Footman James no longer insuring 25s

[Billy Hunt]

According to 2 people I know Footman James have changed underwriters and are no longer offering insurance to under 25s.

If so I can see this making a massive impact on the number of young enthusiasts who are able to afford to insure a classic until they are around 21.

I recently renewed my insurance on an MGB, I'm 18 years old and no other insurance companies gave me a reasonable quote (This was before Footman James changed there ruling). Most insurance companies see it as a '1.8 sports car' which is too much for anyone under the age of 21/25 to handle without crashing in a massive fire ball.

Hopefully another company will move in to fill this void for under 21s (most companies require 21> for classic insurance). If not then hundreds of <21s will be priced out of owning a classic and most like me will probably have to sell up if no one else offers a decent young classic driver insurance.

[venturer]

I know where your coming from, I had a hard enough time getting my midget insured for a reasonable cost at the age of 20, even at 21 it is still difficult

Footman James quoted me £1000 with a 3000 mile limit
Peter Best said £600 with the same limit

Have you tried Bishop Calway?

I spoke to Peter S Taylor and Co on 01273820303 and got insured for around 200, give them a try.

HTH

[fulvia griff]

I'm going to have a similar problem myself. 20 at the moment and my MGBGT is insured with FJ, going to have a problem at renewal time now I think. There is a bit of discussion on another forum for young classic owners and it come apparent that the underwriters have got themselves into a bit of trouble and most likely have pulled the plug on all 'high risk' policies. Info here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/ba...

I'm sure there are other companies around who will offer suitable policies, a few names have been mentioned already, its just a case of finding them.

[85Carrera]

These are ridiculous rates, but has always been the same, I'm afraid. I remember when I were a lad, big drops in premia at 21 and then again at 25.

Little consideration for what you're driving (eg - am probably prejudiced but someone in an MGB is less likely to stack into the side of the local McDonalds when compared to the driver of whatever the latest stty chavved up hot hatch is these days) but I guess that that the insurance company statistics show that most accidents occur between the ages of 17-25 (true for me, to be fair) and load the costs accordingly.

[na]

18 year old posted about this on MG BBS I suggested he asked others on there and on PH where else he could try

as I put there - Roache Bentley, the guy that set up MGOC always promised to do his best to see that youngsters could get insurance for their cars so as a member of his club I suggest you email him with your situation (he was/is to do with Lancaster Insurance too)

also note - you will have to telephone the insurers/brokers and talk to them and not just text them or just accept the general conditions posted on their websites

I also think if FJ are not covering under 21 then someone will be picking up their lost customers - insurance could well be at a higher premium though

[tali1]

FJ -now Feckin Jokers -taken over by Yanks with "Lets rip off dumb ass Brits policy"

[greeneggsnsam]

na said:

I also think if FJ are not covering under 21 then someone will be picking up their lost customers - insurance could well be at a higher premium though

Peter James will apparently insure TSSC members 17-21 on models up the the Spitfire 1500, so I think you are right. Being a club member and phoning around other insurers will be the way forward for young drivers.

[na]

yes and as I put earlier Roche Bentley said he'd do his best for MG owners with insurance

to an extent the insurance for classics was more based on market or 'Agreed' value of the vehicle than it's engine size

unless there's been a lot of under 25s running their classics into other expensive cars or injurying people then someone will want to pick up the business but possibly at a higher premium especially if generally premiums are up at the moment but competition will drive the prices down again

I'm sure all prices on no end of items are much lower in real terms than they were 10, 20 and probably 30 years ago

[smiffy220]

fulvia griff said:

I'm going to have a similar problem myself. 20 at the moment and my MGBGT is insured with FJ, going to have a problem at renewal time now I think. There is a bit of discussion on another forum for young classic owners and it come apparent that the underwriters have got themselves into a bit of trouble and most likely have pulled the plug on all 'high risk' policies. Info here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/ba...

I'm sure there are other companies around who will offer suitable policies, a few names have been mentioned already, its just a case of finding them.

That's a bit misleading mate posting that article on this thread which is more about Footman James.

Best advice, shop about, get a broker to look into it for you, and good luck.

Edited by smiffy220 on Tuesday 10th January 08:46

[melvster]

Really annoyed to see this, i wanted to get into a classic at some point in the next 2 years, currently 18 and really fancy a Renault 8 or a Clio Williams.


Anyone know an insurer who will insure under 21's?

Edited by melvster on Tuesday 10th January 20:04

[a8hex]

melvster said:

Really annoyed to see this, i wanted to get into a classic at some point in the next 2 years, currently 18 and really fancy a Renault 8 or a Clio Williams.


Anyone know an insurer who will insure under 21's?

Edited by melvster on Tuesday 10th January 20:04

I suspect that for anyone under 21 they might not think a Clio Williams counts as a classic.

[melvster]

a8hex said:

I suspect that for anyone under 21 they might not think a Clio Williams counts as a classic.

I have not tried a to get a quote on a Williams yet.

[TimCrighton]

Hagerty changed underwriters about 18 months ago and no longer insure drivers under 30 - for me that necessitated a change of insurer to Footman James! Thankfully I'm over 25!

I found the back of some of the magazines continues quite a good 'dictionary' of insurers!