RAC Insurance

[ladydriver]

A couple of months ago, after playing with confused.com for several hours, I switched my fully-comp/main-car insurances from Norwich Union to RAC to save a measly few quid. But when the paperwork arrived the small print said (I paraphrase): Because our customers are so stupid they don't understand that they can only drive Other Cars with third party cover, we've taken it off the policy. So now I have three separate car insurance policies in my own name, and I can't drive anyone else's car!

Take note if you're considering RAC insurance and still want to drive your mate/spouse/partner's old banger.

Rant over.

 

[Rory]

A couple of months ago, after playing with confused.com for several hours, I switched my fully-comp/main-car insurances from Norwich Union to RAC to save a measly few quid. But when the paperwork arrived the small print said (I paraphrase): Because our customers are so stupid they don't understand that they can only drive Other Cars with third party cover, we've taken it off the policy. So now I have three separate car insurance policies in my own name, and I can't drive anyone else's car!

Take note if you're considering RAC insurance and still want to drive your mate/spouse/partner's old banger.

Rant over.

I read that all insurance companies are phasing out DOC (driving other cars) cover.
Apparently the original intention of it was so that you could, for example, move someone's car if it was blocking yours in at a party and the owner was over the limit. But people have been widely abusing it. Drivers have claimed they thought that if they were a named driver on someone else's policy, then DOC covered them.
The other thing that people didn't understand was that the car really had to also have its own insurance - if you're driving it under DOC cover, then as soon as you park & leave the car, it isn't insured.

 

[JonFB]

Just to make the mystery complete, I work for Norwich Union and we own RAC - so actually they are the same company, i.e. I presume NU underwrites RACs policies - so how daft is that?

 

[ladydriver]

I take Rory's point that there could conceivably be areas of confusion, but in my experience insurance documents/certificates are extremely clear about what is covered. Doesn't everyone read the small print like I do? Probably not...
I drove my mum's car approximately 1 mile last year, and I drove my aunt's car about 50 yards. It's not worth being a named driver but it is extremely inconvenient that I can't drive other cars at all. Especially since mum was recently laid up for 6 weeks after a hip replacement and wanted me to run her 15 year old Carina round the block once a week.
I sincerely hope I can find a competitively-priced policy next year that includes DOC. Any recommendations anyone?

 

[robbi-wan]

I sincerely hope I can find a competitively-priced policy next year that includes DOC. Any recommendations anyone?

i thought so but now i need to go check first!
rob

 

[mlc]

I read that all insurance companies are phasing out DOC (driving other cars) cover.
Apparently the original intention of it was so that you could, for example, move someone's car if it was blocking yours in at a party and the owner was over the limit. But people have been widely abusing it. Drivers have claimed they thought that if they were a named driver on someone else's policy, then DOC covered them.
The other thing that people didn't understand was that the car really had to also have its own insurance - if you're driving it under DOC cover, then as soon as you park & leave the car, it isn't insured.

I agree with these wise words. The problem is supposed to be that the insurers can be exposed to a risk completley out of proportion to what they expect. You get comp insurance on a a Ford Ka then go and drive something exotic. Whilst you dont have comp insurance on the "borrowed" car you can still do lots of damage to other cars and other people.

Sadly time are changing, some one is always looking for the fiddle, so we all suffer.

Mark.

 

[hawk20]

I sincerely hope I can find a competitively-priced policy next year that includes DOC. Any recommendations anyone?

What Car got panel of experts to advise on what a good policy should cover etc so as to avoid the numerous exclusions buried in the small print. Then got insurers to tender to do it. Liverpool Victoria won and they provide the What Car insurance policy. IT IS OUTSTANDING. Do not ask how many miles you do per year. Cover business and private. Cover as many trips to Europe as you like and no green card needed AND don't even need to notify them you are going. Covers you third party driving other cars and covers loan cars while you are serviced. Many other virtues. And here's the unbelievable bit. It is amazingly competitive. I have fully comp., with full no claims on a Decemebr 2005 S class 320cdi for the princely sum of £340 per year, covering me and my wife to drive. Both over 50. Details in What Car magazine or phone 0845 123 2618

 

[Rory]

Then got insurers to tender to do it. Liverpool Victoria won

Both my cars are with Liverpool Victoria (also known as Frizzell). If you (or family) have got any past or present connections with the Civil Service and can therefore join the CSMA, or have membership of several other 'afinity groups' then you get a discount - http://www.frizzell.co.uk

Failing that use the What Car discount code, or go through What Car's website.

One thing I particularly liked is that they don't take any notice of fixed penalty speeding 'fines' - they don't even require to be told.

 

[mlc]

Both my cars are with Liverpool Victoria (also known as Frizzell). If you (or family) have got any past or present connections with the Civil Service and can therefore join the CSMA, or have membership of several other 'afinity groups' then you get a discount - http://www.frizzell.co.uk

Failing that use the What Car discount code, or go through What Car's website.

One thing I particularly liked is that they don't take any notice of fixed penalty speeding 'fines' - they don't even require to be told.

interesting comments on this company. We used them right up until we bought the first MB, their prices went though the roof at that stage, seems they dont want young city dwellers

Mark.

 

[Rory]

interesting comments on this company. We used them right up until we bought the first MB, their prices went though the roof at that stage, seems they dont want young city dwellers

I've heard the same thing - they're either pretty competitive (I had slightly cheaper quotes, but liked their cover and way of doing business - no foreign call centres, automatic cover for courtesy cars etc) or stupidly expensive.