Car Insurance Broker

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Would anybody please tell me what do I have to do to become a car insurance broker?
   I am interested in car insurance industry and would like to become an insurance broker. I don't know the course or the line to follow.

   • ANSWER:
     First, you go to your state insurance department website, and buy the study materials. Then, you take and pass a test. Then, you find an insurance company willing to let you sell their insurance, or, go work for an independent agent as a "producer", on a commission split basis.

2. QUESTION:
   Car insurance broker or direct to insurance company?
   I'm about to get a car, and i'm thinking about car insurance. The thing is, I don't know whether should i go to an insurance broker, or just shop around doing all these web quotes and find the cheapest out there and call them directly. Should i just do this or should i contact an insurance broker? What are the pros and cons of dealing w/ insurance broker? thanks

   • ANSWER:
     With all due respect to Bundysmom (who is normally dead on with claim/accident answers) I believe you are better off going through a broker.

     If you deal direct with a company or one of their "captive agents" (an agent who only reps 1 insurance company) you end up with no comparison shopping at all. I can't agree with that on any level. Auto insurance is a product like anything else and most people try to get the best value for everything they purchase and insurance should be the same way.

     A broker or independent agent will be able to give you quotes from many different companies showing the difference in prices.

     Sure some brokers are idiots and crooks but so are captive agents. The best advice I can give you is to go to an agent that is recommended by a relative or friend.

     My agent is the daughter of the agent my father used, so I had a great recommendation about the agent and I would never consider buying direct off the internet. I get good service and advice and she does a great job of checking with me to see if I NEED additional coverages. A captive agent can do that for you also but without the ability to provide comparison prices.

     Try to avoid buying direct online without an agent unless you are knowledgeable about insurance coverages. Last week there was a person on this site who bought a policy online but didn't do it correctly and had an accident and found out the hard way that they did not purchase collision coverage so now they have car payments on what has become a giant paperweight.

     Be careful and good luck.

3. QUESTION:
   How/where do i find good car insurance broker in london ?
   i dont trust online quotes - just run a couple of them and each time i run they show other numbers

   • ANSWER:
     Try confused.com
     or google search asking for London insurance brokers

4. QUESTION:
   How can one become a car insurance broker ? Does one need a large capital to start?

   • ANSWER:
     You need to sign up with an insurance company as an Associate. You won't be paid a salary but your income will be determined by how much you sell. The more you sell the more you'll get paid.

5. QUESTION:
   how/where do i find good car insurance broker in london ?
   i dont trust online quotes - just run a couple of them and each time i run they show other numbers

   • ANSWER:
     Check out this article i found http://www.youbigg.com/Car-Insurance.html it has details on different types of plans and information etc.

6. QUESTION:
   Anyone from car insurance broker?
   My car insurance is up for renewal. Switching to new company. I have full no claims bonus but have just realised I made mistake on proposal form. It asks about accidents in last 5 years regardless of blame to which I confused my full NCB and answered NO.

   Thing is I had a totally non fault accident 3 years ago and cost of my damage was recovered from the other person. I did claim on my comp policy first though and so the answer should have been Yes.

   I have just realised this now on rechecking a copy I made of the proposal form. I cannot get through to the broker and have already made payment on the policy which is not yet in force.

   Can the insurance company now refuse to insure me altogether?
   It was a genuine mistake which I just want to rectify. Will they offer me terms on increased premium or are they likely to take issue with my initial non disclosure?

   I am aware I need to disclose this or my policy will be invalid.

   • ANSWER:
     don't worry about it! they WILL find it on your CLUE report, but they will simply ask that you provide PROOF that the accident was NON-CHARGEABLE. you can get started on this now. ask your previous insurance co. for a "letter of experience" which will include any claims and whether or not they were chargeable. fax this letter to your new broker w/ your new policy# written on it.
     when you answer questions on an applicaiton, you are answering to the "best of your knowledge". making an honest mistake is fine. insurance co. understand that you are human.

     hope this helps!

7. QUESTION:
   Car insurance help, Private broker or big name company?
   I'm currently in the process of renewing my car insurance, and i'm wondering if small privately owned insurance brokers are cheaper than the bigger named companies? I'm 27yrs have a clean license and 2yrs no claims. Shocked at the current prices. Any ideas welcome. Thanks

   • ANSWER:
     Insurance rate vary so much from person to person. It base on different factor like car year and made, policy, location, credit score etc etc.

