Kwik Fit car insurance - problems changing policy vehicle

omfg_Tobster

Just had a slightly disappointing experience with the aforementioned company and aren't really sure where to go from here.

To summarise; my partners' current vehicle on the policy, a Rover 620i, is being scrapped at the end of March.
There are two possible vehicles that we would be replacing it with, and I have just called them to find out what the difference in the premium would be with each.
One is a modified Peugeot 306 (it's standard 1.9TD engine changed to a 2.1TD from a 406), the other is a completely standard Audi 80 1.9TDi.

They have refused to change to either of these vehicles.

They won't insure the Peugeot 306 for obvious and understandable reasons, but they say they won't insure the Audi 80 because of different security features.
Both the Audi and the Rover have virtually identical factory fitted alarm & immobiliser systems, if slightly better on the Audi. The Audi is also about 40bhp less powerful.

It's not a case of "We can change it but it will cost a lot more", it's a case of "We won't change it".

The only options they have left us with are to either start a new 12 month policy with them on either vehicle, both quotes of which were poorly uncompetitive at about twice as much as they quote new customers on confused.com; or to cancel the policy at a cost of £90 and lose this years' no claims discount.

I would opt for the latter, but I'd rather they'd just change the vehicle on the policy!

Is there any legal or practical way I can take this further or is my only option to cancel? (And possibly withhold the cancellation fee and let them take me to court over it)

lisyloo

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but factually and legally you purchased a 12 month policy on a Rover 620i.
It would obviously be good if they gave you good customer service, but you aren't entitled to anything else over and above what you purchased.

If you don't pay what they are legally entitled to then they could win a CCJ (county court judgement) against you which would be on your credit report OR they could sell the debt onto a company who will harrass your constantly. Basically it's not a recommended route.

You agreed to their terms and were given a 14 day period to read the booklet and accept or reject. So provided their fees are within the FSA guidelines and in accordance with your policy then there is nothing you can do.

Sorry if that's not the answer you wanted.

If you post up a breakdown of their proposed charges (what is for policy cover and what is admin fees) then people here will be able to tell you if it's all above board.

omfg_Tobster

£50 is the admin fee to cancel. The rest is policy usage (cost of number of days since last direct debit).

I made a similar change with Churchill (said Peugeot 306, before modification, to Audi 80) and there were no problems, just a small increase in premium.

I wasn't aware such mediochre changes in vehicle would cause problems. Not that I'm starting a war on Kwik Fit, they've had their good points and bad points like any other insurance company (usually bad points); one of which being their lack of eptitude when it comes to changing the vehicle on the policy!