Quote from Footman James

[LouiseM]

Do I take it from this FJ are seeking to price members out of their market or are they assuming MMOC members wouldn't question an officially approved supplier?

No, you've just shopped around and found a cheaper quote elsewhere.

As has been said many times before here, insurance - whether it's car, home, contents, holiday etc - is based on a huge number of variables and it's good practice to shop around. Cheapest isn't always best so check all of the small print before deciding, so that you know exactly what cover you are getting. However the second year renewal quote might not be so attractive, or expensive extras such as adminstration charges might apply so what they give in one hand they take back with the other.

Last year, and the year before, my insurance was £97.05 with FJ. This year it's increased by £2.43 to £99.48. I've shopped around and been offered a slightly cheaper quote elsewhere but I've decided to stay where I am. Plus by having car insurance with FJ I also get discounted house contents insurance and have just saved nearly £40 on what I was was paying with my previous insurer. So there are benefits available to club members via FJ which they would not get anywhere else - the young drivers scheme is a case in point (companies such as RH & Lancaster don't insure classic car drivers under 25) - but it's just common sense to shop around when buying insurance and people are free to choose whatever insurance is best for them from whatever insurance provider they wish. Get a variety of quotes based on your own personal circumstances, read all of the small print, then decide which policy or provider is best for you.

If members have any specific complaints about the service provided by FJ please contact the Club directly.

[Big-Al]

Last year, and the year before, my insurance was £97.05 with FJ. This year it's increased by £2.43 to £99.48. I've shopped around and been offered a slightly cheaper quote elsewhere but I've decided to stay where I am.

Well my circumstances haven't changed and I'm not aware of any 'mini crime wave' happening in my area. The fact two different brokers can use the same insurer for the same car used by the same driver living in the same area can come up with a different quote by a margin of £176.96! The contrast between your increase and mine begs some questions in its self.

Apart from sneaking in a Personal Travel Insurance for Europe the 2 offer much the same. RH have also been easier and cheaper to call on the phone as well.

I agree with your comments about it is a matter of choice and everyone should seek what is best for them.

However I am concerned that some members may be under the impression that Footman James is the best option to MMOC members as it is promoted on this forum and by the club in general.

[LouiseM]

The contrast between your increase and mine begs some questions in its self.

Without comparing all of our specific personal circumstances such as age, location, job, previous driving history, annual mileage, where the car is parked, car value etc etc I don't think that any conclusions can be drawn over the difference in premiums really.

However I am concerned that some members may be under the impression that Footman James is the best option to MMOC members as it is promoted on this forum and by the club in general.

Well there's an advert for FJ here and in the club magazine, and the company offers specific benefits for club members as highlighted in my previous post, but it's common knowledge that insurance cover and premiums are based on a huge variety of variables which are particular to each persons individual circumstances. And anyone posting here and asking for insurance advice is provided with a variety of insurance company names. RH insurance is heavily promoted by some on here, so some people might get the impression that they provide the 'best option', but it won't necessarily be the case for everyone. Some people seem to consider the 'best' option to be the cheapest one, others look at exactly what is offered, and any additional benefits, before making a decision. I wouldn't get concerned about which insurance company others are using, or what their policy covers, or how much their premium is, because the 'best option' for them may not be the 'best option' for you.

[Big-Al]

Without comparing all of our specific personal circumstances such as age, location, job, previous driving history, annual mileage, where the car is parked, car value etc etc I don't think that any conclusions can be drawn over the difference in premiums really.

My comment assumed your circumstances, like my own, had not changed since last year, except we are a year older. It was the proportion of the increase that appears at odds with itself. Unless of course you have improved your circumstances greatly.

Some people seem to consider the 'best' option to be the cheapest one,

Paying the most money doesn't mean you're getting the best cover or service either.

[chickenjohn]

Shows that is is always a good idea to shop around.

BTW, I've been with RH for about 12 years now for my Minors and have never been able to beat the RH quote.

Plus the service from RH has always been excellent!

[MarkyB]

Paying the most money doesn't mean you're getting the best cover or service either

This is always a problem when buying insurance, you cant tell what you have bought until you make a claim, if you don't make one, you'll never know.

Never assume that if you drive well you'll never have an accident that requires a claim, my last two were people running into the back of me, not in the Minor though.

[morris van]

I was with RH for 14 years when I had a A35 van which I used for work a couple of times a week,when I got the Morris 1000 van RH would not insure my van to go to work so now i'm with FJ as they were the only ones who would insure the Morris van when I go to work.RH had not even heard of a Morris 1000 van.

[phurn]

Lancaster quoted me £709 as a 23year old with a 7 month old license. Fj quoted me £360 so I can't fault them tbh.

[xpress]

anyone on here with multicar (3 car) insurance? also with FJ can you take off the extras and get a lower quote? does anyone here get a discount if they lay their car up in the winter?

[LouiseM]

It was the proportion of the increase that appears at odds with itself. Unless of course you have improved your circumstances greatly.

No, my circumstances have stayed the same Al. Presumably you contacted FJ to query the reason for the large increase? That's the first thing I would have done, rather than just post the details on an internet forum, as it's possible that an error has been made.

does anyone here get a discount if they lay their car up in the winter?

You can have a limited mileage policy, which will result in a reduction, or you cancel your policy for a time, but I've not heard of a 'discount' as such. Not a good idea to leave your car uninsured, even if it isn't being used, but if you wanted to do that you would also now need to declare it as SORN rather than leave it taxed with no insurance. Best to ring FJ direct to establish the type of policy they can provide.

[rayofleamington]

However the second year renewal quote might not be so attractive, or expensive extras such as adminstration charges might apply so what they give in one hand they take back with the other.

I chop and change my cars a fair bit - RH didn't stick me with an admin fee last week, which is nice. Most will do that nowadays!
RH didn't have a problem to insure my Minor Van or the Trabi.

[DaisyMayFozz]

A trabi! havent seen one in years! slightly off topic but, could we have a picture?

on topic: just insured with footman james at £107 FC( driving for 30 years no convictions etc etc)