Am i being ripped off by elephant?

russppt

Hi all

I would appreciate any advice on this one.

I had a renewal through elephant. I have been with them a long time, always very happy with the service especially when I have had to make a claim, fautless!
Like most I just let it roll from year to year as I was generall happy with the price and service.

They quoted my renewal on a new truck I bought which worked out more expensive by about £200 more than another company. I called to haggle with the usual security checks and checking detaqils of those on the policy, eg me and my wife.

My wife had an SP30 (£30 fine and 3 points) 4 years ago. They said I had not declared it and they have back dated four years of policy payments with the additional 3 points that my wife has. Meaning regardless what I do I have to pay them an additional £140.

Is this right?

They said it is my responsability to keep them informed? My argument was how many people get snapped speeding and then ring there insurance company straight away!

Thanks for your time good people of MSE.

Russell

Oscar_The_Grouch

Hi there

I'm sorry to say that Elephant are right. If you look at your policy and renewal papers, it will tell you that you have to tell them about all changes to the risk and any motoring convictions.

I got caught by a camera (58 in a 50mph zone 2 miles from where the roadworks were actually taking place with a lorry up my proverbial trying to turn me into a new ornament for his grill) and informed my insurers straight away; it's like moving house or changing your car - if there are any changes, you let them know.

If you cancel your policy at renewal, they may decide not to pursue you for the £140 and you could always try the argument of "If I had told you and you had put the premium up, I would not have continued with my insurance for the last 2 years and you would have lost all that premium."

Is the SP30 her only conviction as most insurers ignore the first one; mine did.

ikkle87

Unfortunately Oscar is correct, they are quite within their right to charge you the extra premium as you should have kept them updated. Normally if you add on an SP30 mid year there is no change until renewal and then you will see an increase in the premium - maybe not by much but insurance companies do usually have some way of penalising you although normally for not much if it is the first penalty on the policy. They only stay on the policy for 5 years as well.

russppt

Thanks guys