Van Insurance NCB

[John506]

I am in the process of changing the car for a van.

I have built up 5 years NCB on the car, but insurers are saying they can't or won't take the car NCB into account when quoting for the van.

If I am doing an online van quote and in the box that asks for the NCB doesn't state it has to be built on a van / commercial policy, do you think I could get away with it on the grounds of "their wording"?

Starting all over again with 0 years NCB is too dear!

 

[Whitespirit66]

When I changed over from a car to a van several years ago, I'm sure I took most, if not all of my NCB over to the van ins. Doesn't make sense to start from scrath, but you need to confirm the situation before paying and taking out a new policy. If everything isn't kosher in the details you give, then you aren't insured - so be very careful.

I would use an online comparison site for vans, and enter the number of years I have for the car on their site. When you find the cheapest or best policy for your needs, I would phone that ins co. to confirm that it's OK to use the car ins NCB for a van.

 

[denso13]

I went the other way, from van to car, and was told I couldn't use my NCB. You may be asked to prove any NCB you claim on the application form.

 

[Whitespirit66]

I'm with Gladiator Van Insurance. Looking at their site, it does look like it's not an automatic right to transer NCB from one vehicle type to another. However, the site says that you can get an introductory discount if you can prove you have NCB on other vehicle types.

QUOTE - If you have more than one vehicle in your household, please remember that you can only use No Claims Bonus on one vehicle at any one time. You are able to build up separate sets of No Claims Bonus on different vehicles. Through Gladiator some specialist van insurance companies will provide introductory discounts if you can prove that you have No Claims Bonus on other vehicles. Please remember that you will probably be asked to provide proof of this second vehicle discount when you take a policy out with your new van insurance company.

http://www.gladiator.co.uk/help/vanInsurance/insNCB.php

I have always found their prices among the best, and good service. Gladiator are a broker for other ins. companies.

http://www.gladiator.co.uk/

 

[John506]

Do you remeber who insured you Whitespirit?

I will add it to my list for tomorrow, going to ring them all and see if they do and will give a quote.

On Gladiator it asks for NCB and asks what vehicle that was earnt on, and just says "Previous Vehicle", doesnt say anything about a car.

Gladiator do claim on their website they offer a NCB mirroring service which you can mirror your car NCB to a van, but I don't know wether it has to be as a 2nd policy and you have to keep the car aswell.

 

[Whitespirit66]

See above. Our posts hit at the same time.

 

[John506]

Ha so they did, I will give Gladiator a ring tomorrow and double check, they were actually coming out the cheapest amongst the quotes I've been getting so hope all pans out well.

It's a difference between £700 odd to £1400 wether they take it into account or not! Squeaky bum time!

 

[Whitespirit66]

Yes, as it was several years ago, my memory is a little hazy about details. That seems to ring a bell, I had the same problem, and I think Gladiator let me have all but approx 2 years of my NCB, but don't quote me on that.

My van ins is only approx £350 now, with full NCB. But then, it is a Fiat.

 

[John506]

Some is better than none I suppose.

Even if it were to stay under 1k that would satisfy me enough (only just though)..

 

[John506]

Spoke to Gladiator and they will happily take on board my 5 years private NCB for my van policy... Happy Days!!!

 

[JBR]

Glad it's sorted. However, I've been wondering on what grounds your original insurers refused to include your NCD. Is it something to do with them assuming the van is to be used for business whereas the car primarily for pleasure?

Anyway, there's the answer. If Company A refuse to help, go with Company B. If we all did that, they'd have to become much more competitive to obtain our custom.

 

[nickso]

Yet another scam from insurance underwriters then.

 

[noseall]

I would imagine that private vehicles and commercial vehicles have their own separate risk categories and the twain should not mix.

I bet the insurance companies have worked this out too - hence the lack of switch-over options.

They just want your business and have given you a rope-him-in discount.

 

[Whitespirit66]

I don't understand the logic either. I would have thought that NCB is built up due to the skill, carefulness and experience of the individual driver. Poss a dose of luck too. Whether he's driving a milk float or a tank transporter is immaterial.

Anyway, glad it all worked out OK John.

 

[noseall]

Commercial vehicles are dented and rarely fixed.