     The best way to find out is to get a quote each company. Companies like geico/statefarm's will give you free quote on their website. It takes less than a minute to finish the quote request form

     Also, call some local car insurance company. Most of them will give you free quote too. If you have time, walk into a broker office and talk to them face to face.

8. QUESTION:
   Car Insurance Broker?
   I am 17 (will be 18 when purchase car), I have been looking at confused, go compare, the usual and there all coming back rufly the same - Renault Clio - 1.2L - £2999 - £3500 Awful

   Is there an insurance broker who specializes in 17-18yr olds (New Drivers)

   Many Thanks for any answers!

   • ANSWER:
     If you are living with your parents, look at being added to their policy. It may be cheaper.

     If that isn't possible, talk to an independent agent about your options.

9. QUESTION:
   To what "base" would you go to with your insurance broker for lower car insurance and rental car coverage?
   First, second, third?

   • ANSWER:
     ewwwwwww; he's my son.

10. QUESTION:
    Car Insurance Broker/Agent License in New York State?
    I want to be hold license for Car Insurance Broker/Agent in New York State. How do I obtain it? What are the training needed and other things. I'm not quiet sure how to obtain it and really need this job which I am already hired for but they require me to be an agent/broker. I went to bls.gov and checked it out, couldn't find the info I was looking for. I also went to New York State Department of State website and still couldn't find the information I was looking for. So, please if anyone has any idea, get back at me. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      A link is below. I hope it helps.

11. QUESTION:
    How many times can you change your car on a car insurance policy?
    HI
    I was wondering how many times you can phone up your car insurance broker and ask to change the car for the policy?
    For example could I change my car 5 times in a year and keep the same insurance policy.

    Also if this is possible would I pay the total difference that the policy would cost in the admin fees or will my monthly payments be changed

    • ANSWER:
      You'll get charged an admin fee each time but that'll be all.

12. QUESTION:
    Insurance broker offered me a free pen if i switch my car insurance to them?
    should i do it?

    • ANSWER:
      yes....just make sure the logo and stuff on it is not all worn and chipped.

      Plus-- make sure the restrooms there are not the unisex ones that smells like a zoo.....haha

13. QUESTION:
    can car insurance brokers charge you when you switch companys mine has why?
    i saved £230 when iswitched my car insurance.now my last broker has sent me a bill for £136 saying i should of informed them when i switched.should i just pay or complain that i they had done the job i paid them to do i wouldnt of had to switch in the firstplace wat do you think ?????

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, mainly to cover administrative costs, but most also add profits on top.

14. QUESTION:
    How to sell car Insurance? How do I Sell the products & the Services I have?
    I am a Car insurance BROKER. If I say i dont do sales that would be a total lie. i mean i am happy with the number of sales i do. i am survivng but i would like to hear other ideas or try other ways of selling my products. Your answer will be highly appriciated

    • ANSWER:
      It's HARD. That's why 95% wash out in the first year.

      My suggestion - go to a few local businesses, offer to do quotes at lunchtime in the break room.

15. QUESTION:
    Should I use a Car Insurance Broker?

    • ANSWER:
      Most brokers don't charge any fees. They will do all the work for you. Why wouldn't you use a free resource to do the work so you don't have to?

16. QUESTION:
    should i use a car insurance broker?

    • ANSWER:
      Maybe so. Depends on what you know about insurance and if you need advice.

17. QUESTION:
    Why do my car insurance brokers treat me like the guilty party?
    I'm a good guy, I pay my premium on time and have been loyal to them. I was rammed by two yobs, who then drove away hitting three other cars eventually abandoning it a short distance away. My partner and her eleven year old daughter were injured. The nearside wheel arch and headlight, indicator housing was wrecked making it virtually undrivable.

    Why am I then nine days later, still answering the same questions to the same people, still waiting to have my car examined. Now to cap it all, they're saying I may have to pay for all the damage because the other car was stolen and they need to redeem their losses!! What is the point of car insurance when they dont give you the protection they promise? I must be thick or something. Help!!!..............cracking up.

    • ANSWER:
      If you carry physical damage on your car (comp and collision) your company has to pay. However, the other car is the one that is liable, and should be the primary payer. If your company pays, they will subrogate to get the money back that they paid out to fix your car from the other party that is at fault. Call them every day, twice a day, and they will get something done. If not, file a complaint with the state insurance commissioner's office. But, if you only carry liability insurance, you may be screwed if the other car was stolen. Good luck.

