car insurance - I am shocked...

bengee

I have shared a car for some time (with my sister) and recently became its official owner (as she moved away) and I now need to insure it.


I have been a named driver on this (for one year or more) and another car (since 1994).


I have been shocked by the quotes from insurance companies (many via comparison websites). At the moment the cheapest is over £700.


This would be for the most basic 3rd party cover, for a car worth £1000. Which will be driven max. 5000 miles a year. During my 15 years driving I have never made a claim (only one minor accident); I have one speeding offence at 39mph in a 30mph zone.


The reasons I am given for the quotes are my postcode (Tottenham, London) and because I don't have a no claims record as a policyholder - my no claims record as a named driver or the record of the policy holder for the relevant cars are not accepted.


Given the cost I am thinking seriously giving up the car although my wife is expecting a baby and it will make life difficult for us.


Does anybody know any way round this?


Bengee

toptip

OK - here's a few things you could try:

1. Dont bother looking at 3rd party only cover as many companies charge more for this than 3rd party, fire and theft.

2. Who was your sister insured with. Have you spoken to them to see if they'll offer an intro discount as you were named on the policy before.

3. Does your wife drive. Try quotes with her as a named driver as this MAY lower the price.

Remember that its called no claims bonus as its a bonus for being a policyholder who hasn't claimed for x number of years. As your sister was the policyholder, she gets the bonus.

Good luck with the search

Pssst

Bad news. They just treat you as a new driver. When i first got my own car insurance having switched from big motorbikes to a car, i had already driven company vehicles for near ten years. no matter,i was still treated as a new driver despite riding death machines and driving for ten years with no accidents,points or tickets.

simpywimpy

Some insurers do offer to honour claim free driving as a named driver. Not sure if direct line is one of them?

dacouch

Speak to a local broker who will be able to arrange a good quotation with an Insurer who will "Mirror" your no claims bonus as a named driver. If you do not want to do this you could try ringing the direct companies one by one until you find one who will allow you to "Mirror" your no claims bonus.

If you have a girlfriend ask for quotes with and without her as this often reduces the premium and as the earlier poster mentioned Comprehensive is often cheaper than TPF&T