Insurers not covering certain makes/models

Agricola

I know certain imports / modified / big engined stuff would not be covered by a lot of companies but just wondering what would the reason behind not covering a 1L 25 year old Toyota Starlet! Spotted a low miler on DD which looks in decent nick and it's a year older than the Mini I have covered with First Ireland but they wouldn't look at it....
Is it the modified / boy racer scene with these cars that puts them off?

savagethegoat

they are very reluctant to cover anything over 15 yrs . This is a quite recent development. You wold get a classic policy on it though.

Is it a Jap import by any chance?

Agricola

No, thats the thing. I already have a classic policy with First Ireland and was asking them about adding this Starlet to it. I assumed it would be no bother as the car meets all the criteria. I've already had 2 classics insured with them on the same policy before as well.

It's not an import either no, it has a brown logbook. I'm assuming they just don't cover any of these small Jap hatchbacks and they tar everyone with the Glanza brush but I don't know and they wouldnt say on the phone.

*Update*
Just spoke to FI again to see if I could get an answer and apparently it's simply down to the underwriter (AIG) having a defined list of what it deems classics and many older cars aren't on it. The broker's hands are obviously tied. He told me they don't even cover MR2's which I thought was incredible!
This will be a hard car for him to sell if it neither qualifies for standard or classic insurance!

ianobrien

Maybe try other insurance companies. If another company would classify that Starlet as a classic, I'd give considerable thought to moving your business to that insurer even if I didn't buy the Starlet

Kenny Logins

ianobrien wrote: »

Maybe try other insurance companies. If another company would classify that Starlet as a classic, I'd give considerable thought to moving your business to that insurer even if I didn't buy the Starlet

Ha! Why, discrimination or something? :pac:

I've been insured with F.I. for a while and I'm very happy with the service. If that was made possible in part by excluding Japanese cars, fine.

kadman

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Ha! Why, discrimination or something? :pac:

I've been insured with F.I. for a while and I'm very happy with the service. If that was made possible in part by excluding Japanese cars, fine.

First they came for the jap cars..........and i said nothing, for I drive a german beetle.:p

nophd08

Did you try Autoline? If not ask for a lady called Lesley. I know that they classic insure jap imports.

hi5

It would make you think twice about even buying a new Japanese car if its going to be worthless in 10 years time?
Do classic insurance companies have statistics to show a higher claims level for certain brands/models, I always thought classic car claims were almost non existent, would love to see the figures?

Collector car enthusiasts need to band together and show a hand of force against these institutions who think they can ride rough shot over anyone they like.

fancy pigeon

My 300ZX tt is insured with FBD. I had no problems insuring it, yet it is a 1989 car. It's a Jap import.

I did also got a quote for my 1995 Mercedes 220 diesel last year again with FBD.

I would say ask around first

Diabhalta

I don't know, maybe just because the car is old it doesn't automatically mean it's a classic? Like Nissan Micra for example, K10 maybe but K11 Micras can be 22 years old today and somehow I don't see why it should be insured as a classic. It's a Micra. A shopping trolley on wheels. And a hatchback, that's quite a new (and boring in my opinion) design. 1998 Ford Focus will be 20 years old in 2 years... A classic? Oh please no! Scrap them all!

Kenny Logins

Twin cam. Civic. Starlet. MX5.

Enough to make any underwriter nervous.

Diabhalta

I have seen some older fella few times driving a white Starlet (stock I have to add) here in Cork. But if I would be in charge of an insurance company there is no way I would insure a car to anybody who is wearing a tracksuit. Get a pair of jeans and we can talk about your (stock) Starlet

On the other hand it's only FWD so you can't go sideways in it. That's a factor to consider as well.

Agricola

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Ha! Why, discrimination or something? :pac:

I've been insured with F.I. for a while and I'm very happy with the service. If that was made possible in part by excluding Japanese cars, fine.

I've been with FI for three years and they have always been helpful in anything I've asked of them. Even come renewal time they don't mind a good haggle and I've gotten great premiums from them. Unlike other companies.. cough.. Axa... cough, who wouldnt budge an inch. (Which is why I went to FI)

Starlet aside, not deeming a Toyota MR2 as a classic is ridiculous though.

nophd08 wrote: »

Did you try Autoline? If not ask for a lady called Lesley. I know that they classic insure jap imports.

I did try autoline for a quote for my Mini and it was down about 40 quid on FI. Have a few weeks to think on that. I might see what they say about the Starlet.

Diabhalta wrote: »

I don't know, maybe just because the car is old it doesn't automatically mean it's a classic? Like Nissan Micra for example, K10 maybe but K11 Micras can be 22 years old today and somehow I don't see why it should be insured as a classic. It's a Micra. A shopping trolley on wheels. And a hatchback, that's quite a new (and boring in my opinion) design. 1998 Ford Focus will be 20 years old in 2 years... A classic? Oh please no! Scrap them all!

