Auto and Car Insurance

Has your car insurance rocketed? Even with no claims?

I am insured by Direct Line. My insurance last year was £290.00 for a Mistu Shogun Warrior 2.5TD 53 plate. I have more than five years no claims and have not had an accident. Ever! Touch Wood! They have sent me a renewal notice of £407.00. I am female, age 35 and have had my licence for more than 12 years. How does my insurance increase??? Anyone with similar details insuring the same car for less? With whom? I have already tried the gocompare and confused websites and no-one seems to be able to explain why!

Public Comments

1. I'd ring them up and ask them what the hell they're playing at, I'd also recommend you get some other quotes (try confused.com) because they're taking the p*ss, as if you're gonna re-new at almost double the bubble. My experience has been that it's remained pretty constant, but I am 25 so it's still pretty pricey at that age
2. I've been with E-Sure for years, and managed to haggle them down last year, by going to Confused.com and telling them I'd had a better quote. Saved me about £40 for the price of a phone call.
3. I would try broker - get a good policy for once - they will also check the market each year for you to ensure that you don't get 'ripped off'. (Not to mention free advice and help when you need it)! With regards to your quote I suspect that you were the beneficiary of fact that Direct Line alter their rates several times a day to ensure a constant stream of business - quotes at the end of a day can be a lot cheaper than at the beginning. The alternative is that they were in the middle of a marketing campaign to 'buy in business' by offering unsustainably cheap premiums for a period. Obviously they hope that you will stay with them at the higher premium (which is probably only marginally above the 'correct' rate for the risk.)
4. There was recently a radio artcle about this subject. Your insurance company is relying on your loyalty, the same happened with me and the Halifax. Contact them and ask for a quote as a new customer and your quote will be a lot lower. I also have a 4x4 and was told by the dealer to contact NFU, they gave a rate considerably cheaper than anybody else.