I phoned a well known TVR specialist insurer to day for a quote. One of the first questions was, "What have you been quoted elsewhere?". I said that I wanted to hear the best quote that they could give me and I would then let them know how it compared. The agent sounded put out and said that I would miss out on discounts if I didn't reveal quotes already received - utter rot as proved subsequently. After the usual questions he then quoted me £428.92 with a £500 excess. I then told him that my current insurer had given me a renewal quote of £321.86 with a £250 excess. The agent asked me to hold for a while and when he came back on the line he had miraculously found another company who would insure me for £310.00 with a £250 excess.

In my view this is very sharp practice. We know that Insurance brokers have a range of insurance companies with whom they deal. It's all computerised and the work of seconds to come up with the best quote. Clearly I was given the best quote from the broker's point of view initially before being offered a quote more favourable to me. This is not good customer service and it won't get my money. I have renewed with my current insurer who have always (apparently) dealt honestly with me and are always helpful and easy to contact ( no waiting in a queue on the phone for ages).

Glad I got that off my chest!

I agree with the OP.

There has been a steady drop in the honesty and forthright presentation in car insurance for some years. This practice is not forthright and honest. It is typical of the dealer mentality always present in the motor trade. Car insurance should not be run like this IMO.

Uberrima Fides has always been the basis of insurance, as it should be . Utmost faith from both parties. That is no longer the approach of insurance companies who are more interested in chiselling for a profit than utmost faith to the customer.

Not a welcome development. No doubt the insurance industry will reap the harvest of misrepresentation that they are sowing. Good.

I had this the first time I renewed the insurance for the Tam. Came through at 1K, told them to poke it as I had been quoted £450 by MSM. They came back with a quote of £400 and were most upset when I still told them to do one for trying to pull my pants down in the first place.

This is the same in any insurance area.
I too am fed up with the way this is presented, total crap in my opinion.
It happens in my business' insurances/advertising/etc and everything else be it for buying logos on pens to insuring a whole business and employee's etc.

LOOK JUST OFFER ME THE BEST DEAL AND I WILL GO FOR IT !........its that easy.

rant over

Agree totally with the OP...

Just renewed my Sagaris Ins... the TVRCC preferred company I was with last year put my renewal up by a staggering 36%!!
Nothing had changed in my details, records, usage etc...

When I told them there was a global recession on and to explain how they can justify that level of increase they pulled out the classic: "Last year you were on a special scheme. We don't run that one anymore but this one is competitive and you won't get a better price anywhere else."

I told them I'd be happy to put that statement to the test... so I did and got the same cover for £84 LESS than I had paid last year!!!! A saving of over £260 on the renewal! Taking the **** or what?

... and to rub it in, my new company is not even a car specialist, or sports/high performance specialist broker... they sell food!

Just seen an advert in a weekly car mag by the MD of said TVRCC preferred insurance company stating that if you drive the same car for four years you are statistically proven to be a far lower risk and they will reduce your premiums accordingly... I have owned the Sag since new in 2006... IMO he is lying!

Slightly off topic, but several of the folks I went to the Le Mans Classic with, purchased track-day cover for the parade laps.

The company took a credit card payment, issued a certificate...and then had the cheek to text on the Friday before the Saturday AM track session, (at about 1700 French time) that the cover had been cancelled.

I thought this was appalling. Surely the issue of a cert. is tantamount to a contract?
Apparently, this 'outfit' has a reputation for similar practises.
Nick

You have my sympathy in having to deal with shysters calling themselves insurance companies. Which is why I agreed with the OP.

This is misrepresentation at best and outright dishonesty when as sharp as your case. A £50% reduction is half the premium. Callous disregard for honestly from a company requiring Uberrima Fides from the purchaser.

Utterly wrong and the practice should be banned. It will not be because insurance companies are a major part of the establishment. Bosom pals with Politicians and the Government. But it is a disgrace.

Just to add got my renewal this morning for Sept, still with MSM, came in at a monkey (5k protected NCD) £10 cheaper than last year! I will still be having a look to see if I can get it cheaper but I won't be looking that hard, no need to as I believe I am still getting a good deal without having to ask for it.

Shep

I would expect the best quote, first time, every time.

If they ever tell me to wait and then beat it then I would never do business with them.

The only exception would be if I was told the 2nd quote was cheaper but the cover less good (e.g. not like for like).

By not giving what they have been asked to do is at best sharp practice.

As this involves the TVRCC preferred broker I have e-mailed the chairman of the club explaining the situation and suggesting that, if other members are getting similar treatment, the club might like to reconsider. I'm waiting for a reply.