Car Insurance Renewal - selling car

justontime

Sorry if this is a silly question but I have not encountered this problem before. My insurance renewal is due in a week. I have just been on the phone to my insurance provider (More Than) to ask their advice as to what to do as I am selling my car (a Ford Galaxy) within the next few weeks and I intend to buy a much smaller car possibly a (Nissan Note) because I no longer need a large car. I wanted to know what would happen as I anticipate that my insurance premium will go down for the smaller car. They were adamant that my premium would not go down and may even go up and if it did go down they would not refund the overpaid amount but they would perhaps give me a credit. I have been their customer for two or three years but they suggested that I was trying to manipulate the system somehow - not the case, I just didn't time the car change with the insurance renewal. Needless to say I decided not to renew with them. What is usual in these circumstances? Do I need a specialist company for temporary insurance or do other companies take a different attitude?

Quentin

Assuming any change you wish to make is acceptable to the insurer then usually they will amend the policy
premium and charge an admin fee for making the change.

If this results in an overpayment then you get any refund. Otherwise any premium increase is payable.

forgotmyname

Just because the car is smaller or a lower insurance group does not mean it will be any cheaper.

When they changed to the 20 group system from the olf 6 or 8. I could insure a group 18 car for less than a group 13 car.
2.5L V6 rover 800 (18) cheaper than an XR3 (13).

Depends how many claims they have had for that make/model of car also.

Then there will be an admin fee to pay. So a £10 decrease may see you paying another £60 if their admin fee is £70.

Short term insuance may cost more. Ideal solution. Swap cars on the day you need to start the new policy.

Or when you choose a car phone them and ask how much to swap to that car.

Make sure you tell them you only enquiring and not going ahead yet.

forgotmyname

I bought my car with less than 3 months remaining on the policy but it only cost £18 to swap. £15 admin fee.

justontime

Thank you, for the advice. I have spent the afternoon on the phone and found a company that was much more flexible about the change of car. I got a much better quote for my present car and based on the make and model of the car that I want to buy I have been told that if other circumstances are unchanged the insurance will be lower and my overpayment will be refunded. It seem that the company I was with before takes a very inflexible attitude.