Car insurance disparity

the black fox

the black fox

Suspended / Banned
Messages
17,082
Name
Jeff
Edit My Images
No
Got my renewal notice through today . Clean licence ,forever no claims bonus and it had gone up over £100 quid , been with LV for 3 years with no problems .. went straight on to compare the meerkat and got exactly the same level of cover plus upgraded recovery for over £130 per year less .and with a reputable company to plus usual meerkat meal and cinema deals as well ..
What has stunned me is the difference in pricing though ,totally crazy anyway job done rant over
 
I changed my cover middle of last year, went from Focus 2.0 diesel to BM 320 2.0 diesel and paid the difference for the short period. This year renewal came through £800 nearly, meerkat brought up Sainsbury's insurance £400. Same cover etc. Seems crazy there can be such a difference.
 
I have come to the conclusion that there is no logic to car insurance. Staying with the same insurer seems to mean they will just increase premiums by a substantial amount each year for no obvious reason. If you enter your details into a comparison site, the range of prices is staggering. Some companies will only take on certain risks which I can understand. I few years ago a small change in the name of my daughter’s job made a massive difference to the premium. Sometimes haggling works but often it is clear they are not interested. Just before Christmas someone reversed into my daughter’s car in a car park. The insurer accepted it as a no claims fault, but I expect the premium will increase next year.
 
I use a specialist broker for modified cars for my Civic and it has stayed pretty much the same for the last 4 years with a slight increase last year.
I picked up an NC MX5 as a second car and found another broker that insured it as a classic so sub £200 and even adding a full custom exhaust and tune the renewal was the same.
 
I just go compare every year and my insurance hasn't budged in the last decade I reckon about £300 fully comp is about right for me and the wife.
 
MatBin said:
I changed my cover middle of last year, went from Focus 2.0 diesel to BM 320 2.0 diesel and paid the difference for the short period. This year renewal came through £800 nearly, meerkat brought up Sainsbury's insurance £400. Same cover etc. Seems crazy there can be such a difference.
Click to expand...
You're right, that is crazy, my Focus RS was only £389. I am willing to bet the insurance group is a lot higher on mine and I live in one of the highest car theft areas in the UK too.
 
Mine went down last year, comp, full protected bonus so no changes, just a loyalty bonus
Having worked in insurance I still believe you get what you pay for, a lot
of cheaper firms look good in paper but you never know until you make a claim,
some are better at wriggling out then others
 
You have to take into account the insurance model, they have calculated very accurately the point at which their increases loose customers, then the look at how many leave vs the increase, with some basic maths you come up with a percentage increase that maximises their revenue, (actually very clever) they do that each and every year working on thenssumption that most people are too lazy to look around and check.

We use M&S and it increases massively every year, we ring and cancel, they ask why, then they say ok, they never honour the new price, simp,y say we have to take out a new policy online, this year saved £220 and got £50 in vouchers.
 
The agreed value, modified car insurance on the Mk1 Escort has always stayed about the same for as long as I can remember with the same company.

The Focus this year was slightly cheaper on renewal, again with a more specialist company for slight modifications. Compare etc are a waste of time in my experience unless you drive a bog standard car and click the 'no modifications' box.
 
Whenever we get an insurance renewal I always check online what it would cost as a new customer with the same company. It is almost always cheaper than the renewal, we have stayed with LV for years doing this but you need to check as soon as the renewal comes through & not leave it until the last moment. I have my suspicions that the premium rises the closer you get to renewal date.
 
Last year my broker (Adrian Flux) wanted to increase the price massively, even though nothing had changed at my end (no claims or convictions) and I moved to Direct Line, which was far cheaper for the same cover..

It's renewal time again, Direct Line have increased my premium by 20% so I phoned Adrian Flux, who had written to me asking me to ring them for a new quote, but this turned out to still be much higher than Direct Line. More in hope than expectation I checked with Compare the market, all of their prices were much higher still, even though a lot of people seem to get good prices there. I can see why the commission that they charge the insurers would push up their prices, but it seems strange to me that other people can get good deals through them and I can't. . .

My guess is that I'm non-standard, in that I'm old and that I drive a big, heavy off roader. But I have full no claims, and my only conviction, for speeding, was 40 years ago.
 
broc said:
Whenever we get an insurance renewal I always check online what it would cost as a new customer with the same company. It is almost always cheaper than the renewal, we have stayed with LV for years doing this but you need to check as soon as the renewal comes through & not leave it until the last moment. I have my suspicions that the premium rises the closer you get to renewal date.
Click to expand...
It does rise closer to the renewal date. Martin Lewis highlighted this a year or so ago, the best time is about a month before renewal when the premium will be at its lowest. Then it starts rising again. Apparently insurance companies reckon people who do searches at the last minute are a higher risk.
 
