Car Insurance Extra Charges

Sutty

I just called my insurance company to price up a new car I've just bought. As it is a new car they said my existing policy wouldn't cover it and they'd have to quote me for a different insurance plan. As we went through the details, i was asked about convictions and told them about my SP30 from 4 years ago and he said they didn't have that information on the system for my old car and why hadn't I informed them when it happened. Anyway, I thought I had and they say I didn't so, oops. The policy is now cancelled and I have insurance elsewhere for my new car. However, Zurich have now called me (they spoke to my wife) and said that the policy would have cost extra for the last four years so now I have to back-pay the difference. Can they do this? Sorry if this is confusing, it seemed so simple before I started typing it.

Thanks in advance, Sutty

molerat

Yes they can. You did not disclose a material fact that would have affected the cost of the insurance.

mikey72

This will be a yes/no all day.
Give the FOS a call, and ask them for advice.

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/contact/index.html

Gloomendoom

mikey72 wrote: »

This will be a yes/no all day.
Give the FOS a call, and ask them for advice.

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/contact/index.html

True. As the OP (presumably) made no claims during the period in question his insurance company do seem a bit greedy... especially as, if he had made a claim, they would probably have tried to wriggle out of paying due to his non disclosure.

spiro

Normally when they send out the policy they include details of what you have told them like old accidents, points etc. It also states that you should check this and nnotify them of any errors, which you appear not to have done. I'd say you'll have to pay.

I would make sure it is noted on your new policy.

System

If the old insurer originally asked if you had any motoring convictions in the past 5 years, and you did not declare the points, then you have had the benefit of cover over that period and paid less than you should have because you failed to notify the insurer of the points on your licence. You should pay up and think yourself lucky that is all they want to charge you.

rev_henry

What exactly are they going to do about it if you don't pay? They already know you haven't had any claims in that period so they can't say you were a higher risk.

robbies_gal

you say you think you did-are you sure? was it on the paperwork they sent you

gilbert_and_sullivan

rev_henry wrote: »

What exactly are they going to do about it if you don't pay?

Enter you onto the database as a liar who fails to disclose pertinent facts, other insurance companies might well assume you to have no scruples about claiming fraudulently either.

Thats should effectively treble your premiums for the next few years, if you can get anyone to quote.

albionrovers

Could be an interesting wee result this one. Please keep us posted.

Sutty

I've been with the same insurance company for about 4 years and never claimed. As someone said, if I had claimed they probably would have tried to wriggle out of paying. The policy has just renewed every year and I haven't been fully checking the details (My fault I know). If it comes down to it I'll just pay up, it's my own doing. I didn't want to just roll over and pay then everyone say there was no need. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for all the replies.

Chris