Ok, I see your point but that's a classic car enthusiast talking. I doubt insurers give a shít about the pedigree of one car over another. All they care about is if the car and the insured person meets all the criteria and how big of a risk is this car to be on their books. Obviously they are just discounting entire makes/models simply because some of them have a reputation.

Personally, I think if a car is over 20 years old, is road worthy, the insured person has a daily driver policy elsewhere and they agree to limited mileage etc etc, then any standard, original Irish, non modified car should qualify.
I remember seeing a lovely 1980 Corolla DX at Terenure a couple of years ago, took me back to my childhood as my Dad had one when I was a kid. I don't see why that man's pride and joy is any lesser than the millioneth MG Midget or Spitfire.

Diabhalta

Could it be because the car is a hatchback? There is nothing classic about hatchbacks in my opinion.

Kenny Logins

Diabhalta wrote: »

Could it be because the car is a hatchback? There is nothing classic about hatchbacks in my opinion.

Can't even think of one?

Agricola

Behold....

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/AMC_pacer_082009_D42119.jpg

Diabhalta

They must have a reason why they don't want to insure it. And they won't tell you that reason.

Silvera

Agricola wrote: »

Behold....

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/AMC_pacer_082009_D42119.jpg

^^^ I'd nearly agree with Diabhalta in that case ^^^

Classic hatchbacks...

Opel Manta Hatch (I'm an Opel fan;))
Ford Capri Hatch
Lancia Delta Integrale
Golf GTi
etc etc etc

alastair

Diabhalta wrote: »

Could it be because the car is a hatchback? There is nothing classic about hatchbacks in my opinion.

Pretty much all the original 'hot hatches'.
Porsche 924
Porsche 928
Volvo 1800ES
Scimitar GTE
Jensen Interceptor
BMW 2002 Touring
Innocenti Mini
Fiat 127 (hatch version natch)
Mazda RX7
XR4i
Austin A40 Farina
etc, etc.

There's loads of them tbh.

Diabhalta

Liftback and shooting brake isn't the same as hatchback.

Agricola

fancy pigeon wrote: »

My 300ZX tt is insured with FBD. I had no problems insuring it, yet it is a 1989 car. It's a Jap import.

I did also got a quote for my 1995 Mercedes 220 diesel last year again with FBD.

I would say ask around first

Just tried FBD. She initially didnt want to know when i said Starlet and mentioned "no high performance veHICles"
Once I told her it was 1L, unmodified, original Irish, RHD etc, then she said it would be fine. Great I thought, I'll just add my 24 year old Mini now and I'm away.....
Nope, FBD only cover 25 year old plus cars under classic!

Insurance really is a massive ballache.

alastair

Diabhalta wrote: »

Liftback and shooting brake isn't the same as hatchback.

Why not? They're all hatchbacks.

mgbgt1978

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Twin cam. Civic. Starlet. MX5.

Enough to make any underwriter nervous.

I have an MX5 (93) as a second car on a classic policy with Autoline (1st Car is a '76 Mini). The cost to add the Mazda on the policy was........



........18 Euros !!!!

Kenny Logins

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

I have an MX5 as a second car on a classic policy with Autoline (1st Car is a '76 Mini). The cost to add the Mazda on the policy was........



........18 Euros !!!!

Yeah, I admit I was pushing it a bit adding the MX5 in there.

dr.fuzzenstein

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Yeah, I admit I was pushing it a bit adding the MX5 in there.

You're on thin ice there, Logins!

SpitfireIV

Agricola wrote: »

.........seeing a lovely 1980 Corolla DX at Terenure a couple of years ago, took me back to my childhood as my Dad had one when I was a kid. I don't see why that man's pride and joy is any lesser than the millioneth MG Midget or Spitfire.

I take exception to that, Spitfire's are certainly not as plentiful as Midgets or MGB's, otherwise I wouldnt have got one

I drive a 98 Starlet as a daily, have had it for the past 4 years so we'll see how I get on next month when my insurance is up, I've also dropped a 96 Starlet engine into the Spitfire

red sean

CroppyBoy1798 wrote: »

I take exception to that, Spitfire's are certainly not as plentiful as Midgets or MGB's, otherwise I wouldnt have got one

I drive a 98 Starlet as a daily, have had it for the past 4 years so we'll see how I get on next month when my insurance is up, I've also dropped a 96 Starlet engine into the Spitfire

So do you tell the insurance co. you have a Toyota Spitfire or a Triumph Starlet?

