SamUK

iTrader: (1)

My wife got flashed the other day - and went to a speed awareness course costing £120!

It was her first offence...so thinking this would be a better option then having 3 points and a increase in the insurance premium!

The police are making a killing from these courses - they were fully booked for over a month around all the centers around London \ Essex!

Insurance up for renewal - and guess what question i got asked

Any of the drivers have any points , convictions or been to any related courses - You can imagine what happened once i told them yes. (Premium Increase)

They also said the Police should notify us to advise the insurance company - this they did not do..

ScoobyWon't

Which insurer?

I've never been asked about courses when renewing.

wrx5343

They are starting to ask that now, anything to give them a reason to up the cost

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

It's just another government sponsored stealth tax and now the insurance companies are getting in on the act. Sickening, but as usual we lie back and accept it!

SamUK

iTrader: (1)

I dont think they asked online - but when i called Admiral to discuss my renewal they asked over the phone..

NuNu9977

Me and my wife have both done the course. Both separate insurers never asked. ??
Our course only cost £85 at the time. Beginning of last year.
But like yous say I'd rarther a course the fine n points.

Martin2005

I went on one of these courses the other day.

We were categorically told NOT to tell our insurance company that we have been on the course.

The records are not available to insurance companies.

Martin2005

btw - I thought the course was really good. I believe everyone should go on one after a few years driving.

Certainly busted a few myths

Graz

If that really is this case then it's a bit flipping cheeky for insurers to start asking if you've been on one. However if they ask the question and you don't disclose it doesn't that amount to fraud whether or not they have records to prove it. Tricky one in the eyes of the law I'd have thought?

Martin2005

It's a case of the insurance companies 'fishing'.

I was told that the course records are confidential and not available to insurance companies. So in theory the insurers cannot ever know, that said it doesn't feel comfortable

Moley

iTrader: (9)

AFAIK Admiral are the only insurers who charge extra, or even ask.

andy97

iTrader: (1)

So if that is the case boycott Admiral. They will change their policy if it hurts their profits. Caveat unless you can't get insurance elsewhere then you will have to decide whether to disclose the information.

I have a colleague that was given a caution for a very trivial matter and it expired immediately under the rehabilitation act. He was advised that he has no obligation to disclose to insurance companies of the caution. Soon as you do disclose, it can be almost impossible to get cover or is heavily loaded. A extreme policy stance by insurance companies for a drunken night incidence. Insurance companies are not trust worthy!

lordharding

iTrader: (1)

£65 for the speed awareness course in Cumbria
My old mother was terrified going but enjoyed it sitting with 25 active pensioners and Naughty school run mothers
She now drives at 20mph in a 30 zone

boxst

I'm going on one tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Considering all the stupidly fast cars I've had and the stupid things I've done when younger, I was caught for going 36 in a 30 in a Toyota Verso ...

I hope it is interesting at least.

boxst

Actually, it wasn't that bad. Quite basic and simple stuff, but not condescending and presented in a reasonable fashion.

They did say at the end very explicitly to stop using Admiral insurance to show them that they shouldn't be asking about the course.

stilover

Most don't ask, but some do. I went on a speed awareness course last year.

My insurance company asked if I'd been on a course. Obviously I answered yes (To lie would invalidate my insurance). They immediately put um my premium by £180, but later reduce it by £80 when I said I'd had a better quote. B.astards.

I was told, they bump up the premium for the first year, then reduce it quite a bit on the next 4 years. Still, just a money making scheme.

hodgy0_2

I would (and have) said no, same as if there'd of ask me if I have a morning w4nk

Saxo Boy

Such as....?

hodgy0_2

The twin towers where indeed destroyed by fuel laden aeroplanes flown by Saudi nationals linked to Al Qaeda

stilover

But then if you have a crash, or have your car stolen, then will investigate. If found that you've lied, they just walk away. Is it really worth the risk?

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

Points are on your licences for three years yet insurance companies **** **** you for five!
How many years would you have to tell them you have previously been on a course.

boomer

Whilst sounding like useful advise, it also could be construed as a way of continuing the revenue stream for SACs (rather than drivers simply taking the points and the traditional hit on premuims that would occur).

Indeed i would expect that Admiral would be inclined to take the SAC to court for misfeasance in public office (or something like that).

mb

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

This is what makes me mad.

In the eyes of the law (no less! ) they're invalid after 3 years - and you can a pay a nominal fee to get them physically removed from your licence after 4.

But the ****-esque Ins. Co.s demand you to disclose if they are up to 5 years(?!)

And now this little 'scam'... FFS!

Just who the hell do they think they are!!

PhilWrx100

See if you can beat there track record, there may be a prize, lol. Seriously I hear they make you feel really guilty doing a few miles an hour over the limit.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

Pretty much every insurer I deal with don't charge any extra for points over 3 years old, they just ask for convictions within 5 years to see your driving history. (Lots don't charge extra for claims over 3 years old, but again ask for 5 to see your claims history)

G10

Don't insurance companies also share information, therefore if you've mentioned it to one company, there's a good chance others will also know. We should pose the question to some of the insurance companies on this forum - which is worse in terms of cost: take the 3 points and a fine, or pay for the course and notify your insurance company?

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Cheers Mols

In that case, I 'renounce' lol my (unfounded) pent up anger/frustration.

SRSport

If past 3 years has no baring on the premium then why ask? After all the bottom line is how much money they charge you. Why does them just knowing about it make any difference to anything?

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

...Which would have been my next question to Moley!

hodgy0_2

i have NOT found this to be the case