Lost 8 years no claims bonus through being a named driver

malucajess

i have been on my partners churchill car insurance for 3 years, she has been the main driver and i have been a named driver. i previously gained 5 years no claims bonus when i had my own car, but that was when we had 2 cars in the household, so we decided to share a car instead, and the cheapest way at the time was for my partner who is older (over 30) to be the main driver and for me (27) to be a named driver.

we have paid to protect the no claims bonus, but why isnt it clear that after 2-3 years, my 8 years is now zero? can anyone recommend another insurer who can help with this as quotes are coming through for £1400,

dacouch

There are a few Insurers (Aviva and CIS) who will accept the no claims if it is under three years

bouncydog1

Protecting the no claims bonus means that if there is a claim under the policy it will not reduce by two years (usually although some policies might differ).

E.G. under a usual policy with 65% bonus if a claim occurs the bonus will drop back to 50% (2 steps as bonus would have accrued as 30% yr 1, 40% yr 2, 50% yr 3, 60% yr 4 and 65% yr 5). If the policy is protected the bonus would stay at 65%.

Usually the bonus would not reduce unless there were 2 claims in a year and then it would all go - have a look in the policy wording to see what the position is with your wife's insurer.

Your own bonus is usually allowed to be transferred to another policy for 2 years or as DAC states, some insurers allow 3. However as you have been driving on your wife's policy for 3 years your own bonus that your earned previously has expired so you are starting from nil, unless you can find an insurer who might give you an introductory bonus.

One other thing, you state your partner is the main driver because she is older. Your partner must declare to insurers who the main driver of the vehicle actually is rather than what works out cheaper. If she is the main driver then that's fine, but if it's you then the insurers are entitled to charge a premium based on that.

Quentin

malucajess wrote: »

but why isnt it clear that after 2-3 years, my 8 years is now zero? can anyone recommend another insurer who can help with this as quotes are coming through for £1400,

When you do on line quotes all the companies do make it clear how "old" they will accept a transfer of NCB.

Why do you now want to get a policy in your name (ie. why not continue with your wife as the policyholder).

If you do now need another policy in your name, (ie with zero NCD), then try a local broker (not swinton) who should be able to get you an introductory discount to reflect your claim free history.

luci

You could both keep your NCD if you take the insurance out in your name one year and your wife's name the following year.

hcb42

Direct line also give named drivers an NCB, althoguh I have not put this to the test as we have always had two cars.

lisyloo

Try those who will accept it at 3 years old.
In future if you want to keep 2 NCDs going on one car then alternative it each year.
With most comapnies they expire after 2 years.