Automatic license to manual license caused massive increase in car insurance

System

Does the same thing happen when a car driver passes an HGV test - his car insurance premium doubles even though he still only drives his car for private use?

duchess24

Hi Clifford_Pope,

This is exactly what my partner said when he spoke to my insurance company! But they said that's a different matter all together! But it's a valid point!

Kim_13

Clifford_Pope wrote: »

Does the same thing happen when a car driver passes an HGV test - his car insurance premium doubles even though he still only drives his car for private use?

I wouldn't think so. When asked about the licence, you're answering according to the licence that permits you to drive that vehicle. So it would still be correct when applying for car insurance to say x years rather than say 2 months (of HGV.)

The problem comes because a full manual licence replaces an automatic one, and you're technically driving the automatic on the full manual licence. Insurers have managed to factor in the extra detail (have heard of other cases) and Hastings are either one to avoid in this situation or trying it on because you're mid policy and they know they can (even if you cancel they make a penalty out of it and keep more of the premium than you have actually received cover for.)

Edit; My mistake. It was another company. Must have read about Hastings somewhere else.

teddysmum

Clifford_Pope wrote: »

Does the same thing happen when a car driver passes an HGV test - his car insurance premium doubles even though he still only drives his car for private use?

My husband would have commented had this happened when he did his HGV.


However, this would be a different case as the HGV insurance would be covered by an employer, whereas the driver's car would be covered by personal insurance.


I can see a possible risk had the OP (which they don't) meant to start driving a manual car, which offers he risk of someone newly qualified misusing pedals, but the lorry driver's only risk would be in the HGV ,which is covered by more expensive insurance anyway.

teddysmum

Quentin wrote: »

This is dangerous advice. In the event of any claim the insurer can (and often does) inspect your licence.


In the case of hastings they have a policy condition that you must inform them of changes to the "status" of your driving licence.


Any breach of the policy condition does give the insurer the opportunity to cancel/void the policy and reject claims!

It's not dangerous advice, as I am only suggesting it as a possible argument against the increase and not suggesting omitting to disclose anything.

Quentin

teddysmum wrote: »

It's not dangerous advice, as I am only suggesting it as a possible argument against the increase and not suggesting omitting to disclose anything.

No.


I quoted your dangerous advice in #16, which was (from your post #15):

teddysmum wrote: »

......you have a full licence suitable for the car you are using and are not intending to drive a manual car ,so are not obliged to inform the insurer.

In fact the OP's insurer does require to be informed of any "status" change to their licence, (as explained in #16), and following your advice would be dangerous should the OP subsequently have a claim!