Car No-Claims Discount Query

whiskey1983

Good morning all! I'm in a bit of an awkward situation and could use some pointing in the right direction please.

I had 5 year's NCD (protected) on 1 Dec 07 when I renewed my car insurance so this year I've been merrily working up another year of No-Claims. Yesterday morning I took out a policy with Zurich, who are my current insurers, starting on 1 Dec 08 with 6 years NCD (protected).

Last night I skidded on some ice and gently slid into the back of the car in front. Slow speed (<5 mph), no injuries and what appears to be bodywork damage only to both cars, mine being worst as the front is plastic apart from the bonnet (Citroen C4). Due to where the accident was we called the police who said they were too busy with accidents and for us to sort it out ourselves. Obviously we exchanged details and I came home and conatcted my insurers straight away.

The question is how will my NCD be affected as I'm going to tell them on Monday as the policy I took out yesterday is incorrect now. I have one other claim, for a windscreen repair (free under Fully-Comp policy) in Jun 06, so will I have 5 years NCD or 6 years NCD because it is protected? I have never been in an accident or had to make a proper claim so I haven't a clue...

Thank you in advance.

Quentin

As your policy has protected ncb, then your bonus will remain unchanged.

The premium may alter as a result of this latest claim, as your claim history has now changed to the one on your proposal.

whiskey1983

Thanks for the quick reply, I know my policy will change and as far as I'm aware my premium will go up by around £70.

What I was meaning is that when I took out the policy to begin on 1 Dec 08 I said I would have 6 years NCD but now that I've had an accident will that still be the case as I've got protected no-claims? Thanks again.

Quentin

Yes - it's unchanged thanks to the protection! What has changed is your claim history.

whiskey1983

Thanks once again. Just on the subject of claims history, for my NCD I'm allowed 2 claims in 3 years before I start to lose years of NCD - does a windscreen claim (repair) count as a claim in the sense that it would be a factor in reducing NCD?

Quentin

Not usually, but check your policy - it will have a separate section on windscreen/glass and will set out which claims affect ncb.

Insurance_Man

At renewal 2008, you will have 5 years NCD not 6 years. Even though you have got protected NCD does not mean you automatically get another year NCD, after all, all you are doing is Protecting the NCD you have already earned.

However, most Call Centre Staff will still allow 6years NCD as this probably wasnt covered in training (speaking from experience).

Enigmaman

When I last checked, I was told that after two years of not driving, any NCB reverts to zero.

I only checked with one insurer - does anyone know whether it is possible to have a break from driving of over two years and still retain the NCB?

TIA

Rolandtheroadie

Enigmaman wrote: »

When I last checked, I was told that after two years of not driving, any NCB reverts to zero.

I only checked with one insurer - does anyone know whether it is possible to have a break from driving of over two years and still retain the NCB?

TIA

I was in a similar position a few years back (on someone elses insurance for a year) and was able to get my no claims bonus reinstated as it was only for 1 year. At the time they told me that I would have been able to keep it for 2 years then it would have lapsed.

Quentin

Enigmaman wrote: »

When I last checked, I was told that after two years of not driving, any NCB reverts to zero.

I only checked with one insurer - does anyone know whether it is possible to have a break from driving of over two years and still retain the NCB?

It's up to the individual insurance company what their policy is over this (ie that 2 years is not a "rule").

eg. RAC allow up to 3 years to have elapsed since you last insured a car.

Enigmaman

Thanks for these replies, gentlemen - I guess the answer is to get to a broker, who will probably have the answer.
In the meantime, if anyone knows of an insurer who gives you longer than three years, I'd be interested to know.