No claims retention period

Wegie

My car was side-rammed by a third party - a fairly straight-forward claim which Privilege took two years and lots of prompting to conclude it was not my named driver's fault. I waited until it was settled before buying another car, thinking that as long as I got in there within 2 years I would retain my full no claims bonus. I took up a policy with Swiftcover before this period ended. They asked for proof of full no claims that was less than a year old. I got proof that was less than a year old. I didn't appreciate that what they MEANT to say was that the no claims discount should have been earned within the last year. When I completed the actual form, I don't believe it mentioned any time period.

Now Swiftcover say they will double my premium (an extra £250+) and drop my no claims to zero. I'm v worried as I just can't pay this. I have an impeccable driving record spanning 17 years with no accidents and full no claims (until 2 years ago). Help! What can I do?!!

dacouch

Most companies obviously excluding Swift by the sounds of it accept no claims bonus for upto two years after the policy cancelled or was lapsed there are some including Norwich Union who will accept it for up to 3 years.

It may be worth ringing Swift and explaining that you have not had a car within the last 2 years and can confirm this in writing.

If you cancel they are likely to have an admin charge and base their premium on the amount without any no claims bonus.

Did you tell the person who quoted you that your no claims bonus was old, if so you can ask Swift to listen to the tape recording of the conversation

Wegie

Many thanks for the tip about Norwich Union. Swiftcover say they will increase my premium by £254 (double) and reduce my NCD to zero, so I have no choice but to cancel as this will affect me for years to come. I have asked them where it states clearly and unambiguously that the NCD has to be earned within the last 12 months, as it appears they have asked for the proof to be less than 12 months old, which is not the same thing. I think they're daft to lose a relatively low-risk customer.

dacouch

Have a look at this thread you may want to post

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1457537&highlight=swift