my own insurance for courtesy car

[sideways500]

Hi all. Any experiences anyone has of the following situation would be greatly appreciated...

I took my car to get some repair work at a main dealer (the reason for the visit was a dealer problem in itself - another time). Unfortunately, I was unable to take their courtesy car because my insurer refused to transfer my insurance (E34 540 group 18) to the dealer's mini (group 8?). This was because the mini was more valuable (I'm sure it is), they said. My questions are:

1. Is it normal policy for BMW dealers to require this insurance swap?
2. Is it usual for insurers not to approve the swap to a courtesy car?

Some other notes:
Out of curiosity I asked my insurer to quote me for the mini, as if I were buying one. The premium they came up with was £10 more than my 540. So clearly the underwriter thought the overall risk was about the same. The supervisor I spoke to could not explain this discrepancy.

I suggested to the dealer that they provide me with an extended test drive (I expect to change my car sometime this year) for the duration of the repair work. They said that it would still require the transfer of my insurance. I find this hard to believe, since that would mean you would have to have an insurance policy before you bought a car from them.

Help, please!



I suggested

[Broccers]

This is the case with extended test drives from my experience. I had a VX220 Turbo for 24 hours insured on my own policy. I switched BMW dealers because of insurance on courtesy cars. Dealer A. required me to insure their vehicle when my car was in for warranty work. Dealer B didnt so I use them now BUT I still have to insure loan cars when my vehicle is in for service.

Not much longer by the looks of things tho ....

[sideways500]

Thanks, Broccers. Who do you take your M Coupe to, for servicing etc?

[Luvvly Linda]

Where about in the midlands are you?

[Jubal]

If my insurance was that picky then I'd be swapping insurers. My insurance certificate clearly states that it covers ANY vehicle loaned to me by the motor trade whilst mine is with them.

[broccers]

I use Sytner in Sheffield - ask for James and say Simon with the falling apart M Coupe sent you

[baz1985]

In my experience Sytner Sheffield are more than inept

[sideways500]

Thanks all for your input....

Luvvly Linda - I'm about halfway between leicester and nottingham. Any good garages nearby?

Baz1985 and Broccers - thanks for the info about Sheffield, but I think it's too far from me anyway.

Jubal - I'm discussing with my insurer now (new since last month). I picked them 'cos I thought they'd be more flexible than the large corporates (eg I may want to get the car chipped etc). I specifically asked them about courtesy car cover, but it never occurred to check on value restrictions for it.