SpitfireIV

A Triota Starfire :-)

antodeco

Ive my two minis with FI and never had any issues. They rate they charge is low, so dont mind it too much!

galwaytt

Diabhalta wrote: »

Could it be because the car is a hatchback? There is nothing classic about hatchbacks in my opinion.

Lancia HPE says you're wrong.

Or Scimitar.

JohnBoy26

Diabhalta wrote: »

Could it be because the car is a hatchback? There is nothing classic about hatchbacks in my opinion.

SpitfireIV

Got my insurance renewal notice in the post yesterday.

I'm currently with 123.ie, car is a 98 Starlet, I have a clean licence, no claims, accidents, nuttin! Last year I paid the bones of €650 odd (I left it late didnt shop around). Was thinking this year it might be cloers to the €500 mark.

My quote for this year, third party fire and theft is €1030!!!!! :eek::eek:

Wibbs

Wow, over a grand for a 98 Starlet? :eek: That's completely insane. :mad: I was and still am livid paying 1600 quid for a 98 Integra Type R, but the more I read of folks with cars that are more "normal" paying figures like yours, but that just happen to be over ten years old on SIMI's hitlist the more I feel "lucky", what with the Japanese import and Type R tax. It's still bloody ridiculous though. :mad:

Still CB, I'd definitely shop around and keep shopping around. You're bound to get a lower quote on your car compared to that daylight robbery. That's ridiculous.

Lellostag

CroppyBoy1798 wrote: »

Got my insurance renewal notice in the post yesterday.

I'm currently with 123.ie, car is a 98 Starlet, I have a clean licence, no claims, accidents, nuttin! Last year I paid the bones of €650 odd (I left it late didnt shop around). Was thinking this year it might be cloers to the €500 mark.

My quote for this year, third party fire and theft is €1030!!!!! :eek::eek:

I know, it was a similar case for me for my '95 Starlet, the renewal quote was a bit lower than your's but still way too high. Eventually though I got a fairly reasonable quote with AXA which I took, think it was just under €500 for TPFT.

I tried of course getting classic car insurance for it, but no luck there...

SpitfireIV

Wibbs wrote: »

Wow, over a grand for a 98 Starlet? :eek: That's completely insane. :mad: I was and still am livid paying 1600 quid for a 98 Integra Type R, but the more I read of folks with cars that are more "normal" paying figures like yours, but that just happen to be over ten years old on SIMI's hitlist the more I feel "lucky", what with the Japanese import and Type R tax. It's still bloody ridiculous though. :mad:

Still CB, I'd definitely shop around and keep shopping around. You're bound to get a lower quote on your car compared to that daylight robbery. That's ridiculous.

Lellostag wrote: »

I know, it was a similar case for me for my '95 Starlet, the renewal quote was a bit lower than your's but still way too high. Eventually though I got a fairly reasonable quote with AXA which I took, think it was just under €500 for TPFT.

I tried of course getting classic car insurance for it, but no luck there...

Cheers guys! Just havent had the time to call around yet, but for the sake of interest I just went onto the 123.ie website and put in my info to get an online quote, at the end of it all a message tell me they are sorry but they cant offer me a quote! :rolleyes:

So, I checked out Bank of Ireland, they do car insuance, their quote for their 'Popular' insurance was €508 and for 'Prestige' it was €538. Thats a bit more like it!! But I will be taking the time to ring around soon.

Agricola

CroppyBoy1798 wrote: »

So, I checked out Bank of Ireland, they do car insuance, their quote for their 'Popular' insurance was €508 and for 'Prestige' it was €538. Thats a bit more like it!! But I will be taking the time to ring around soon.

Was just about to mention BOI. They took me out of a major hole before xmas when I bought a Freelander TD4 before checking insurance. Just assumed it would be no bother. Absolutely all of the major companies and a few of the less well known were looking for €800 plus.
Found BOI last minute and got a policy with them for less than €400. I'd be impressed if you bettered their quote tbh.

Agricola

Update on this thread.... I had a chat with a man who was selling a pristine little 1L Starlet at the Swords show a couple of weeks ago. It was similar age and condition to the one I was watching online and asked him how he faired with insurance.
I was shocked to find out First Ireland covered him on a classic policy! :rolleyes: It's the only car he has with them, separate daily driver policy elsewhere and apparently they made no bones about it at all. All this malarky about Starlets not being on AIG books......... Just goes to show you can't believe a word they tell you on the phone.

unkel

Got a quote from First Ireland for classic insurance on a '00 BMW 318Ci coupe sport. €220 (limit 2k miles) or €260 (limit 4k miles) if I already had regular insurance in my own name on another car and €340 (limit 6k miles) if it was my only car

All of those quotes were for fully comprehensive cover!

