Keep Shopping Around

trisontana

A year ago we took out insurance on my wife's car through Screen Trader. They got us a very good deal from Churchill. Last week we received the renewal notice . It came out at the same price as last year , but with NIG instead of Churchill (who Screen Trade do not represent any more). Just as an exercise I logged onto Screen Trade's web site and asked for a new quote. With exactly the same details they came up with a quote £40 cheaper then their renewal, this time with Groupama.This has exactly the same cover as the old one.

I rang Screen Trade and asked about this difference. The answer was that my new enquiry is treated as though I am a new customer and so I get a better deal. I have taken out the lower insurance and cancelled the old one when it expires in a couple of weeks.

So, even if you think you are getting a good deal through your broker/insurance company, still shop around and get a "new" quote from you existing company. You might get a better deal.

dunstonh

This is fairly common. On renewal, generally the direct insurer generally doesnt shop around again but leaves you with the same company. In this case Churchill wasnt available to LloydsTSB/Screentrade so they moved you to a similar provider or more likely the one that was willing to take on the Churchill policies on renewal at similar/same pricing.

You should always shop around on renewal.

trisontana

I can't realy complain about the new quote. Because of my wife's age, driving experience and type of car the whole thing comes out at £113.85 . That is for fully comp , protected no claims and legal assistance.

trisontana

It's a Fiat Seicento , S plate , worth £2000. My wife is in her late 50's, with at least 9 year's no-claims , only does a couple of thousand miles a year on shopping etc. The car is kept in a garage and I think we must live in a good post-code area. I am only paying £150 for my "52" Micra , that's with 3 year's no claims , with Churchill.

I have done some checks on the insurance company (Groupama) and it does seem OK. It has just been nominated for a couple of awards. I have also checked the small print and everything seems to be in order.