Rias - any problems?

Happy_saver_4

I used the forum to get outline insurance quotes for house and contents from insuresupermarket.

The lowest price was the Halifax quoting £97.28. When I contacted them they upped the quote to £225.

The insurance company Rias have now quoted me £107; using exactly the same info and with increased cover.

But Rias were not mentioned or quoted by Insuresupermarket. See RIAS site here

Has anybody dealt with Rias or have knowledge/experience of dealing with them?

Any info appreciated; fairly urgent.

Thanks and a Happy Xmas to you all.

Woby_Tide

they have a big call centre/office over the road from where I work and have been expanding/recruiting rapidly in last couple of years so obviously doing something right. Can't comment on actual service though as never got a quote/product personally

klondyke

Aimed at the over-50's. We have used them for travel insurance; cheapest at the time, but didn't make a claim. However, I have seen positive comments about them in the press from satisfied customers who needed their assistance.

Still would be interested in others' comments as need travel insurance again - mine supposedly free with A&L, but OH too old to be covered by A&L, so will probably try RIAS again..... but we both need to do the dreaded screening, so, since I am currently 'under the doctor', wondering how much I might get loaded - still might end up cheaper with both of us using RIAS!

losgiganteskid

Riad are ok. They are owned by insurer Fortis. They are good on buildings and contents insurance as they have set upper indemnity rates, ie you don't have to concern yourself with calculating the sum insured as they give you any amount up to - I think its £400,000 on buildings and up to £50,000 on contents, (you need to check these upper figures out). I've been with them a few years now, haven't had any claims mind so can't comment on their claims service. Had a few cross fire letters about some service issues, but you pays your money and takes your chance. RIAS (retired insurance advisory service), although owned by an insurer, purport to have a panel of insurers from whom they select the best deal, given your individual circumstances, I have only ever known them to quote Fortis, their parent company, guess they "cherry pick" the best risks and give those to their parent company and the risks that are not so attracted are passed over to one of the other panel members - bit short sighted me thinks as sooner or later the other panel insurers will realise they are getting the less desirable risks and presumably their claims loss ratio will be worse. That will have the effect of a rate increase to RIAS, they will then sell even fewer policies leaving them with Fortis, a one horse race so to speak. :xmassign:

libra10

We have used RIAS for 4 or 5 years now and would thoroughly recommend them. We had a claim about a couple of years ago when water leaked from a tank in the loft. Although the tank problem was due to wear and tear, and wasn't covered, RIAS paid for redecorating the damaged bedroom wallpaper and even adding extra insulation to the loft.

They were really good to deal with and their rates competitive.

innovate

I have had various quotes from RIAS and others. Went eventually with Zurich who were about the same as Halifax and Egg but a little more expensive than RIAS. Reasons for choosing Zurich were that I know them better than RIAS (had never heard of RIAS until a month ago), and I also can get £90 cashback by signing up via TopCashBack.

My net savings, after taking into consideration that TopCashBack probably take 2 or 3 months to pay the cashback, is £55. So I am a rather happy bunny!

Of course this is a good deal only for one year - I might well choose RIAS for my next renewal, it's good to hear positive feedback about them.

NB. Rpoints also have a cashback offer for Zurich but it's only £45. Both TopCashBack and Rpoints also have cashback deals for other insurance companies, though not for RIAS.

gundo

I'm not old enough to use RIAS myself but my Dad does/did and I can only say that when I had to deal with them because my Dad had failed to renew his house ins. policy due to increasing inability to cope with stuff like this (he has Alzheimers), they were very sympathetic and helpful.

When I rang them another time to cancel his car insurance as he'd lost his licence once again they were extremely thoughtful and helpful (at the time was I really upset as my Dad was finding it hard to believe he wasn't allowed to drive and I was trying to get my head around my Dad no longer being the "rock" he'd always previously been to me).

So from my experiences I would recommend them. They seem tuned into the needs of the older people that they cater for.

bongobob

Been insured throuigh RIAS for two years,made one claim they are an excellent company to deal with as well as being the cheapest.

carly

Had my household insurance through them for several years. Was "cold called" and offered a stonking deal even though i was years off their target age group. Made one claim which was settled brilliantly and quickly. I have contacted them by post several times and replies have always been prompt and favourable. No longer with them as I got an introductory offer on insurance when I took out my Egg card, but will consider them at renewal time

sanchosser

Having changed to Rias, I feel like a real a**se.

I contacted their solicitor advice line WEEKS ago, and am still waiting to hear back (despite providing mobile and landline numbers).

Unfortunately, I have had a boundary dispute with a neighbour. Rias are umming and erring over whether to take this up -- SIX MONTHS later.

This is despite obtaining second and third opinions from solicitors who both claim it is a perfectly legitimate case that should be taken on.

My advice would be to avoid Rias as they are very bias. :mad:

shelly

We have just renewed with RIAS for buildings and contents ins for the 3rd year. Can't comment on service etc as we (thankfully) haven't had to make a claim. They are very competitive when quoting for cover....for example, at renewal time we call them up and say that we have received a slightly lower quote from another co and they have beaten it for the last 2 years.


Oh and gundo, RIAS will deal with any age group (At least for buildings and contents ins) We aren't over 50 yet and like I say, have been with them for 3 years now.