Motor Insurance: NCD Question

WolfyUK

Hi all,

I wish to ask your advice concerning No Claims Discounts for Motor Insurance. I sold my car just over two years ago and at that time I had more than five year's No Claims. I will shortly be purchasing a vehicle and just had a bit of a shock when getting a quote over the phone when the adviser informed me that the No Claims is only valid for two years, which tripled the premium offered!
:eek:

Having just read a page on CarInsuranceExplained [that I'm not allowed to link to], it seems as though this may have been that particular insurer's policy rather than a general rule, but I was wondering if anyone could clarify this for me? Is it likely that different insurers use different policies with regards to NCD?

I have had a number of hire cars for a few days at a time during the past couple of years, but it seems as though this will not affect anything either.

Thanks in advance,

Marc

Duncombe

Im afraid most insurers only accept NCD less than 2 years old.

lisyloo

Aviva take up to 3 years old and I think AXA might as well (don't quote me on that).

These may not be the best insurers and Aviva does have a bad reputation and come in for a lot of criticism round here.
But if it's a big saving, then you have to weigh that up.
There are companies that accept up to 3 years, but you'll be limited for choice.

Duncombe

lisyloo wrote: »

Aviva does have a bad reputation and come in for a lot of criticism round here.

So much so that I didn't even bother mentioning them :P

WolfyUK

Thanks very much for your swift replies.

I have just found another thread on here [#1148737] that confirms this too. I guess what I'm looking for is a list of insurers that will accept up to a three year break!

vaio

Slightly underhand but it is an insurance company after all……..take out a policy with which ever company will accept your three year old NCB, couple of days later cancel the policy and they will send you a new NCB letter.

Then you can trot off to the company of your choice clutching your fresh NCB in your hot little hand.

WolfyUK

From what I've been reading about Aviva's terrible customer service I doubt they would have the knowledge to fulfil my request to cancel the policy! It may be worth my consideration though, thanks.

big_mortgage

Who were you previously insured with?

I say this as I had a 3 year 3 month old 1 year NCD, previously issued from direct line. I went back to them and they said if I insured with them after the 1 year policy was up, they would give me 2 years NCD if I had not made a claim.

lisyloo

So much so that I didn't even bother mentioning them :P

Well firstly there are other companies that do it.

But also I think it's a personal decision.
It might be worth taking the hit on customer service just for one year if the cost saving is huge and your risk of claiming is low and you're the sort of savvy consumer that knows how to complain :-)

Going to a human broker may mean discovering one of two more companies.