Insurance Section

When Insuring Your Car Check Out The Specialists - Money Can Often Be Saved

December 2005

In business the more information and experience you have the better service (and normally prices) you can offer clients, and nowhere is this more so than in the car insurance industry. One of the reasons for high insurance premiums is that many companies don't specialise so almost make up quotes (always erring on the expensive side of course) when they lack information.

For example, if you're in a niche group and looking for motor cover, you're normally better off seeking out a specialist insurance broker who in many cases will be able to offer more competitive rates.

Examples Of Specialist Motor Insurance Companies

Older Drivers (50+)

• Age Concern - Does not have an upper age limit and offers a standard £5,000 of personal accident cover as standard (comprehensive policies only)
• Sage - Specialist insurer to the older generation. Insurance policies include courtesy car and 'emergency any driver cover'
• RIAS - Part of the Dutch banking group Fortis. Acts as a broker sourcing the best deals

Younger Drivers

• Quinn Direct and Swift Cover specialise in offering young drivers insurance at better rates than the nationals
• Norwich Union carries some interesting policies such as 'Pay As You Drive' (for 18 - 23 year olds) which costs out premiums on mileage covered
• Norwich Union also has 'Rapid Bonus' which is a policy that's renewed every 9 months, so enabling people to build up a no-claims bonus in 9 months rather than 12

Weekend - Fair Weather Cars

• Perhaps you drive a Lotus Esprit or an Jaguar E-Type but it is not your main car
• In this case look to Lancaster Insurance which can offer policies such as limited yearly mileage etc
• Adrian Flux is another broker that specialises in this sort of cover, Flux also specialises in finding a policy for those with bad speeding convictions or drink driving past offences
• Performance Direct is another broker that specialises in those with driving convictions

Summary

These specialist firms are often the best at getting competitive quotes especially if you fall out of the mainstream when it comes to motor insurance. But whatever you do, don't fall into the trap of thinking that they're always going to find the best available policy at the right money. No, the secret to finding a good insurance quote is to contact at least 5 and maybe 10 or more insurance companies brokers. This is a hassle for sure but savings of hundreds of pounds are on offer for those willing to work the phones and/or internet.

Good luck in getting a competitive motor insurance quote!

See Also

• Find's list of Car Insurance providers
• Find's list of Car Insurance Brokers