Insurance...and Data Protection Act

dunstonh

"Quentin" I had a very interesting discussion with a official from the OFT. He advised to send a email to the insurers asking for subject to access and mention the automated system.

You do realise that means he doesnt know what he is talking about. It sounds more like a fob off. A subject access request will not give you what you want. You have no right of access to that. If he was truly interested he would start an investigation into it and not fob you off with something he must know isnt going to get you anywhere.

Insurance pricing is based on statistics. The risks being covered increase the premium. Yes a computer is used and this will automate the quote process somewhat (compared to the old paper methods which did the same thing but by hand). However, the quote is based on facts provided by you. You may not like the fact you have increased in risk in the eyes of the insurer. Some insurers do not actually increase the premium for non-fault incidents (tends to the cherry picking ones that do). Some do. They are entitled to price their product as they wish. If you dont like it then change provider.

mgmgrand1

Do you mind posting which insurers do not up a premium for a non fault accident?

Regardless, if I am barking up the wrong tree with a subject to access. At least I know myself that I have done something to try and rectify a matter that I believe is wrong. I am very interested to see what Data is held in my name. I would encourage everyone does the same for that matter.

Quentin

dunstonh wrote: »

...... If he was truly interested he would start an investigation into it and not fob you off with something he must know isnt going to get you anywhere.......

Exactly.

One twit's "fob off" is another's "humouring"!!

Quentin

mgmgrand1 wrote: »

Do you mind posting which insurers do not up a premium for a non fault accident?......

What you need to do is shop around for the best price for you (if that's what you are after).

(This may or may not be from an insurer which doesn't load their premium after an incident). But it would be pointless you buying a policy based only on them not puttong your premium up if you can get it cheaper elsewhere!)

mgmgrand1

I am not quite sure why you are all so offended by this. Yes, it is fact and I did what what legally obliged by reporting the incident so but why a premium is affected when no claim was made is beyond me. Therefore I am going to fight to get the incident removed.

The cheapest was £755 but as I said it goes up to over £900 when it is about to process. I live in Manchester and have a job in Broadcasting, so getting competitive insurance is difficult enough as it is. But this incident seems very unfair.

Quentin

mgmgrand1 wrote: »

I am not quite sure why you are all so offended by this.....

But!!!!!!!

You are the only person to take offence here (when you claimed to feel insulted!)

Everyone has tried to point out that you are barking up the wrong tree.

Concentrate on them not honouring the quote you got in the first place!

mgmgrand1

Yes, I am starting to see some sense now but it is very annoying to be penalised so heavily for this and it will be there for 5 years. If only I could do without a car.

I still am interested in seeing what data is held. I understand that this needed.

Now, I am very concerned that if I do have a at fault claim against me my premiums will be beyond me. I am about to exchange contracts on a house and if I had a accident then I could easily see premium going up to 5K. I haven't got that money. That will mean no job and house, bankruptcy. Very frightening thoughts.

dunstonh

but why a premium is affected when no claim was made is beyond me.

It is because you had an accident. Statistically, people who have accidents, even if non fault, are more likely to have another accident in the short term. So, some insurers reflect that extra risk in their premiums.

Now, I am very concerned that if I do have a at fault claim against me my premiums will be beyond me.

You said it was a non-fault accident. Are you now saying it is a fault one?

I am not quite sure why you are all so offended by this.

I'm not taking offence. I just think you are going way OTT on this and barking up the wrong tree. Storm in a teacup and any other metaphor you want to use

Just shop around like everyone else does.

mgmgrand1

A delivery driver drove into the back of me.

What I saying about a fault claim, that if I had a accident in the coming year that was my fault and a claim against me. Well, I dread to think what my quotes will be.

Yes, it is a storm in teacup but hopefully you will understand my POV. I suppose it is the 'what if I do have a accident' scenario that is really bothering me.

I have shopped around. Done all the comparison sites, gone to a broker etc. I was pleased with £755 but looks like it will be minimum £900.

Thanks for replies.

Arg

dunstonh wrote: »

No they dont. The DPA covers storage of data and its use. Not commercial pricing of insurance.

Which would fall back under use.

It is because you had an accident. Statistically, people who have accidents, even if non fault, are more likely to have another accident in the short term.

Statistically insurers use statistics to suit themselves.