The direct insurers use standard computer data to base their car insurance quotes on. Their staff can't usually move from the 'screen rate', however happy they'd like to quote you.
September 22, 2006 (Press Release) --
The problem can be exacerbated by overseas call centres, where staff may have even less leeway.
On the other hand, these same big companies sometimes offer loss-leaders to get business. Eventually, though, they have to put prices back up - just like Norwich Union did recently.
So where do you go to get a better deal, if you can't find anyone offering loss-leader premiums? Ideally you need to talk to someone who can give you cheaper insurance if you can persuade them you deserve it.
In other words, talk to a broker.
Gerry Bucke works for car specialist Adrian Flux Insurance. "If a broker thinks you're a lower-than-standard risk, they can quote a lower-than-standard rate - so they can get you a cheaper deal than the direct insurers," he says.
It's all down to the broker and their relationship with their underwriters, who actually provide your insurance cover. If the underwriters trust the broker, they may offer them a 'delegated-authority' scheme. Basically it means the underwriter is happy for the broker to use their knowledge and judgement to offer a lower premium, provided the broker thinks you deserve it.
"This is especially true for specialist brokers, since they will know their particular market very well," says Gerry Bucke. "There are brokers who specialise in various vehicle types, such as 4x4s or performance cars, and those who look after types of people - women, over 50s, convicted drivers and so on.
"In these cases, a broker can get you a better deal than the direct insurer."
There are all sorts of ways to prove you are a lower-than-standard risk, from parking in a garage every night to belonging to a car owner's club. Showing you're a dependable citizen can help - for example, Flux offers discounts to motor bikers who take an 'emergency aid for bikers' course.
"Any broker will try to beat whatever quotes you've already been given," says Gerry Bucke. "All you have to do is give them the ammunition to cut the premium down."
Adrian Flux has a huge range of policies for the motoring enthusiast. For details contact the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage on www.adrianflux.co.uk
COPY ENDS
PRESS ENQUIRIES: Brokers beat car insurance price rises.doc– Sep-06
Dawn King or Toni Turner at The Publicity Works
Tel: 01263 761000 Email: flux@publicityworks.biz
Gerry Bucke of Adrian Flux Insurance Services: 0800 505 3000
On the other hand, these same big companies sometimes offer loss-leaders to get business. Eventually, though, they have to put prices back up - just like Norwich Union did recently.
So where do you go to get a better deal, if you can't find anyone offering loss-leader premiums? Ideally you need to talk to someone who can give you cheaper insurance if you can persuade them you deserve it.
In other words, talk to a broker.
Gerry Bucke works for car specialist Adrian Flux Insurance. "If a broker thinks you're a lower-than-standard risk, they can quote a lower-than-standard rate - so they can get you a cheaper deal than the direct insurers," he says.
It's all down to the broker and their relationship with their underwriters, who actually provide your insurance cover. If the underwriters trust the broker, they may offer them a 'delegated-authority' scheme. Basically it means the underwriter is happy for the broker to use their knowledge and judgement to offer a lower premium, provided the broker thinks you deserve it.
"This is especially true for specialist brokers, since they will know their particular market very well," says Gerry Bucke. "There are brokers who specialise in various vehicle types, such as 4x4s or performance cars, and those who look after types of people - women, over 50s, convicted drivers and so on.
"In these cases, a broker can get you a better deal than the direct insurer."
There are all sorts of ways to prove you are a lower-than-standard risk, from parking in a garage every night to belonging to a car owner's club. Showing you're a dependable citizen can help - for example, Flux offers discounts to motor bikers who take an 'emergency aid for bikers' course.
"Any broker will try to beat whatever quotes you've already been given," says Gerry Bucke. "All you have to do is give them the ammunition to cut the premium down."
Adrian Flux has a huge range of policies for the motoring enthusiast. For details contact the Adrian Flux quote line on 0800 505 3000, email the company at quotes@adrianflux.co.uk, or see the Flux homepage on www.adrianflux.co.uk
COPY ENDS
PRESS ENQUIRIES: Brokers beat car insurance price rises.doc– Sep-06
Dawn King or Toni Turner at The Publicity Works
Tel: 01263 761000 Email: flux@publicityworks.biz
Gerry Bucke of Adrian Flux Insurance Services: 0800 505 3000
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