I'm with direct line and the premium on my daily driver has stayed flat at around £200 for several years (group 20 on the old 20 group scheme, group 44 on the 50 group scheme). At that price I don't even bother with comparing meerkats.
 
Garry Edwards said:
Last year my broker (Adrian Flux) wanted to increase the price massively, even though nothing had changed at my end (no claims or convictions) and I moved to Direct Line, which was far cheaper for the same cover..

It's renewal time again, Direct Line have increased my premium by 20% so I phoned Adrian Flux, who had written to me asking me to ring them for a new quote, but this turned out to still be much higher than Direct Line. More in hope than expectation I checked with Compare the market, all of their prices were much higher still, even though a lot of people seem to get good prices there. I can see why the commission that they charge the insurers would push up their prices, but it seems strange to me that other people can get good deals through them and I can't. . .

My guess is that I'm non-standard, in that I'm old and that I drive a big, heavy off roader. But I have full no claims, and my only conviction, for speeding, was 40 years ago.
Click to expand...
It can depend on your postcode too. If there’s been an increasing trend of theft or vandalism in the area then they’ll hoik the premiums up because of the higher risk. There’s been a sudden spate of vehicle thefts, break ins and stolen catalytic converters in our area, apparently by a gang travelling in especially for the purpose. I’m expecting my next quote to be a lot higher. :(
 
boogie man said:
It can depend on your postcode too. If there’s been an increasing trend of theft or vandalism in the area then they’ll hoik the premiums up because of the higher risk. There’s been a sudden spate of vehicle thefts, break ins and stolen catalytic converters in our area, apparently by a gang travelling in especially for the purpose. I’m expecting my next quote to be a lot higher. :(
Click to expand...
They get everywhere to be honest.
 
I read somewhere that the 'CAT' thieves are targeting older hybrids (especially Toyotas) as they have higher amounts of platinum etc in them than newer catalytic converters.
 
broc said:
I read somewhere that the 'CAT' thieves are targeting older hybrids (especially Toyotas) as they have higher amounts of platinum etc in them than newer catalytic converters.
Click to expand...
Prius around 2009 I believe.
A cat thief died last November. He had broken into a locked compound and for some odd reason decided to jack the car up high enough that he could lay on a wooden pallet while cutting the cat out. Karma played it's part and the jack failed lowering the car onto his chest. He was found dead the next morning.
Another reason for older cars being a target is that some have the cat situated in an accessible position, most recent cars have the cat bolted straight onto the exhaust manifold or cylinder head, making them impossible to get at without opening the bonnet and unbolting them.
 
There is apparently an anti theft kit available for Prius cats - but it's unavailable at the moment, as are the cats themselves due to the higher demand since they're being stolen...
 
broc said:
I read somewhere that the 'CAT' thieves are targeting older hybrids (especially Toyotas) as they have higher amounts of platinum etc in them than newer catalytic converters.
Click to expand...

Oh dear. I have a Prius 2006 .My wife had it from new (company car) I really liked it especially the 50+ mpg and no petrol use under 28mph so greatr in heavy slow-moving traffic. When they gave her a new one she asked the Fleet manager if I could but it otherwise they'd send it to auction. I pay £10 vel per annum. I only use it to travel to see steam locos and visit Slimbridge/Somerset Levels..that's all. All I've paid out for it has been for battery renewal (the small 12v one ) and tyres.

I read about the CC thefts last week.Sometimes they'll even go to a supermarket and target a car coming in.One will follow the shopper into the supermarket to see if they do a full shop or just in for one or two items so either their accomplices has time..less than 3 minutes,apparantly, to get what the cc or have to abandon it. Seems the metal prices have rocketed.£1300/oz ..rhodium £4000/oz. Palladium £1725/oz

Derbyshire is being targeted. In Derbyshire 5 stolen on Jan. 29th. mMre from Chesterfield Royal Hospital car park. A further check shows pretty welll over over including my area. One tip is when parked do so that makes it difficult for the thieves.

I read that these convertes are at the front of the exhaust system on the nearside so the advice is when parking in a public car park (or at home if no garage) put the front up against a wall. On my Prius it would be difficult/impossible to get under the car from the side so I assume they go under the front or jack it up. This is why they're targetting the higher chassis vehicles such as SUVs and 4X4s

This shows how they get to it. From the side by the wheel . I've just measured it. 16cm..6 1/2 inches.

https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk...e/catalytic-converter-theft-prevention-advice
 
Last edited:
JohnC6 said:
Oh dear. I have a Prius 2006 .My wife had it from new (company car) I really liked it especially the 50+ mpg and no petrol use under 28mph so greatr in heavy slow-moving traffic. When they gave her a new one she asked the Fleet manager if I could but it otherwise they'd send it to auction. I pay £10 vel per annum. I only use it to travel to see steam locos and visit Slimbridge/Somerset Levels..that's all. All I've paid out for it has been for battery renewal (the small 12v one ) and tyres.

