Car insurance 'hidden' excess HELP!!!

TangledMemories_2

icklecat wrote: »

I know but that wasn't on the quote!!!!!!!!!!!

It may not be on the quote, but that's why you're supposed to check all documents when you receive them!
Anyhoo...it's pretty well known that young drivers are deemed to be higher risk than older ones REGARDLESS of the fact that I drive better than older people in my family seeing as I've had no accidents. But I'm still lumped in with the irresponsible petrol heads who are incompetent enough to drive without insurance.

That's life for you. You get discriminated against for being young and then when you get to over 50 you become a high risk again. So...moral of the story is: enjoy the 30 years or so of being regarded as "moderate risk" because you'll soon be complaining when SAGA are offering to insure you!

tinkerbell84

Every insurer I've ever come across has an under 25s excess.

What was on the policies you've held for the rest of your 6 year driving career?

espresso

tinkerbell84 wrote: »

What was on the policies you've held for the rest of your 6 year driving career?

He doesn't know coz he never had to claim before and never read the small print.

tinkerbell84

I've never seen an online quote that doesn't detail the excesses (and I've been driving more than 10 years )

Etherelda

When I searched for quotes it was quite clear to me, and I asked about it when I rang to sign up for my policy with direct line. When you use the various searches for cheap car insurance, there are links to click on to show extra excesses.

Now, I've been driving for 1 yr, and I'm 25 in November. Do I have to wait til November until I 'unqualify' as an inexperienced driver, or as an over 25 am I experienced? Dunno, I'd err on the side of caution and wait til next april, as a 25yr old driver with 2 yrs experience???

tinkerbell84

Their site is misbehaving, but even the FAQs on the first page refers to excesses on quotes:

'Q:

What is the excess on my car insurance policy?
A:
Car policies have the option of selecting a voluntary excess in return for a reduction in premium, however other additional excesses may apply. Please refer to your quote or policy details.'


Etherelda - As soon as you are 25 and have more than a year's driving experience, that excess won't be payable.

Badger_Lady

^ Have to agree - and I actually design Car Insurance online quote engines for a living! :rotfl:

OP, it's possible you missed it - very often when we're online we just skim read and click "continue" to get through as quickly as possible. If you stop and read everything carefully, the detail is there. On the websites I've worked on, it's standard practice to do it like this:

How much voluntary excess would you like to pay (a higher excess may reduce your premium)?
o £50
o £100
o £150
o £200
excesses and limits

The "excesses and limits" link opens a new window detailing all the compulsary excesses and other relevant detail.

**woody123**

icklecat wrote: »

Last week I hit a badger (cue badger jokes!)

Why Did the badger cross the road? To see his FLATMATE

raskazz

I just got a quote from Direct Line, it quite clearly gives you the option (in emboldened red type just incase you might miss it) to 'View policy excesses'. Then it gives you a clear and thorough breakdown of all the excesses that apply to the policy.

They couldn't make it clearer!

I know some insurers are involved in somewhat sharp practice but Direct Line couldn't do more to draw the excesses to your attention short of knocking on your door with your excesses lit up in neon lights!

cajef

I have been with Direct Line for several years now and have just received notification of renewal, it clearly states on the letter with the notice that there are additional excesses for young drivers, it is also on the Motor Insurance Schedule that comes with the Certificate of Motor Insurance when you renew your policy.

Additional Accident Excess Amounts for Young or Inexperienced Drivers

17 - 20 £400
21 - 24 £250

25 or over who
a. is inexperienced (as defined in schedule B of the policy) £200
b. holds a provisional licence £200