18. QUESTION:
    car insurance????? ?????????
    ok i turn 17 very shortly and want a peugeot 106 diesel(which is a 1.5) it is insurance group 3 and good mpg, but would it cost much for me to insure and could i get an insurance quote from a insurance brokers at 16 without owning the car first? i hope it won't cost much but one off my mates has the peugeot 106 gti quicksilver and that's a 1.1 and his insurance is £2500 while another mate has a corsa 1.1 3 door fully mod with subs,amps,alloys head unit all covered 3rd party fire and theft at £880 a year so surely a diesel 1.5 shouldn't cost much? right.lol
    i would also go with AA plus i have had a 50cc motorcycle insured with them for 5 1/2 months before i got rid off it with no claims so would that ever so slightly lower my insurnace with them?
    ok yes i am 16 AND TURN 17 VERY SHORTLY i do have a provisonal, as i have ridden a 50cc motorcycle on uk roads for 5 1/2 months before selling for funds towards the getting a car

    • ANSWER:
      You won't get a firm quote until you're 17 - try Quinn direct, Tesco or a comparison site like confused.com.
      A group 3 should be no problem to insure for you, but your moped insurance probably won't have any bearing on the premium you pay for a car. The AA are NOT known for cheap insurance.
      The 106 GTi is a 1.6 (group 13), the 106 Quicksilver is a 1.4 (group 5).
      Be careful what other people tell you - your mate's Corsa may well not be fully covered for theft of audio equipment & some companies are very fussy about alloys.

19. QUESTION:
    For car insurance is it better to get it through a broker?
    I am 19 years old and I have never had insurance (I have had my license for a year). There is a broker right now charging me 8 to be insured for the whole year. Before finding this broker the cheapest I could find was at State Farm and they were charging 0/year. The thing is I was told I would be charged /Month by the broker which would total 6 for the year. Is the remaining 2 their (the brokers) commission? What do you think?

    • ANSWER:
      Make sure that the broker is genuine and not misinforming the insurance company to reduce the premium. After that whichever is cheaper and provides right coverage, you should choose that. sometimes broker may reduce coverage to reduce the premium but you will have to suffer when when you need to claim and find that it was not covered.

20. QUESTION:
    Car insurance: Can I charge my neigbour to collect a parcel for her?
    Car insurance: My policy states "social domestic and pleasure use only". My neighbour has asked me if I will collect a flat-pack from Ikea for her if she gives me £20. I am happy to do this but would I be insured? Should I ask my insurance broker if I am covered for this?

    • ANSWER:
      Most insurers will let you collect a mileage allowance provided you notify them in advance. The mileage allowance has to be realistic as the insurer will not cover you if you intend doing it for financial gain, but if it is just to cover the cost of petrol, the insurer should not have any issues with that. The goods you are carrying would not be covered as they are not personal effects if they are owned by someone else.

21. QUESTION:
    what's the advantage of having an intermediary company (broker) handle my car insurance?
    i quoted through the intermediary company (broker) and the total payment was 1. Then i quoted directly with the insurance company and the total payment is 9......????

    • ANSWER:
      Insurance brokers usually do add on an administration fee to the insurers quote, but as they get paid commission by the insurer, I personally feel that they take liberties, and they should certainly not increase the price as much as yours did.

      The only real advantage of being with a broker is that if you need help, you get face to face contact rather than having to deal with an impersonal call centre or even deal with it online. It is also useful if you have a claim as they will chase the claim up on your behalf and will give you impartial advice, but if you feel happier to deal with your insurance yourself, it is worth doing so to save money as you end up paying brokers a lot of extra money for the little amount of work they do.

22. QUESTION:
    DOE ANYONE know of a good insurance broker for car************?????????
    Does anyone know a good cheap insurance broker for high risk drivers in ottawa???????????????? i really want to find a cheap broker someone help...or a good one

    • ANSWER:
      My husband is a high risk driver as well and we got insurance through Ontario Insurance Services. 1-800-387-4518 ext. 52654 the gentleman's name is Jay. We looked at 5 different brokers and not only did we get the best service from these guys but they were the best price too.

