A7 Insurance

[Robert Leigh]

The RH scheme has been flexible about destination when I have used it. They have brought my old cars home, and they have taken my Citroen modern to my local garage for me when the Citroen main dealer in Calais could not do a spring replacement in under a week. My local garage did next morning. I have found RH service better by far than the RAC or Green Flag.

[Oxford Jack]

The renewal reminder arrived from RH last month. I insure 2 Austin 7's, 2 Wolseley Hornet Special and a Citroen Traction currently, during the last year I also had a Morris 8. The proposal was for all the vehicle premiums to rise, but in particular I noted that the Austin 7 I had added in September was more expensive to insure than the one that has been insured since 2011.
I asked the question and was told "You have decreased by one vehicle so you no longer get the same number of cars discount". I notice however that when I increased by one  earlier in the year there was not an increase in discount because of adding another vehicle! The disparity between the two A7's was to be examined. I got a email confirming that the quote was correct.
I wrote to Emma and asked for an explanation, her reply was that she would refer it to the team for an answer. Nothing happened for several weeks so I chased Emma, who apologised and the same day I got a call from another person who explained "You have an historical continuing policy on one A7, but the other does not get that same discount" When I questioned the logic I was told "We are within our rights to cancel the historical discount and charge the same for both!"
Eventually the annual increase of a couple of percentage points was waived as gesture of goodwill, but there was no budging them on the premium difference. I should add for accuracy, that one is an RP and one an RTC, with different values, however taking into account the different values the premiums are not linear. Oh and they now only give a discount on Austins, not other makes, I think.
This was only finally arrived at the day before the policy was renewed, so I had little option than to accept and pay. I shall however now go through the tedious business of seeking an alternative insurer. This is disappointing because as I am sure you will be aware, the business of getting a quote can now take a very long time. I have five older cars and five named drivers, all of which and whom have to be described in minute detail. I get the feeling that the insurance industry has found a new way to retain business 'Make it as difficult and tedious as possible and no one will want to move'.
Austin 7 RP saloon value £8,000 premium £45:65
Austin 7 RTC value £12,000 premium £84:35
It seems to me that the implied threat of removing older discounts might well become a reality in the near future, be aware!

[Martin Prior]

Unfortunately the insurance industry as a whole does seem to have a habit of trying it on when renewals are due. Nothing to do with any classic car insurers, but I didn't like this year's quote for my van insurance, got another quote elsewhere, went back to the original insurer and was instantly offered 25% off their previous quote. Not a nice way of doing business.

[austin]

To add, I have just moved away from RH after a long succession of mistakes, (not removing a car for 18 months after selling it, over charging, not adding a car after being informed etc etc.)

After about 6 weeks finally got the refund for the overcharge and moved to another insurer. 5 cars in total including "moderns" and it was nearly a £1,000 cheaper per year! People on the phone were great at RH but seems getting anything actually done was almost impossible.

[RH Insurance]

Hi Austin, 
I'm really sorry, and concerned, to hear you were dissatisfied with RH's recent service levels and would welcome the opportunity to investigate.  
Please can you send me your contact details (including postcode)?  
Kind regards,0

Emma Airey (emma.airey@rhspecialistinsurance.co.uk). 

[RH Insurance]

Hi Jack,

Once again, please accept my most sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.  I understand a complaint was raised with regard to this issue which was subsequently resolved.  If you wish, please contact ERS (insurer of the RH scheme) again so that they can discuss further with you. 

In the meantime, please bear in mind that premiums will differ from individual to individual (even for the same vehicle / value) due to varying discounts (or loads) ie rating factors that can have an effect on the premium.

With best regards,

Emma Airey
(emma.airey@rhspecialistinsurance.co.uk)