Making a change to a car policy within the "renewal period"

jem16

My son is changing his car in the next couple of weeks just before his car insurance is up for renewal.

All he wants to do is change over the car for the remaining 1/2 weeks of his policy and if necessary pay any extra due. The insurance company is saying that he can only make changes now, in the renewal period, if he actually renews his policy. As it is cheaper to let this policy finish and take out a new policy through Quidco(with the same company) he doesn't want to be forced into renewing.

Is this common practice?

raskazz

No, that is not normal practice. Ask them where in the policy wording this condition is stated. Which company is involved, if you don't mind me asking?

Russ66

My son had the exact same scenario back at Easter when he changed cars with only 3 weeks left on his policy.
The telesales tart said for him to renew his policy to avoid paying an admin fee or something? I think she was trying to save him money.
But when he told her he was going to get a new policy through quidco to get £75 cashback, she matched his quote including the £75 off so he was well happy.:j

That was with Norwich Union.

jem16

I'm still trying to work out what was said as it didn't make sense.

We have a renewal price for the current car which is approximately £100 less than their quote for the new car. We were told that any changes made in the renewal period would mean that we had to renew the policy but that any changes made to take effect before the actual renewal date would not affect the renewal price.

To me that means that my son would pay a renewal price based on his current car(6 years old) but can change the details over to his new car(brand new) at no extra charge.

Something strange here. Company is More Than.

jem16

Just to update.

Company are now saying that premium will rise to cover the change (i.e. another £100 approx) but will not rise any more to cover the extra 1 or 2 weeks at the end of my current policy.

Have now asked them to point out where I am forced to renew if making changes in the so-called "renewal period"

Rather underhand practice.