Why did my insurance premium increase when I removed my wife from the policy?
I have just spoken to two insurers concerning my motor renewal premium. As I own two cars and my wife never drives the car I am about to renew, it seemed to me that it would be worthwhile limiting driving to myself. I was surprised to be told that my premium would increase by a substantial amount. I also asked for a quotation for third party, fire and theft instead of comprehensive as the car is five years old. This also would be more expensive. Neither of the people I spoke to about the quotation could explain why these increases would be applied. When I dealt with motor insurance many years ago there was always a 10 per cent discount for 'Owner Only Driving' and Third Party, Fire and Theft premiums were also a lot cheaper. No doubt from your vast knowledge you can explain this apparent anomaly to me.
Asked on 5 March 2011 by RC, Woodhall Spa
Answered by
Honest John
That's true. It's almost always best to have a husband and wife on a policy because as long as both have clean records, that represents a lower underwriting risk. Similarly, it's always best for a young driver to have numerous mature additional drivers named on the policy. TPFT is dearer because the average underwriting risk of a claim is higher. You might do better with a multi-car policy via www.primoplc.com or by www.admiral.com
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