just go online and get a comparison.
        Renewals are always inflated, if you push they always come down.

        You can often take out a new policy with the same company at a cheaper price, insurance companies, are on the make, they just hope you cant be bothered.:smile:
         
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        • kazzawazza

          kazzawazza Total Gardener

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          Hi @Sheal, a new insurer will generally accept a renewal invitation, a letter or an email as proof of no claims bonus from a UK, Channel Island or Isle of Man insurer.

          I would perhaps use one of the price comparison websites for alternative quotes, but be mindful that a lot of of the cheaper quotes come with a hefty compulsory excess which will apply in addition to any voluntary excess for fire, theft and accidental damage claims.

          You could also try an Insurance Broker, who will look around for the cheapest insurance for you. I was with a broker for a number of years and they always got me a good deal, but this year they just couldn't beat the comparison websites, so I moved.
           
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            Last edited: May 6, 2018
          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            Currently I'm with Aviva - costs me £141 less £50 cash back from Quidco - net cost £91.

            I always use a couple of price comparison sites then usually buy it through Quidco to save even more.

            Martin Lewis has some good tips :Compare cheap car insurance quotes online - MSE
             
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            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              They are happy to continue our insurance but nobody here in Scotland has heard of them. Our worry is that should we need to claim for repairs to our car, would the company repairing it accept a claim from an insurance company they know nothing about. Also, there is a huge bias against the Isle of Man, you wouldn't believe the hurdles we've had to get over since moving back to the mainland. Those that live there are still considered either to be rich or fraudsters - that's not the case! :doh:

              Thanks all for your help. :thumbsup: So far the best quotes we've had ( with full no claims bonus) are from Aviva and Saga on our 4 year old, 1.6ltr Nissan Juke. They still can't beat 'Tower' though. :)
               
            • kazzawazza

              kazzawazza Total Gardener

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              I think I would move my Insurance even if it was more money than Tower have quoted, just for peace of mind. Both Aviva and Saga are also well known insurers.
               
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                Last edited: May 7, 2018
              • Sheal

                Sheal Total Gardener

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                Thanks Kazzawazza. :) We'll wait for our renewal papers to come in and make a comparison. We've found Axa has come in under last years quote this afternoon, so they are now a strong contender.
                 
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                • ricky101

                  ricky101 Total Gardener

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                  Are their prices via a comparison site ? they say you want to use at least 2 different comparison sites to get the best results.

                  Strange how the rates can vary so dramatically, when I have tried quotes from places others say only cost them £300 , including Aviva and Saga, I get quotes of up to £900 ! yet LV= has always been the cheapest Big name for me on the comparison sites for about the last 10 years ...
                   
                • Sheal

                  Sheal Total Gardener

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                  Aviva wasn't on the comparison site we used Ricky but Saga and Axa were. We went to Aviva direct for their quote.

                  The rates do vary but that's down to what car/s you own and it's age. Your own age, how long you've been driving etc.

                  Admiral have been the most expensive so far at £350. Aviva £154 and Axa £147. There is another company called RIS, has anyone heard of them please? They quoted £144.

                  Edit: Correction....RIS is actually RIAS.
                   
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                    Last edited: May 7, 2018
                  • kazzawazza

                    kazzawazza Total Gardener

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                  • CanadianLori

                    CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                    I have coverage through Aviva and the one claim I've had was dealt with quickly, nicely and also they use reputable and quality collision shops. They vette their recommended contractors but if you don't want their fixer, they pay you the amount and you go to your choice.

                    I was well pleased with them :)
                     
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                    • Sheal

                      Sheal Total Gardener

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                    • kazzawazza

                      kazzawazza Total Gardener

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                      RIAS is a trading name of Ageas Retail Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and their firm reference number is 312468. It was established in 1992 originally offering insurance products from a panel of insurers. RIAS was part of Fortis Group, until Fortis adopted an Ageas UK name, reflecting the company’s status as a standalone global insurance group.
                       
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                      • Sheal

                        Sheal Total Gardener

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                        Thanks @kazzawazza. :) We won't be using RIAS if they're connected to Fortis - a past bad experience with them.
                         
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