(My regular renewal quote on the same car came in at €625 TPFT, could not get any online quote, but did not ring around either)

Don't give up hope folks!

Wibbs

I tried everywhere U and even though I have full no claims, no points, looking at the half century age wise and a full licence holder since the 1980's, sub 2000kms per year, driving the same car for just over ten years with no bother(and far higher yearly milage traveled in previous years), but nope, pretty much all but crowd but one refused me(one crowd of robbers wanted nearly 3k). A couple were "decent" enough to refuse me point blank, time wasting **** like 123 and Chill had me go through the motions with all my details only to refuse me at the end. My broker independently went around the companies as well. No joy. Oh and that 1600 is only TPFT with a couple of extras. Hopefully I can get something cheaper for 2017, but I don't hold out much hope TBH. That said U I can't recall speaking to First Ireland about a classic policy, but with my memory… I'll defo make sure to ring them come December though.

hi5

unkel wrote: »

Got a quote from First Ireland for classic insurance on a '00 BMW 318Ci coupe sport. €220 (limit 2k miles) or €260 (limit 4k miles) if I already had regular insurance in my own name on another car and €340 (limit 6k miles) if it was my only car

All of those quotes were for fully comprehensive cover!

(My regular renewal quote on the same car came in at €625 TPFT, could not get any online quote, but did not ring around either)

Don't give up hope folks!

The problem is you would lose any No Claims Discount you have earned.

unkel

Wibbs wrote: »

I tried everywhere U and even though I have full no claims, no points, looking at the half century age wise and a full licence holder since the 1980's, sub 2000kms per year, driving the same car for just over ten years with no bother(and far higher yearly milage traveled in previous years), but nope

I feel your pain Wibbs. It seems you are not the problem, but your car is. Japanese performance cars are are the toy of choice for scumbags, scrotes. 12 year old doughnut performance artists and general knackers - red, red, flag for the insurance actuaries looking at actual accident and claim data

You can't win this battle. Maybe move to another car that will also give you great driving pleasure but won't give you as much grief getting it insured?

unkel

hi5 wrote: »

The problem is you would lose any No Claims Discount you have earned.

Nope. Any NCD certificate will stand for 2 years.

Wibbs

unkel wrote: »

red, red, flag for the insurance actuaries looking at actual accident and claim data and/or pulling figures out of their arses

FYP . I could understand that if it was five or ten years ago when there was so many more on the road and by extension more claims etc, but they were significantly cheaper to insure then. Oh and for all the equality stuff, being a man still goes against you with some companies. After I got my insurance I got a woman I know to ring around to try and get a quote and yes the majority were of similar attitude, but she had more Ok we'll insure you and lower prices. 10-20%.

You can't win this battle. Maybe move to another car that will also give you great driving pleasure but won't give you as much grief getting it insured?

Sure, though sadly few enough have the combination of reliability, practicality, real world above average modern level performance and raw driving feel. Certainly not at my price point and any that might tempt me would be insurance monsters anyway.

Mind you your example of a BMW 318Ci coupe sport are a very nice car, crazy cheap for what you get too. Very different mind you. It would be like going from living with a crazy supermodel in an unheated, undecorated flat in Manhattan to a less insane fat lass in the suburbs.

Wibbs

Joking aside about the BMW's, even the briefest gander at donedeal shows some cracking cars for little enough money. :eek: It's been a while since I looked. I mean look at this BMW . OK knowledgable folks will likely cry foul and point out more issues than TIME's back catalogue, but surely that's a typo? Pretty much half what I'm paying in insurance annually. :eek: That's a huge lump of car for the money.

SpitfireIV

Been onto a few of the usual suspects and a couple of brokers, none of which could offer me anything under €1000!!! Couple of them, when I gave my reg recoiled and I could hear them go 'uhhh...a Glanza!', its not a Glanza, its a regular ol' Starlet but suddenly now it seems to be listed as one, thats never happened me before?! :mad:

Anyway, was asking a couple of them what the deal was?! I'm 32, I have the car 4 years, have full licence, no points, no claims but was told that this is how it is now, its been written in that cars over 15 years just arent feasible to insure! One guy, when I told him that Bank of Ireland had quoted me over €500 wouldnt believe it and said there had to be something amiss!

Called Bank of Ireland to be sure and indeed I was quoted €528 for their 'Popular' insurance option, €560 for 'Prestige'.

You can see who I'm leaning towards!

So guys, if youre getting the same hassle I am try the BOI!!

beauf

I don't think its just classic or older cars. The other half insurance has almost doubled with a Full NC, clean licence and boring not not too old, MPV. Other people in the family and work reporting the same. My renewal on a 16yr old car was ok before xmas, I think next time, it will be uninsurable.