Cannot get insurance!

Thelostcountry

Hi Guys.

I rang five insurance companies yesterday to get a quote, everything was going great until I told them what I do, part time Mechanic... "oh we don't insure the motor trade You would need trade insurance" 1000euro!!! I need insurance for my own van for weekends and after working hours!!!! as the garage I work for only insure me working hours.

its a fecking joke.... not all Mechanics need/can afford trade insurance.

djimi

Have you explained to them that its a S,D&P policy and not commercial?

Maybe try some brokers; they can usually prove to be more useful than dealing with insurers directly in these situations.

obezyana

Why even bother telling them your a part time mechanic? It's not like they do a background check on your job history.

On the other hand having trade insurance has it's benefits.

djimi

obezyana wrote: »

Why even bother telling them your a part time mechanic? It's not like they do a background check on your job history.

Because withholding/lying about material facts such as this when obtaining an insurance policy is a sure fire way to find that policy cancelled in a hurry when it comes to making a claim.

Thelostcountry

djimi wrote: »

Have you explained to them that its a S,D&P policy and not commercial?

Maybe try some brokers; they can usually prove to be more useful than dealing with insurers directly in these situations.

It is a commercial vehicle tho, Liberty will insure me privately for €800.00!! which is a joke!! 11 year ncb 10 years full licence.

corktina

€1000 is €20 a week, or less than €3 a day, just increase your prices a little to cover this.

Surely you can see why Insurance Companies won't cover you on a normal policy?

ironclaw

djimi wrote: »

Because withholding/lying about material facts such as this when obtaining an insurance policy is a sure fire way to find that policy cancelled in a hurry when it comes to making a claim.

Exactly. And if you were ever in an incident outside of work hours doing for example a nixer or even if there were tools in the car, then your snookered as they'll just point and say 'You were working' And thats another point, if you have any tools in the car they won't be covered. They are exempt from 'personal property'

If you are genuinely a part time mechanic and won't be working outside the given hours (At all, as in zero mechanic duties) then you can probably make a declaration to that effect.

That or take the €1000 as in incentive to get some above board work on the side and earn it back. One job at €20 a week, every week of the year would cover it.

Thelostcountry wrote: »

It is a commercial vehicle tho, Liberty will insure me privately for €800.00!! which is a joke!! 11 year ncb 10 years full licence.

Having recently renewed my insurance, I can tell you Liberty cover is thin on the ground by comparison. I almost went with them myself. Compare Liberty to FBD and you'll see some pretty large difference in cover, clauses and limits.

Thelostcountry

I wonder how on Earth are apprentice Mechanics getting insured?? its not even Mechanics it is anyone in motor trade tyre fitters motor factors etc.

pippip

I'd imagine motor trade insurance has extensions for driving the customers cars so probably makes it more specialized and expensive.

justsomebloke

have you talked to the garage you work for to see if they will let you pay the difference in price between what they currently pay for 8x5 and what it would cost them to insure you 24x7?

Thelostcountry

Got sorted Guys!

Insuremyvan.ie

Thanks.

pippip

Thelostcountry wrote: »

Got sorted Guys!

Insuremyvan.ie

Thanks.

Did you keep it honest?

MugMugs

obezyana wrote: »

Why even bother telling them your a part time mechanic? It's not like they do a background check on your job history.

Yes they would. And they'll do it when you most need them. At claim time

Thelostcountry

pippip wrote: »

Did you keep it honest?

Yes, otherwise just pissing against the wind. fully comp SDP and commuting €325

There will not be tools in the back either. Insurance companies are ruthless when it comes to claims ,they go through everything !!!

pippip

Thelostcountry wrote: »

Yes, otherwise just pissing against the wind. fully comp SDP and commuting €325

There will not be tools in the back either. Insurance companies are ruthless when it comes to claims ,they go through everything !!!

Sorry I've got confused here, are you using the van for being a mobile mechanic or just driving around in?

Thelostcountry

pippip wrote: »

Sorry I've got confused here, are you using the van for being a mobile mechanic or just driving around in?

Oh NO not a mobile Mechanic! commuter and bring the dog around in the Back. Defo need trade insurance for mobile workshop and god only knows what else!!!

pippip

Thelostcountry wrote: »

Oh NO not a mobile Mechanic! commuter and bring the dog around in the Back. Defo need trade insurance for mobile workshop and god only knows what else!!!

Oh, I understood thats what you were setting up as.

I reckon then Liberty just got the wrong end of the stick and thought you were using the van for work.

oldyouth

Thelostcountry wrote: »

Yes, otherwise just pissing against the wind. fully comp SDP and commuting €325

There will not be tools in the back either. Insurance companies are ruthless when it comes to claims ,they go through everything !!!

I'm glad you got sorted and went about it the right way. If you do decide to go down the route of doing a bit of private work, you will get Motor Trade Insurance for under €1k if you are over 25 with a full bonus (use a good broker)

padd b1975

Thelostcountry wrote: »

Got sorted Guys!

Insuremyvan.ie

Thanks.

Great company, I have been with them for years.

Very accommodating.