23. QUESTION:
    I want to retrive customer who are something online for Car Insurance.?
    I am A Broker for Car Insurance and Commerical Home etc,...
    My Office is so slow i want to know how could i get customer online offer them price online because i know there are alot of people are looking for Car insurance so please any idea's.
    Even do you havve a lots of Acciden tor Violation my company still offer you a Quote you get approve. I am talking abouy NYC Insurance.

    • ANSWER:
      There are sites that sell you online insurance leads. These are people who went online to a network of websites and requested an insurance quote. Try netquote there one of the best. A simple google search for auto web leads or home web leads will find you several companies. Most have refund policies and have flexible amounts for totals leads per month.

24. QUESTION:
    Standing the cost of a car crash vs motor insurance claim?
    My son recently had a motor accident, we intend to stand the cost of a replacement car (insurance premium would rise a further £2000 for the following year).

    Do we have to inform the insurance company of the accident and if we do will this have an impact on his insurance considering the we stood the cost and didn't claim?

    The current insurance company seem unwilling to answer the question fully and an independant insurance broker was of little help too. Please help!

    • ANSWER:
      ALWAYS inform the insurance company. They get very tetchy if they find out you haven't. My daughter had a total loss. They paid for recovery (it was burned out) but we didn't claim on our insurance and we didn't loose any no claims

25. QUESTION:
    Do you still pay for insurance while ur car is stollen?
    My car got stollen,my insurance broker settle my claim but dealer is asking me to pay for full premium or until my policy expired!

    • ANSWER:
      If the insurer has settled your claim the insurance company became the legal owner of your car (if it is ever recovered). Not sure what "insurance" your dealer is requiring you to pay for but it would not be auto insurance. You can't insure a car you no longer have legal title to.

26. QUESTION:
    What's the limit of a car insurance's no claim bonus discount?
    I live in Canada, if that helps.

    I've bought car insurance from my broker agent for 20 years now and I still only get a 10% discount. Has he been cheating me out of my no claim bonus discount? Is there a universal limit to the NCB discount rate (I've heard 60%), or does Canada have a special limit of 10%? Something tells me that's not the case...

    • ANSWER:
      I really recommend you shop around. Try no to stick to the same broker as it becomes self-defeating. When you contact other brokers, emphasize your fantastic no-claims discount and they will bite your hand off to give you a better discount and quote hopefully.

      I would be expecting nothing less than 50 - 70% if I were you.

      Happy hunting at renewal

27. QUESTION:
    Why do car insurance systematically break the sex discrimination act?
    IF this was a case of pay or working conditions or job description, the womans lib and campaigners for EQUAL rights would be hopping mad, they would be marching down the street but NO, when it comes to being FAIR, they are not in the case of car insurance.

    Anyone ever wondered why women pay less for car insurance yet if your in an accident and your a man, your no claims is effected whilst the womans NCB isnt?

    I believe that theirs a big case of Sex Discrimination with these insurance brokers and no one has ever challenged them before so they still continue....

    Your thoughts?
    I am talking from experience too, the number of accidents I have been in and it not been my fault and the other driver is a woman, FFS, IM the one who has lost out and yes IM annoyed that I AM DISCRIMINATED AGAINST!!! I dont care what Insurance compnays pull out of the hat with statistics because they can make number say what they want, People who drive Red cars are more likely to have an accident than a Blue car.... Is that fair? So why should sex determine cover in insurance? Think about it....
    As for AGE related, I dont see why that should be relavent, what I do find relaventt is the "TIME" that has been spent driving, so if your Licence was gained at 17 Years old, and your 34, you have 17 years worth of experience on the road, where as a 17Year old who has just passed their test has had Zero years experience on the road.

    I See that as more relavent, not age related because if you are a Cyclist then a Motorbike user and then progress to car, you gain allot of experience and can have a couple of years driving experience in hand before using a car.

    • ANSWER:
      It is a proven fact that men, young men especially, are less cautious drivers than women. They are an insurance liability.

28. QUESTION:
    car insurance Voluntary Excess?
    hi just got a quote from a insurance broker for cars

    and i put down £100 Voluntary Excess but what does this mean?

    • ANSWER:
      You should go for the highest voluntary excess you can get. It isn't worth claiming on your insurance for anything less than a near write-off as the increase in your premiums will cost you more in the long run.
      You do NOT pay the excess on another drivers claim on your insurance.

      A £100 pound voluntary excess means that you pay the first £100 of any claim that YOU make. If you claim for £500 of damage the insurance company will pay £400 to the repairer.

