Would appreciate advice on car insurance

Revv_2

Hello,

I moved to London recently and drove a company car here in the first year. However I have to get my own car now and get a UK license as well.

Getting the license is not an issue, but I am concerned about car insurance as the quotes seem to be quite high.

I have been driving for over 12 years (my international license indicates that), and I also have an official translated letter from my previous insurer (before coming to UK) noting 7 years of no claims being made. The insurers seem not to take that into account.

However, when I got the company car the fleet manager could include me into the company cover using the same letter (and stressing that I am 32 years old).

Do you guys have any advice on how I could avoid paying such premiums on car insurance, or even save on the costs?

Many thanks in advance
Revv

PS: New contract/job, so I have to buy my own car and expense at 45p (well not as good as a company car, but cant change it)

Quentin

See if a local broker (not swinton) can assist getting the foreign NCD accepted or failing that an introductory discount to reflect your driving experience.

Revv_2

Thanks, any recommendation for an insurance broker? I live in West London.

Cheers,

Filip

Is the NCB from an EU country?

zeon999

Not local to you but they maybe able to help you and setup an introductory bonus considering you have no claims from another country and also have driving experience on a company car.

http://www.onesureinsurance.co.uk

InsideInsurance

Several insurers accept foreign no claims bonus/ history if you have evidence on headed paper in english. Likewise if introductory bonuses are available these are normally automatically applied without the need to use a broker.

Where a broker may be helpful is getting an insurer to recognise your international experience rather than simply the fact you've only held a UK license for less than one year.

Outside of insurance, remember (or be aware) that having a company car attracts BIK tax and depending on the type of car you want to own can be an exceptionally expensive way of owning a vehicle

Revv_2

Filip wrote: »

Is the NCB from an EU country?

No, its from Middle east.

Revv_2

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Several insurers accept foreign no claims bonus/ history if you have evidence on headed paper in english. Likewise if introductory bonuses are available these are normally automatically applied without the need to use a broker.

Well , the letter is an officially translated letter (English). That's as formal as it can be, AFAIK.

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Where a broker may be helpful is getting an insurer to recognise your international experience rather than simply the fact you've only held a UK license for less than one year.

That's exactly what I am hoping for.

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Outside of insurance, remember (or be aware) that having a company car attracts BIK tax and depending on the type of car you want to own can be an exceptionally expensive way of owning a vehicle

Well, having a company car is not an option anymore. But thanks for the heads up, will look into the BIK tax more.

InsideInsurance

Revv wrote: »

Well , the letter is an officially translated letter (English). That's as formal as it can be, AFAIK.

Ultimately it is up to each insurer to decide what they do and dont accept. I dont doubt that some will accept a translation especially if it is a common european language where in office staff may well have at least basic skills at it.

Certainly some insurers are more of a pain and will ask for the foreign insurer themselves to write a letter in English for it to be acceptable. If your former insurers are willing to do it or not is up to them - at least english is more likely to be a language they have in their team than if you needed it written in Korean or such

rs65

zeon999 wrote: »

Not local to you but they maybe able to help you and setup an introductory bonus considering you have no claims from another country and also have driving experience on a company car.

You seem to be recommending them about once a day on here. Any reason?

zeon999

Yeah I have been very happy with the service they have given me, which after the last company I have dealt with was a nice change.