I read about the CC thefts last week.Sometimes they'll even go to a supermarket and target a car coming in.One will follow the shopper into the supermarket to see if they do a full shop or just in for one or two items so either their accomplices has time..less than 3 minutes,apparantly, to get what the cc or have to abandon it. Seems the metal prices have rocketed.£1300/oz ..rhodium £4000/oz. Palladium £1725/oz

Derbyshire is being targeted. In Derbyshire 5 stolen on Jan. 29th. mMre from Chesterfield Royal Hospital car park. A further check shows pretty welll over over including my area. One tip is when parked do so that makes it difficult for the thieves.

I read that these convertes are at the front of the exhaust system on the nearside so the advice is when parking in a public car park (or at home if no garage) put the front up against a wall. On my Prius it would be difficult/impossible to get under the car from the side so I assume they go under the front or jack it up. This is why they're targetting the higher chassis vehicles such as SUVs and 4X4s

This shows how they get to it. From the side by the wheel . I've just measured it. 16cm..6 1/2 inches.

https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk...e/catalytic-converter-theft-prevention-advice
Click to expand...
View: https://youtu.be/aUlikgzaDOE


View: https://youtu.be/CoikldsTdsI
 
Oh dear. I wondered if they did that. If anyone approached them they'd hit them with the bar.
 
JohnC6 said:
Oh dear. I wondered if they did that. If anyone approached them they'd hit them with the bar.
Click to expand...
A little over a year ago, a workmate had his car stolen in the early hours from his drive ( the car was used as transport for stealing cars, trolley jack and angle grinder were found in the car when it was found two weeks later) my mate heard the alarm going off and stuck his head out the bedroom window, shouting at them, he was threatened with an iron bar and got the impression they were prepared to use it. As his wife and daughter were at home and worried about repercussions, he decided not to chance any further confrontation and just phoned the police instead.

No idea if a video is on youtube, but I have seen a video on Facebook of some blokes trying to cut through a chain at the roadside, trying to steal a motorbike, one bloke standing guard brandishing a hammer, and threatening to hit anyone who tried to stop them. Two blokes in a passing van didn't take to kindly to being threatened and set about the bloke, got the hammer off him and proceeded to hit the bloke with the handle end.
 
Garry Edwards said:
Last year my broker (Adrian Flux) wanted to increase the price massively, even though nothing had changed at my end (no claims or convictions) and I moved to Direct Line, which was far cheaper for the same cover..

It's renewal time again, Direct Line have increased my premium by 20% so I phoned Adrian Flux, who had written to me asking me to ring them for a new quote, but this turned out to still be much higher than Direct Line. More in hope than expectation I checked with Compare the market, all of their prices were much higher still, even though a lot of people seem to get good prices there. I can see why the commission that they charge the insurers would push up their prices, but it seems strange to me that other people can get good deals through them and I can't. . .

My guess is that I'm non-standard, in that I'm old and that I drive a big, heavy off roader. But I have full no claims, and my only conviction, for speeding, was 40 years ago.
Click to expand...

Same experience for me. I'm with Direct Line after Churchill (same group since 2012 and both underwritten by United Kingdom Ins. Ltd.. crazy isn't it ) hiked the premium for no good reason and wouldn't budge. I'm into my third year with Direct and it's increased by £20 from the initial premium. Like you, no convictions, retired and additionally low mileage. However, as it's a Prius it might increase next time re these cat converter thefts.
 
nilagin said:
A little over a year ago, a workmate had his car stolen in the early hours from his drive ( the car was used as transport for stealing cars, trolley jack and angle grinder were found in the car when it was found two weeks later) my mate heard the alarm going off and stuck his head out the bedroom window, shouting at them, he was threatened with an iron bar and got the impression they were prepared to use it. As his wife and daughter were at home and worried about repercussions, he decided not to chance any further confrontation and just phoned the police instead.

No idea if a video is on youtube, but I have seen a video on Facebook of some blokes trying to cut through a chain at the roadside, trying to steal a motorbike, one bloke standing guard brandishing a hammer, and threatening to hit anyone who tried to stop them. Two blokes in a passing van didn't take to kindly to being threatened and set about the bloke, got the hammer off him and proceeded to hit the bloke with the handle end.
Click to expand...

Your friend did the right thing. These scum bags have no scruplesw...so..I enjoyed reading the last paragraph (y)

Thuing is, even when they go to court the sentence is no deterrent. I watched some of a TV programme..the likes of Watchdog.. and they reported on a man who had swindled people out of millions through his investmnent scheme. causing no end of misery and stress to his victims. He had a fantastic home..luxury cars and flew by private jet to his home(s) abroad. What did he get ? 18 months. The presenter didn't say if the the proceeds of crime legislation was applied. I'd have thought so.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top