29. QUESTION:
    What happens if you lie to a new car insurance provider?
    I was cancelled for reasons out of my hands, apparently the insurance person didn't record I had spoken to them during a conversation. So my broker cancelled my insurance.

    Now everywhere I go they want to charge me a lot more for thsi cancellation and I can't get through to my company to try to have the cancellation revoked.

    What happens if I apply to another car insurance company and say i wasn't cancelled. I pay ontime there's nothing wrong, are they going to find out about the previous company somehow?

    • ANSWER:
      Thy have access to insurance records or will contact your previous insurance company and check. If they find out you lied they will cancel you. Or if not right away when you have a claim they will deny the claim and then cancel you.............You cant beat the insurance company............md

30. QUESTION:
    Car Insurance with Motorcycle NCB?
    Hi all,
    I have been riding a motorbike for a few years and have a NCD with my bike insurer. I am wondering if anyone knows of any car insurance brokers that will take my motorbike NCB into consideration, as I have never driven a car before.
    I have been searching the net, and found that Direct Line insurance allows you to do this, but I'd like to shop around a bit more!

    Thanks in advance.

    • ANSWER:
      Best thing to do would be find an independent agent not tied to any one insurance company, explain your situation and allow him to search for you.

31. QUESTION:
    how do i start a business in car transporting as the broker? what kind of insurance, bond,etc do i need to hav

    • ANSWER:
      As the business owner, you do not need any license for driving any vehicle, since you are just using the computer, etc., to make loads.
      You will have to have state and city license, maybe have to have business in the right zone, etc., You probably will be required to have a bond, depending upon your state. If you are hiring independent truckers with their own insurance, they are the primary people responsible for the vehicles.
      You need to have insurance at least 1M anyway just to cover yourself even with independents having their own.
      You need a good accountant and lawyer to properly set up things and make contracts for your drivers.
      I have to pay lic, puc's be bonded and have ins. Costs a lot, esp w/diesel up there.

32. QUESTION:
    whats the best way to check multiple car insurance quotes at once?
    last time i got car insurance, i went to a broker type place, there, the guy used a website to find me the cheapest car insurance, do any of you know which website this is?

    • ANSWER:
      The broker probably had a proprietary website that he pays for to do comparisons.

      There is no ONE insurance company that is right for everyone - everyone is rated individually - and all companies have different "likes and dis-likes", different credit tiers, different business models, and many other factors that can vary your rate - and a QUOTE is ONLY a quote until the policy is issued.

      Typically, insurance rates will vary from State to State and can even vary by ZIPCODE! It also will depend on the type of car/truck, coverages, limits of liability, and driving record. Some companies run credit scores and MOST run a motor vehicle report and CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report to see about undisclosed accident involvement.

      The best thing to do is call a LOCAL independent agent or broker. Don't go across town, or to some other city - look for someone CLOSE. Just look in the phone book for the PIA or Big I (Trusted Choice) logos and you will find a professional licensed agent that will be able to help you solve your insurance problems, and give you rate comparisons of several different companies.

      An independent insurance agent will normally have a dozen different companies and if he cannot help you, he should be networked with other local agents that can.

      In my agency, we have companies that do NOT run a credit score and welcome drivers with "less than perfect" driving records and specialize in youthful operators!

      Most of the replies on this site say "go to this on-line carrier or that on-line carrier or that 1-800 number" but I'm sure that when you do, you will find some impersonal computer user with a script to work from and you won't be able to talk with the same person every time you have a problem!

      Good luck, drive RESPONSIBLY and I hope this helps!

33. QUESTION:
    Do You have To pay A Brokers Fee, When They Find U Car Insurance?
    I know some one who payed a huge brokers fee, when they found car insurance for her. Are all broker fee expensive. (finders fees).

    • ANSWER:
      Paying someone a fee for finding insurance is like paying someone for the oxygen that we breathe. Why in the world would anyone be silly enough pay another a fee for merely finding car insurance?

34. QUESTION:
    Car insurance websites and Brokers? What's your suggestion?
    About to hit that time of the year where the dreaded Car insurance renewal occurs. Just wanting your opinions on what would your best websites, brokers, advice will be for insurance.
    Who? Where? Pricecomaprison websites? discuss and help me in the process : )

    Many thanks

    Incidently im 23 and have a 1.6vetec Honda Civic

    • ANSWER:
      Try them all.
      Spend a whole boring day with the Yellow Pages in front of you and play them off against each other, but remember that car insurance has gone up about 25% for everybody this year, so don't expect any bargains.

