Qashqai insurance

Olivia2_2

Hi everyone,

Hope you can help - I currently have car insurance with M&S on my citreon which was automatically renewed in Sept 10. I am changing my car to a Qashqai this week however when I have rang to get a new quote/change the existing policy I have been told that the underwriters on my insurance do not insure Qashqais...after quite some time the lady manged to get a quote, presumably with a different underwriter but for a ridic amount more than any other quote I have been given over the past few days. So as I am part way into my contact I am told to go with a different insurer would mean a £150 cancellation charge....however as they dont insure this car anyway if i am to stay with them (to avoid the cancellation charge) I would be not only signing up to a huge premium but it would be a NEW 12 month contract. I feel they arent really giving me any options as I cant stay in my current contract (as they dont insure Qashqai's) and to switch insurers would incur the charge...can they do this??

x

dogbot

Who is the current insurer? M&S motor insurance is though BGL group so should be a panel of insurers.

Is it a UK model of vehicle? It is a fairly standard car so there seems little reason that it wouldn't be covered if it is. Is it a brand new model/trim level maybe? If so it might be that it hasn't made it though the systems onto all the vehicle lists yet. Call them back and try again.

To answer your main question however - you correctly identify the position you are in, I.E. in a contract with another party. You do indeed have a choice, but it will cost you some money either way. That is still a choice! You can cancel the current policy and start a new one elsewhere or stay with M&S but a new underwriter.

Under that contract you agreed to abid by the various terms and conditions when you signed up. As you have chosen to change your vehicle and so the basis of the contract it is only right that you bear the cost of this and have to accept if, in the end, they won't cover you (though this seems a bit odd as above it is worth going back to them again and asking a few more questions) because they don't guarantee to cover you whatever the chance in circumstances. If they really can't cover you on the new car I would suggest politely kicking up a fuss and ask them to waive any cancellation charges due as it is worth a try.

There will be a cancellation charge and some charge for the time on risk if you cancel the existing policy (which I think you are saying you absolutly have to do - again check this again). You are best to clarify what this £150 is therefore - probably a cancellation charge (say £35-£50) and either an amount for the time you have been covered or a bit more if you are paying in installments. Call them back and assertain exactly what the charges they are talking about are for and what would be due as it might be you don't have to actualy pay anything else over (e.g. if you paid annualy).