Wrong details on insurance

titanium feather

Just curious about something.

I've had my car three years now. When I first went to get insurance, I got several quotes off several brokers and insurance companies, and one broker came out quite a bit cheaper than anyone else, so I went with them. I gave them all my details, being completely honest. When it came to signing the forms, I read through them, and noticed that they had my car down as a Mitsubishi Space Star (I drive a Colt.) I pointed this out to them, and their response was that Space Stars and Colts are in the same category for insurance, or something to that effect, so that's why they had it down as that. Also, they had my marital status as "married" (I had told them I was engaged, and that my fiance was to be a named driver on my policy.) They replied that, for insurance policies, there was no distinction between being married and being engaged.

I took their word for it. Anyways, any details I've given them of tax, NCT, etc would have clearly stated it's a Colt, not a Space Star. Not sure how I'd prove that I told them I wasn't married though.

The following year, when my insurance was up for renewal, I told them that I was about to move from my home town down the country, to inner city Dublin. They insisted on leaving the "main address" on my policy, where my car would be most of the time, as my home address. I suppose my attitude was, well they're the experts. I was honest with them, it's their job to update my policy accordingly?

Again, I got several prices at the time, and this crowd came in at the cheapest price (I was completely honest with all companies and brokers.)

So anyways, my insurance is up for renewal again quite soon. This is an extremely reputable broker, and they get very good prices for insurance for me. But I'm worried that, in the case of an accident, I won't be covered because of inaccurate details on the policy.

This time around, is there a way that I can somehow prove that I'm giving them the correct details? I don't want to accuse them of being dodgy at the same time - maybe they're right about the Colt/Space Star and engaged/married thing? And to be fair my car is at home as much of the time as it's in Dublin.

If it came down to it, in the case of a claim, would I be covered if I gave the correct details but the broker changed these details?

si_guru

Hmm.. I am no expert, but I think legally "engaged" does not exist - married does.
Where is your car registered on the tax book? At least that should match your insurance!
If the number plate is correct then "it is there error on the model". Anyway their computer should pick up the right details on-line!

bazz26

I'd be very clear and accurate on the details upfront with any insurance company, when you get the proposal in the post from them make sure the details are correct and read the small print. Ie. if it a Colt them insist they put on the Insurance Cert as a Colt, same goes with the address, if you are living in Dublin and the car is parked/used in Dublin then make sure it is on the Insurance Cert. If they say it doesn't matter then get an offical letter from them stating it as phone conversations are not worth the paper they are written on.

Insurance companies have "full disclosure" clauses and disclaimers in their policies that you sign as this information is used as part of the risk assessment calculation of your cover and premium.

MugMugs

bazz26 wrote: »

I'd be very clear and accurate on the details upfront with any insurance company, when you get the proposal in the post from them make sure the details are correct and read the small print. Ie. if it a Colt them insist they put on the Insurance Cert as a Colt, same goes with the address, if you are living in Dublin and the car is parked/used in Dublin then make sure it is on the Insurance Cert. If they say it doesn't matter then get an offical letter from them stating it as phone conversations are not worth the paper they are written on.

Insurance companies have "full disclosure" clauses and disclaimers in their policies that you sign as this information is used as part of the risk assessment calculation of your cover and premium.

Sod that !

It's obvious what they are up to.

Write to them and hold a copy of the letter outlining every aspect of your dealings with them to date and ensure that they are totally aware of your correct details. Anything happens it's on their heads, not yours. You've covered yourself.

I really really really HATE Brokers !

Henry Ford III

MugMugs wrote: »

Sod that !

It's obvious what they are up to....

Trying to keep the business by being economic with the truth?

MugMugs

titanium feather wrote: »

I read through them, and noticed that they had my car down as a Mitsubishi Space Star (I drive a Colt.) I pointed this out to them, and their response was that Space Stars and Colts are in the same category for insurance,

But you drive a Colt. Not a Space Star. That's like me having a Passat listed on my policy because "it's a bit like an Avensis, isnt it ?"

They're wrong by the way, Colts are a bigger risk when combined with age.

titanium feather wrote: »

Also, they had my marital status as "married" (I had told them I was engaged, and that my fiance was to be a named driver on my policy.) They replied that, for insurance policies, there was no distinction between being married and being engaged.

No major issues here if your spouse is living with you really.... and even at that it may not be an issue. Depends on the policy.

titanium feather wrote: »

The following year, when my insurance was up for renewal, I told them that I was about to move from my home town down the country, to inner city Dublin. They insisted on leaving the "main address" on my policy, where my car would be most of the time, as my home address. I suppose my attitude was, well they're the experts. I was honest with them, it's their job to update my policy accordingly?

Risk address is the Policy address and the Risk address is where your car sleeps for 4 nights of the week or more. If this is Dublin then it should be Dublin. Whilst it is a Non Disclosure issue unless the premium would rise by 40% witb the Dublin address there wouldnt be terms to cancel.

titanium feather wrote: »

Again, I got several prices at the time, and this crowd came in at the cheapest price (I was completely honest with all companies and brokers.)

Not really suprised !

titanium feather wrote: »

This is an extremely reputable broker,

I had a chuckle at that :P

titanium feather wrote: »

But I'm worried that, in the case of an accident, I won't be covered because of inaccurate details on the policy.

Cover yourself and write to them outlining your specific details cc'ing yourself a copy of the letter.

Most Insurer's who deal with Brokers dont want the customer calling them. You tell your Broker, you're covered.

titanium feather wrote: »

If it came down to it, in the case of a claim, would I be covered if I gave the correct details but the broker changed these details?

Do the above and you are.

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Trying to keep the business by being economic with the truth?

Hope they have a good Professional Indemnity insurer if they're at that !

Henry Ford III

To be fair there are some cowboys working for direct writers too.

markc1184

A space star is a 7 seater people carrier and in no way could be classed as being in the same category as a Colt. If i was you I'd contact your insurance company and try and have it rectified. Last thing you want is a large bill if anything was to happen because your broker made a "mistake".

sirpix

Bazz is right,you have a duty to disclose all information within your knowledgethat is material and relevant to the insurer's risk.If you don't,in the event of a claim, it may unnecessarily delay the handling of a claim or impact on the claim settlement value.Insurers may be well aware that the information offered to them is incorrect and knowing the value of this,they willingly ignore it.Your broker may be trying to get you the cheapest insurance, but he is doing you no favours in not recording the facts. Remember you get what you pay for.

Gophur

markc1184 wrote: »

A space star is a 7 seater people carrier and in no way could be classed as being in the same category as a Colt. ...........

A SpaceStar is NOT a 7 seater people carrier. Check your facts before giving advice?

coylemj

The broker is clearly softening the risk factors in the OP's profile in order to drive down the premium, that's why he's able to hold on to his business.

I wouldn't set much store as to where the car is registered, that's not what the insurance company asks you, it's normally along the lines of 'where is the vehicle normally kept'.

Using the address on the car's registration is like saying that 'my bank account is in Ballydehob therefore I should be assessed as a person living in a rural area' even though you live in Dublin inner city with all of the associated insurance-related risks - theft, accidental damage etc.