35. QUESTION:
    Bloody car insurance, its4me. I want my money back.?
    My car insurance runs out 8th Jan 08. its4me (car insurance brokers) rang me up in Dec for renewal. Everything went well with the policy as nothing had changed on it... right up until I asked "wot about my no claims discount?" This guy had set everything up, but on the day the day the renewal was due I shouldve had full no claims discount as I was going to transfer it to this car insurance account. He told me its £20 to change the details, even tho it was all in the same phone conversation. Anyway to cut a long story short, I was really unhappy at being ripped off by 20 quid so I decided to cancel the policy. They took the full amount out of money from my bank, and refunded £30 LESS. Keep in mind my policy isnt even up 4 renewal til the 8th Jan 08!! Apparently this is their cancellation charge! Can they do this to me? Theyve charged me to cancel something that isnt valid yet, and taken the money over 2 weeks early. Please answer if u can (

    • ANSWER:
      How would we know? Ask the insurance company for a detailed statement as to what they took, and why.

36. QUESTION:
    Female, over 25, 9 years driving experience needs CHEAP CAR INSURANCE?
    Hi, my previous insurance was less than £350.00 for third party, fire and theft (in london). My new car is similar but I am getting quotes for £800+ for third party fire and theft. This is ridiculous. I am in my late twenties and have been driving almost 10 years.

    I would really appreciate names of small insurance brokers. 10 points.

    • ANSWER:
      May I suggest getting some fully comprehensive quotes. I know it sounds strange but sometimes fully comp is cheaper than third party fire & theft.

      Have you tried using the car insurance comparison sites.

      Small brokers are a good idea, I think you will need to look in the phonebook to find them though.

      Good luck!

37. QUESTION:
    How is an insurance broker paid?
    I just got my license and want to buy a car. However my dad said it'll cost over 00 for me to be insured on my own car. I'm thinking about going to a broker but don't want to have to pay them seeing how i'll already be paying a tonne for insurance. Do I have to pay them at all? Or does the insurer give them commission? How does it work?

    • ANSWER:

38. QUESTION:
    Can you cancel car insurance and get a refund?
    Hi,

    I bought car insurance last September (The 28th), but now I will have to move to London at the end of July, so will no longer be able to keep my car (The cost was really high anyway!) So i will have two and a bit months of insurance I dont need.

    My question is I pay in installments monthly, if I cancel can I get any money back, and will they want me to give them any money. The insurance is with RoyalSunAlliance, through a broker in the UK.

    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      If you are paying in installments you haven't actually bought insurance.
      Just phone them to cancel the policy, I did that with my wife's car insurance and they didn't ask for the full amount.

39. QUESTION:
    Car Insurance Refund Can I expect a full refund with 7 mths left to expiry date?
    I have found a Less expensive cover online and dearly wish to change my insurance provider now.
    My broker is Colin Ryan. Not sure what I should do?

    • ANSWER:
      Jackie M doesn't know what she's talking about. If you're in the UK then you will receive a pro-rata refund of the time remaining of your insurance policy. This will be minus an administration fee, usually between £20 - £50. I've cancelled more policies than I can remember and I used to sell insurance for a living.

      This does not vary from insurer to insurer or broker to broker, the rules are laid down by statute and are enforced by the FSA. Insurers and their staff often don't know what they're talking about. If they refuse your request always ask for a name and tell them you want to make a complaint which you are entitled to make on the telephone and do not have to put in writing. If your complaint is not acknowledged in writing within 3 working days then they have made a "breach" of regulations and you need to talk to the FOS. This is also the case if you don't get what you want from them

40. QUESTION:
    Why am I paying insurance on a car that is written off?
    I pay my car insurance via monthly direct debit and my policy started in march 2007.

    My car was written off in June 2007.

