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Original poster

Car insurance - any experts around?

11 replies

Ewanwhosearmy · 20/08/2017 17:45

My car insurance expires in early September. I had an email from my insurance company asking me to contact them, but no renewal notice sent. When I called them they said they aren't going to offer a renewal this year (I've had 4 claims in 3 years; 3 of them scuffs in car parks which I'm now wishing I'd driven off from instead of leaving my details Sad).

When you ask for a quote for insurance they often ask if you've ever been refused insurance. Do I have to answer yes to this now? Is this going to make it impossible to get insurance? They also say that my no claims is now reduced to 3 years (from about 15 prior to this). Is that right?

OP posts:
UrethaFranklin · 20/08/2017 19:15

I can't believe you wish you had driven away instead of leaving your details, that is soooo wrong Shock Perhaps you should learn how to park and stop scuffing cars in car parks.

Yes, you will have to declare that you have been refused insurance, it may make it more difficult to get cover but probably not impossible. And yes, your no claims will go right down with 4 claims in 3 years, tbh I'm surprised you haven't lost it completely.

greendale17 · 20/08/2017 19:18

You will have a tough time now you have to declare you have been refused insurance.

Together with the fact you have had 4 claims in 3 years will make it extremely difficult for you.

Hollyandtheiveee · 20/08/2017 19:25

But you haven't applied for insurance and been refused? They have just told you they're not offering a quote? I would have thought that wouldn't count as being refused?

Allthebestnamesareused · 20/08/2017 19:26

I think it is as Holly has described. I think it counts not as a refusla but they are warning you they won't quote. Have a look at the comparison sites.

MistyMinge · 20/08/2017 19:29

You should declare if you have had renewal declined. You will find insurance but it's likely to be more expensive, and you'll probably have a compulsory accidental excess applied in light of your claims.

Original poster
Ewanwhosearmy · 20/08/2017 19:59

Uretha the difference is I didn't drive away. Someone has dented my back bumper and driven off. I wouldn't do it but I can see why they did. Not a very helpful comment. It wasn't deliberate and sometimes these things happen. That's why they are called accidents. The first one was a pole not picked up by my sensors and I couldn't see it out of the mirrors or back window. The other 2 both said they'd been hit before and people had driven off. Both were packed carparks with very little room to manoeuvre. Prior to these I hadn't had an accident for 18 years.

Holly that's why I was asking. They haven't actually sent me anything saying they've refused, so I don't know whether that counts or not, hence the question. I was hoping somebody in insurance who actually knows what the answer is would answer.

OP posts:
TheTurdMilliner · 20/08/2017 21:43

I work in insurance, and you definitely will need to disclose this. You will find it harder to get cover, but I suggest trying an insurance broker as they have access to multiple products. Perhaps some of the aggregator sites like Compare the Market or Go Compare might have options too.

TheTurdMilliner · 20/08/2017 21:44

Just to clarify, your renewal has been refused, and the question is usually 'have you ever had insurance refused, declined, cancelled or terms imposed'. By not offering a renewal due to claims experience, this is an insurance refusal.

Ginmakesitallok · 20/08/2017 21:46

4 claims in 3 years is a lot. Of course insurance is going to be difficult now - sorry

specialsubject · 21/08/2017 09:20

The pole is a combination of crap car design and lack of observation. Never rely on sensors, if you aren't sure what is there get out and look.

You must disclose, otherwise you won't be insured.

TheaSaurass · 21/08/2017 13:05

I agree with the TheTurdMilliner on contacting a local insurance broker.

The problem with shopping for insurance quotes now when a driver has something to declare off the norm, is, 'computer sez nooo'.

There are companies out there, maybe using Lloyds Insurance brokers, who make a call and EXPLAIN why you have had 4 prangs in three years, and based on both why there was an accident, and the cost each time, may not be such a problem for some companies, although that will still be reflected in the quote.

I remember we had an old Volvo estate for donkeys years with no accident, bought a new car with a 'A' pillar restricting vision either side of the windscreen, and both of us had an accident within months - one of us not seeing a honking great post in a Tescos car park and damaging the whole of one side, the other just a dink - but I'll plead the 5th on which one of us uses Tescos the most. Grin

IMO you can now only use 'specialist' help from a broker to limit the next premium you pay.

Good luck, and if you need an old Volvo with no new fangled 'helpful' gadgets to stop you having accidents, they are still around. lol

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