Insurance Question - after a ban.

Moley · 16 Jun 2010 at 12:04

So this is a question for anyone with experience getting re-insured after a ban, anyone who works in insurance or anyone with a informed opinion.

I've just got my provisional license in the post this morning after my 5 year ban has expired.

In order to answer the obvious questions that will come up, I had a nasty accident six years ago in which I unfortunately lost control of my car and hit a pedestrian who died at the scene. I cannot begin to describe the feelings of horror and remorse as I have always been the kind of person who wouldn't do anything to deliberately hurt anyone - never mind a complete stranger.

The accident was caused by inappropriate speed for the conditions, no drink or drugs involved.

Anyway back to my query...

I am now classed as a learner driver again and in order to get back on the road solo will have to pass an extended driving test - for which I will want to practice and so will be doing some driving with the wife who can supervise me.

I now have to approach insurance companies for quotes and likely it will work out best if I am a named driver on the wife's policy (which will actually be correct as she is the main driver anyway).

I've spoken to a couple already a few months ago to test the water and I am being asked if I've had any convictions or accidents in the last five years. Which of course I've not - because I've not been driving.

Obviously I don't want to be giving away too much information to insurers that might push the premium up but I also want to be fully legal and legitimate on my insurance.

Obviously some might ask why I'm on a provisional license, does it actually matter and/or affect the premium?

Should I volunteer the ban/conviction information?

Any (sensible) replies greatly appreciated.

Jez · 16 Jun 2010 at 12:22

You must answer their questions fully and accurately. If they ask if you have any convictions within the last 5 years then answer it as no, if you have not

Tute · 16 Jun 2010 at 12:26

If you're unsure how to answer, can you not ask advice from a legal professional before answering the questions from the insurance company?

If I was unsure i'd pop into my local police station and ask them as a starting point - if they can't help then they'll most likely know someone who can.

thepeganator · 16 Jun 2010 at 12:29

Being on a provisional will actually make it cheaper than if you had just passed, as you can only drive when supervised.

Possibly speak to the dvla or whoever gave you the ban?

Jez · 16 Jun 2010 at 12:29

As long as he has read the "assumptions" properly before he starts the quote, fits those, and answers all of the questions fully and accurately, then he has done all he can.

Police will only tell you this, and to check with the insurance company staff if unsure.

Moley · 16 Jun 2010 at 13:22

Well I've just started phoning round for quotes and had an interesting conversation with Performance Direct. I was FULLY OPEN with him explained about my conviction, ban and now on a provisional license and he told me in no uncertain terms that the conviction and ban DID NOT MATTER and DID NOT NEED TO BE DECLARED due to them being over five years ago!

So it pays to be fully open with people to get good information it would seem.

Jez · 16 Jun 2010 at 13:24

Moley said:
Well I've just started phoning round for quotes and had an interesting conversation with Performance Direct. I was FULLY OPEN with him explained about my conviction, ban and now on a provisional license and he told me in no uncertain terms that the conviction and ban DID NOT MATTER and DID NOT NEED TO BE DECLARED due to them being over five years ago!

So it pays to be fully open with people to get good information it would seem.

This was always going to be the case

eatcustard · 16 Jun 2010 at 13:57

look at comparison sites

SGWills · 16 Jun 2010 at 14:12

as long as its not within there rating term (which is mostly 5 years) then no they dont have to be disclosed, only one i would say which sometimes catches some people out is the "have you been refused insurance previously?" question because some companies will look at people who cant be quoted but sometimes if your insurance has been revoked aswel

Jez · 16 Jun 2010 at 15:17

SGWills said:
, only one i would say which sometimes catches some people out is the "have you been refused insurance previously?" question because some companies will look at people who cant be quoted but sometimes if your insurance has been revoked aswel

I never really understand that question, as obviously most people will have been refused insurance had they tried to get a quote or change their policy over to a car which is deemed too risky?

SGWills · 16 Jun 2010 at 15:30

Jez said:
I never really understand that question, as obviously most people will have been refused insurance had they tried to get a quote or change their policy over to a car which is deemed too risky?

its because insurance companies like to know why you been refused, if its because its a car a certain company wont cover then fair enough, if its because of otehr reason like points or certain convictions then the insurance companies will either turn you away or load the policy

Moley · 16 Jun 2010 at 19:44

Well after phoning around, I will be insured as a named driver on the wife's car as of tomorrow. Funnily enough the details of the insurance company I'm going with was given to my boss when he went on a drink driving awareness course and they specialise in dealing with drivers with convictions. They were very helpful, very reasonable and the insurance is in the same ballpark as the quotes I could get off comparethemarket.com - just the excess is higher.

Now I gotta get out and start driving again - something I'm not overly excited about but we have had a new arrival in the past few weeks and this new daddy has to start sharing the driving load.