    I have just received my settlement cheque and the broker has taken £280 out of it to settle my outstanding premium to March 2008.
    Is this usual practise?
    Why am I paying insurance on a car I don't even possess?
    Aren't I entitled to a rebate and, if so, how do i go about this?
    I'm in the UK.
    Fully comp with protected NCB.
    My car was vandalised.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi I know where you are coming from because I have been there. However the broker is correct.
      When you took out your insurance you agreed to pay the full fee for the year to cover your car against damage or loss ( in the event of loss the policy ends (see your terms and conditions).
      The insurance company has then let you pay for the insurance on credit ie monthly payments. (you dont pay for each individual month but for the full year).
      The insurance company has kept to there contract and have paid out for your car and the policy has now ended so they have then taken the rest of the owed fee from your pay out and will stop the monthly paymentsIts the same as buying a holiday on a credit card, taking the holiday and then refusing to pay the credit card bill because you have had your holiday.
      Kind regards Technical

41. QUESTION:
    Insurance broker, led me to believe I can have liability only on my bank owned car. Is that illegal?
    I wanted to purchase liability for my sons car. I was told that it would be cheaper to add him as my husband and add him to my car which at the time I had insurance with another compaIny. My car is still bank owned and I asked the agent if she was sure that I can only have liability only she said it was ok. 2 months later I was notified by the bank that I needed full coverage. I went back to the office and was told she was on temporary leave, another agent helped me. I was told to put more money down and my money should be prorated and returned to me. It was never returned, as I was told they would. They said when my sons policy was up they then would return it. Now I had to pay more money for a down payement for full coverage, which was to include first month payment. Now I am getting a cancellation notice saying that I will be cancelled if payment is not recevied, I still should have two more weeks till my first payment! Is this a lawsuit!

    • ANSWER:
      It is very common for a lender to require full coverage on a vehicle they are financing. It should have been in the papers he signed to get the financing in place. Unless your agent put it in written form that "It's acceptable to only have liability on a car that is financed" you have nothing but a "he said she said" situation. Even if you manage to find her, and get her into court, do you think for a minute she will admit to giving you wrong advice, or do you think she will say "I gave the customer exactly what he asked for, and added his son to his policy."

      Go find a reputable insurance company, get him full coverage, and get the binder that shows you have the insurance needed. Take that to the bank before they add their own, VERY expensive insurance to the car and you have that bill also, or decide to take the car back because he didn't do as he was supposed to.

      Once you have all that taken care of, contact the insurance commission in your state, and file a complaint against the first insurance company.

42. QUESTION:
    Incorrect NCD on a car insurance policy?
    Hi

    Few days ago I bought my first car. I heard from few people that in the town where I live, there is an insurance broker who offers cheap car insurance. I phoned up to make a quote and it sounded like a good deal and I agreed to take. Today paper work came in and as I have read through my personal details, turned out that the broker provided the information that I have been previously insured, which is not true. And that I have 9 years no claim discount! I am going to phone in on Monday and ask him where did he take those from and I will refuse to accept the insurance cover. I would like to know what is your opinion about that. Can he force me in any way to take as I agreed on the phone?
    Of course the information I provided on the quote was true, that I have never owned a car.

    Definitely Im not going to sign and return any signs as I don't want to get into trouble if I will ever have to make a claim.

    Will appreciate any comments.
    But my concern is at the moment whether this broker may try to force me in any way to take this cover. I don't agree with the information which he provided and I will refuse to sign it but we all know what they can be like.
    I have not paid any money yet as the cover started yesterday and I only received all the paperwork including policy details to be signed and direct debit details to be provided. So there is no refund required.

    • ANSWER:
      The broker lied on the application in order to give you a lower quote so you would get the policy from him. If you sign the forms then you will also be lying-since you must read over the application and sign verifying that the information is true. If you do not sign and return the paperwork the company will probably cancel the policy with thirty day notice if the policy has already been uploaded to the insurance company. If the agent did not upload the application to the company-he may be able to pull it back and delete it as if it had never been started. Most agents don't upload the application until they get back the signed paperwork and the downpayment-just in case the client doesn't return the application. Do not drive the vehicle if you are not planning on taking the policy-since you will not have had any coverage since you purchased the vehicle

43. QUESTION:
    Can an insurance broker set up shop at a used car dealer?
    I am in the slow careful arduous process of starting up a used car dealership. I had the brainstorm of an Idea of also either getting certified to sell insurance and sign up with Gieco and Progressive, or hire an agent, or even invite a brokerage to setup an office on my lot. The more I think about it the more I wonder about the legality of it though. I start thinking about conflicts of interest and the like. I am at the capital organization stage, and have yet to consult a lawyer for my LLC and licensing needs, but wondering if this is something I should even bother thinking about.
    This is in Texas. Just FYI

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, they can.

