Insurance Opinion

[Chris32]

That time of the year is almost here for me - insurance!!

I want to get a few opinions, as I am currently with Just Cars, and have been for almost 3 years. My current insurance runs out at the end of May, so I'm doing some shopping around now to save up

Currently payed a tad over $1600 last year, with Just Cars,which I thought was pretty reasonable

Problem being I have heard bad reports if you have to make a claim (MattR from memory got screwed around) and don't mind paying a bit more for peace of mind.

I got a qoute from another broker, who went through Famous Classic Car Insurance, which was slightly dearer and I would have to upgrade my security system to a three point immobilser (currently 2 point). They also allow mods, as long as they are told and they are legal (which could pose problems living in SA, nothing seems to be legal here)

If anyone has any good/bad things to say about either I'd like to hear them

Cheers, Chris

[CheekyR32]

A friend of mine is with Just Cars (R33) and they just raised his premium for no reason even though he didn't have an accident or anything... you might wanna check they are not going to do this to you.

I didnt' have any problems with Just Cars tho.

[MattR]

DO NOT GO WITH JUST CARS... im With RAA not, not sure if they do imports:) Try the usualls Famous;83700133

Ian Berry 82929100

Unique 1800651014

Dawes Underwriting 1800807463

Young and Cool 1300307066

Vigil 131303

[gatty]

i am with JUST CARS, a few months into my 2600 policy - 1800 excess for theft (this is for a non tubo - i am a rasting 5 and am 19 almost - never made any claims or had any accidents/fines)

i am thinking about cancelling - get refund then going with famous - aint had proper quote yet

[Boof]

A friend of mine is with Just Cars (R33) and they just raised his premium for no reason even though he didn't have an accident or anything... you might wanna check they are not going to do this to you.  

I didnt' have any problems with Just Cars tho.

Is that knowing about ur licence losses as well Erica?? I've gotta start this great excursion soon enough as well, its going to suck :thumbdwn:

[CheekyR32]

shhh... well to be honest.. i didn't tell them and they didn't research...

It would be the difference between 2k and 6k per year....

[Miss*33]

I did some research on Famous. Read their policy very closely, it did have a clause re: not covering your car between the hours of 11pm and 7am should it be left in a public place. Not sure if that clause still exists but it definitely put me off going with them.

[doglet]

I'm 27 and just got my renewal from Famous and it was $1630 for full comprehensive, Rating 2 or 50% NCB, for my 32 GTSt.

I rang up Just Cars and they quoted me $1225.

Both companies have said that mods are allowed if they are legal etc....as you say Chris - what is legal here in SA? and is anything legal if it doesn't come standard? I'm sure some smart arse insurance lawyer could try and find a way not to pay out a claim.

Famous are a broker for Heritage car insurance who are located in Guernsey which I think is some little tax haven in some ocean a long way from Australia!! There was a particular sentence on the documentation which I'll post up later tonight that I didn't like at all......something to do with not being covered by some Australian insurance association if the brown stuff hits the spinning thing on the ceiling!! At least Just Cars is underwritten by AAMI and they mention this when you contact them. AAMI sounds a lot better than some mob in Guernsey, unless they do an HIH! Touch wood they don't!

I've chosen Just Cars this year because I think I'm starting to value the security of the local underwriter - the $400 saving also helps too!!

I know it's not fair but we are all facing an uphill battle to insure our imported cars and the only measure of a company's performance is when someone has a crash. Some people have good experiences with certain companies and others have bad experiences. We only have dealings with the companies when they are trying to screw us for money to pay our premiums or when we have a crash......times when we'd rather be buying something else or driving our pride and joys.

Cheeky32 - be careful not to have a unplanned dealings with your insurance company ie. make a claim, because they are always looking for a way not to pay out on claims if you haven't disclosed all details about your car or driving record.

I'll post that Famous stuff later on when I get home.

[doglet]

Straight from the Famous Car Insurance - "Financial Services Guide":

"Your Insurance Contract has been arranged wholly with an unauthorised foreign insurer that is not authorised under the Insurance Act 1973 to conduct insurance business in Australia. The Insurer is Heritage Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (HMVI) of Suite 3, Town Mills, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands. Since HMVI are not licenced in Australia, they are not regulated or supervised by APRA and are not subject to the provisions of the Insurance Act 1973. You may view the accounts of HMVI upon request. Larry Tyler is a Director/Shareholder of both Famous Classic Car Insrance and Heritage Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited, Tom Disckson is a Joint Shareholder and Director of Famous Classic Car Insurance."

In the end you have to make your own mind up as to where you want to go for insurance. The above paragraph made me think twice about what I value - dollars or security, so I have personally gone back to Just Cars.

The General Discussion forum has a couple of Sticky's that deal with insurance. They are full of good and bad stories about just about all the insurance companies.

I am happy to show anyone the paperwork I have received from Famous Car Insurance if they want to look at it themselves....just PM me to arrange a time to meet.....good excuse to meet up with some other Skyline owners too!!

[Nightcrawler]

Good to see you around mate - where did you disappear to doglet? Haven't seen you around for ages .... seen Brad lately? - he disappeared too

[doglet]

Hi NightCrawler - I've been around but I tend to read more than write...still learning about all things Skyline and about cars in general hehehe Don't know much about the mechanical stuff but I have fun driving them. I'll probably come out for a cruise once I installed a couple of parts I've been collecting for the last few months. BTW - don't know about Brad.

[chops]

shhh... well to be honest.. i didn't tell them and they didn't research...  

It would be the difference between 2k and 6k per year....

Don't want to rain on your parade, but it could also be the difference between "covered" and "not covered".

It's called "non-disclosure" and there is a clause at the end of your policy about it. One of the insurer's favourites for rejecting claims.

Just thought this piece of info might be useful for all.