Do I declare this driving course to my Insurers?

twitterpated

In September 2011 I had a crash and following the incident I went on a course with Drive Safe Manchester for Drivers Awareness the following January (2012). Since then I have told my insurers about the crash and that I went on the course. As the crash was more than 3 years ago, a few insurers aren't bothered about that but they ask if I've had any convictions or done any driving course in the past 5 years. I have not had any convictions- I went on a course to prevent me getting any convictions. I have two questions.

I am getting a new car in a couple of weeks time and will therefore need to insure it (and my current car is due for renewal). I plan on going with a different company to the one I am with now, just because the current quote from them is too much. My first questions is: Should I notify my new insurers about the driving course that I did? I have read in a few places that you don't but I'm not convinced??

My second question: Does anyone know names of insurers who ask for 3 years history of claims rather than 5 years?

Thank you in advance.

discat11

Unless your insurer asks directly and specifically for driving awareness courses to be notified to them I wouldn't bother.

Unfortunately some insurers are penalising drivers who have been on these courses, no doubt justifying that by the fact that most do these to avoid points on their licenses which not attending such a course would bring.

When I did a SAC last year the instructor was asked whether this was a notifiable course and he said quite clearly 'NO" it is not.

Frankly, whilst I understand the reasoning that someone is forced to go on a SAC due to something that might indicate their driving is sub standard and therefore insurers have a right to levy the 'correct' premium for this perceived increased risk, I don't agree -these courses are actually very useful and help those who, like me, have been driving for many years with a clean licence and were guilty of very minor infractions that a timely reminder and retraining can solve.

Getting 3 points would not have had this effect or given me this training.

In fact since I had to take a whole day off work to attend the SAC I had more of an immediate penalty doing the SAC than I would have had if I'd had the points & £60 fine!

I can't help with your 2nd query -I think they all ask for 5 years as it's industry standard.

lisyloo

Should I notify my new insurers about the driving course that I did?

It is up to insurers to ask you specific questions.
If they ask then you have to answer honestly.
If they don't ask there is no obligation on you to volunteer the information.

Sheilas Wheels used to ask for 3 years (and they do insure men).
Admiral are well known for asking about speed awareness courses.

Quentin

discat11 wrote: »

When I did a SAC last year the instructor was asked whether this was a notifiable course and he said quite clearly 'NO" it is not.............


......I can't help with your 2nd query -I think they all ask for 5 years as it's industry standard.

SAC Instructors cannot advise on insurance matters with any authority.


If you are asked about SACs (some insurers do), then you must answer the question honestly - to not do so is a breach which would allow them to void the policy and reject any claims you make.


AS far as the length of history is concerned there is no "industry standard".


They usually ask for a history of claims/losses etc over the previous 3/5 years

twitterpated

Thanks for the replies!

So if I were to do it on a comparison site they normally ask about convictions but don't ask about driving courses. Because I'm not given an opportunity to answer yes or no so where do I stand there? Is there any sort of fine print anyone is aware of that states I just inform them??

rs65

twitterpated wrote: »

Because I'm not given an opportunity to answer yes or no so where do I stand there? Is there any sort of fine print anyone is aware of that states I just inform them??

You only have to answer the questions asked.

rs65

twitterpated wrote: »

Does anyone know names of insurers who ask for 3 years history of claims rather than 5 years?

Direct Line.

Comparison sites may ask for 5 but some of their insurers may only use 3 and disregard anything older.