44. QUESTION:
    Does my husband need car insurance?
    When I signed up for car insurance my broker told me that when my husband receives his driver's license he has to be put on the insurance. My husband got his license now, but he never drives. I drive, and have insurance. He rides his bike or the bus when he needs to get around. He tells me there's no need to have insurance for him since he doesn't drive anyway.

    My question is: by law, do we have to purchase car insurance for my husband even if he doesn't own a car and doesn't drive mine? Or was the broker just saying that for business purposes?

    I just want to be informed and do the right thing, whatever it may be.

    Thanks in advance.
    We only have one car, and it's under my name and I drive it daily. They wanted me to get insurance for him on the same car, but he doesn't drive it.

    • ANSWER:
      Think you need an Ins. Co. that is honest, I'm with Nationwide and have both home and car ins. with them, and never a problem in over 25yrs. The problem is that some States to get driving lic. you have to have ins. first. Don't know in your State but adding him shouldn't cost much, Seeing he has lic. now I assume he didn't need to purchase ins. first. Both my wife and I drive same car a 04 Corvette and pay less than 0.00 a month for full coverage both on same policy. Only one person can drive at a time, So change Company. And that way if emergency arises he'll be able to drive.Also may cover him on bike. you'd have to ask.

45. QUESTION:
    Can I buy car insurance direct from the provider or do i have to go through a middleman?
    Like i know in mortgages, u can buy a mortgage thru some banks directly and with other banks u have to go thru a mortgage broker, is it similar in insurance and if so who can i go thru directly? do the insurance retail companies mark up the insurance before they sell it to the general public? i live in florida. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Most people prefer the advice and counsel of a good agent but if you feel that you are a knowledgeable auto insurance buyer here are some companies that write direct.

      GEICO
      Progressive
      Unitrin
      Esurance
      21st Century
      AAA
      Mercury

      P.S. Esurance is not an insurance agency, it is an insurance company, a division of the White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

46. QUESTION:
    Car insurance in Panama?
    I just bought a car and need car insurance in Panama. Does anybody have a good, english speaking car insurance company or broker they can recommend?

    • ANSWER:
      My name is Ursula Kiener Ford and I am an insurance broker in Panama. My clients are mostly foreigners who are relocating or investing in Panama.

      For car insurance I have two websites:

      ~ In English www.PanamaCarInsurance.com
      ~ En Español www.SegurosdeCarroPanama.com

      Both of these websites can explain any question you might have on licenses/permits, tickets, accidents, claims, and anything else related with auto insurance.

      Contact me at forlacol@gmail.com or to my phone (507) 6676- 5151 and I will promptly respond to any insurance question you might have and give you a quote for your car.

      I can also advise you on other types of insurance such as life, health, mortgage, homeowners and renters, and title.

47. QUESTION:
    will a place like target auto brokers try to supply or get you car insurance?
    i was wondering if they wont let you leave their premises until you have insurance on the car you bought or made payment arrangements with. can you say that you dont want any insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      You can leave! But if you have a loan on your car, they won't let you take the car with you. If you've paid cash, they won't give you temporary tags without insurance in place.

      You do NOT have to buy insurance through them.

48. QUESTION:
    How do I get my auto insurance broker license in CA??
    I bought a car last week and the dealer had an agent come and take pictures and give me insurance right at the spot, I like doing what he is doing but have no idea what i have to do, can you please tell me how to get my auto insurance agent/broker license in CA and if I have to have an office or I can just work on my laptop from home? Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      Insurance is run by Departments of Insurance in each state, so do a dearch for California Insurance department and it will give you the requirements for a license.

      Good luck!

49. QUESTION:
    how do i check which car pays less for insurance?
    i am buying a little car (civic or similar) or suv (rogue or similar), is there any place i can check which car is cheaper on insurance, i don't want to call insurance brokers to find it. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      There's no shortcut - without a vin and a vehicle in mind, you HAVE to call a broker to get an indication.

      Although a little two door or four door like a civic, will be cheaper than that suv.

50. QUESTION:
    does anyone know where I get car insurance for my 16 year old son ?
    my son has cancer and is allowed to take his test a year early being on disability allowance, cant seem to find an insurance broker that deals with this, HELP

    • ANSWER:
      I've just searched for you and discovered that Motability cars come with insurance, Result!!!

      http://www.motability.co.uk/main.cfm?Type=CINS