Question about insurance and no claims discount on cars

klim

I need a bit of help on car insurance please as I've received a bit of a surprise letter.....

I've been main driver on policies for the last 10 years, and have 9 years of no claims discount. Have only ever had one car in the household until a month ago.

The main car was in my name, with my wife as named driver. We now have a second car which I have insured in the same way. Have now received a letter telling me I need to pay an additional £477 (in addition to the £136 policy....) because no claims only applies on the first car until you accrue it on a second car.

If this is true it's a huge pain as it now quadruples my policy. My wife only has 1 year's no claims (possibly less) as she has always been a named driver, and I also never realised that you don't build up no claims as a named driver... So I guess I don't really have any options.

I'm thinking to change the policy to now be in her name so she can start accruing no claims. Does anyone have any other suggestions - is this all correct? Any help appreciated...

dogbot

Ok, so let's break this down:

You have had insurance in your name for 10 years and have 9 years NCD in your name. Your wife has been a named driver on this first policy for some or all of that time. You now have a second car and you are the policy holder on that vehicle too, with your wife also as a named driver?

If the above is true then no, you can not use you NCD on more than one policy. The NCD belongs to you, the policy holder for that vehicle. NCD and accident history are different matters. If you or your wife have had any accidents - claim or not, these need to be declared when requested.

Some insurers, (e.g. Direct Line) will take account of your wife's claim free years as a named driver IF she takes out a new policy with them, and she was a named driver on one of their policies. I am sure some other insurers will do this too. Give your current insurer, the one with whome you have the 9 years NCD, a call to see if they can offer this to you.

Other insurers will offer an introductory NCD for experienced drivers like your wife so this is worth looking at.

It seems likley that it would work out cheaper to have your wife take out a policy in her name for the second car (especialy given introductory NCD). It may be a good idea to search around for a few best prices for the cover you want, and give those insurers a call, explain the situation, and see if they are willing to do a better deal.

Are you the regsitered owner of both cars? If so then don't worry, this should not affect matters greatly. You will be given the opportunity to declare it as a fact on most online quote engines. If not, it is worth making sure that the insurer is aware before taking the policy out, just be be on the safe side.

dacouch

I agree with what Dogbot says but would also recommend you also speak to local traditional brokers who will be able to help you out.

There are plenty of companies that will "Mirror" the no claims bonus you have on a new policy, although you will probably find it cheaper to insure this second car in your wifes name.

Be prepared for a cancellation charge when / if you cancel your current policy which is likely to be on the higher premium. There are threads on here about these charges just do a search

Jillbo1308

dogbot wrote: »

Ok, so let's break this down:

You have had insurance in your name for 10 years and have 9 years NCD in your name. Your wife has been a named driver on this first policy for some or all of that time. You now have a second car and you are the policy holder on that vehicle too, with your wife also as a named driver?

If the above is true then no, you can not use you NCD on more than one policy. The NCD belongs to you, the policy holder for that vehicle. NCD and accident history are different matters. If you or your wife have had any accidents - claim or not, these need to be declared when requested.

Some insurers, (e.g. Direct Line) will take account of your wife's claim free years as a named driver IF she takes out a new policy with them, and she was a named driver on one of their policies. I am sure some other insurers will do this too. Give your current insurer, the one with whome you have the 9 years NCD, a call to see if they can offer this to you.

Other insurers will offer an introductory NCD for experienced drivers like your wife so this is worth looking at.

It seems likley that it would work out cheaper to have your wife take out a policy in her name for the second car (especialy given introductory NCD). It may be a good idea to search around for a few best prices for the cover you want, and give those insurers a call, explain the situation, and see if they are willing to do a better deal.

Are you the regsitered owner of both cars? If so then don't worry, this should not affect matters greatly. You will be given the opportunity to declare it as a fact on most online quote engines. If not, it is worth making sure that the insurer is aware before taking the policy out, just be be on the safe side.

This is the 1st time using the forum and I hope that sonmone can steer me in the right direction. I presently own and have insured a Golf until September 09. I am now wanting to sell this car which my brother in law has assured me he will deal with since I will get ripped off.. I have a new car and I have a quote to change golf insurance to audi insurance with an additional charge to the end of the policy. I am unsure what to do about the insurance for the golf. Is it best for my brother to insure the golf in his name until it is sold is it possible for him to add the golf onto his existing car insurance ? I have looked at short term insurance cover which is quoting approx £140 to insure Golf for 28 days. I just want to make sure that I am doing everything properly but am aware that the golf must be insured if only for taking people out for test drive or if he has to drive it for any reason. Sorry it's a but of a fuddle !

dacouch

Keep the Golf as a "Temporary Additional Vehicle" on your existing policy which will be a lot cheaper. If your brother is likely to drive the vehicle you can add him to your policy as a temporary additional driver.