6 month car insurance?

KT2802

Hi all,

My car insurance is up for renewal next month but I know that I am only going to have the car until December as I am then going out of the country for a year.

I spoke to my current insurer who informed me that they are unable to offer me a 6 month insurance policy and advised that I can cancel the policy, with no notice period, but that this will cost me £47.50 in cancellation charges.

This is fair enough but I wondered whether anyone knew of any reputable companies that offer 6 month policies as opposed to 12 months?

A quick google search only really brought up policies that cover 1-28 days.

Do you think I would be better off staying with my current insurer and putting up with the cancellation fee or would it be cheaper for me to insure elsewhere?

I also had a quick read through of this forum and noticed that someone said they got hit with interest charges for cancelling their policy when paying by direct debit. I usually pay for my insurance monthly so will need to check that I won't be liable for any further costs as well as the £47.50 if I stay with my current insurer.

Thanks in advance

Quentin

You will find it cheaper to buy a 12 month one and take the cancellation hit after 6 months than buy short term cover for the 6 months.

(Get your insurer to confirm in writing you will only have to pay £47.50, as this sounds just their cancellation fee, and not the full cost to cancel!)

As far as a 6 month policy goes, Endsleigh do it (not a recommendation)

forgotmyname

Find an insurer with lower cancellation fees. But their premium may cost more to start with.

KT2802

Thanks for the replies - I will have a shop around and speak to my current insurer again.

I am happy with my current provider, just a shame that they can't waive the fee as I know that I definitely don't want car insurance in 6 months time.

Quentin

As posted you need to check the full cost of cancelling.

It won't just be a case of paying for 6 months then you cancel for £47.50

bryanb

If you want insurance when you return, explain to them and ask them to suspend it till you return.
I did this once years ago.

KT2802

Quentin - sorry yes that's what I meant, I will speak to them and confirm what the full cost would be.

Bryanb - thanks, yes the insurance people suggested this but said they can only suspend it for a year. I am going to be away for longer than a year so they said they can't do this.

Quentin

KT2802 wrote: »

..... the insurance people suggested this but said they can only suspend it for a year......

That is unusual (but good)!

Usually insurers will only suspend a policy till it reaches its end (ie the renewal date), when they end the policy (and refund any premium credit the suspension has accrued).

It would be helpful to many wanting a year's break of cover in the future if you'd let us know who this is.

KT2802

Maybe I misunderstood what they said and they may have meant until the end of the policy as my policy is up for renewal now. Sorry I'm not sure.

I'm with Direct Line.