This time last year we received the comp. insur. renewal bill of $824 for our '04 Patrol and paid it. The Insurance was with GIO, rating 1, no glass cover, agreed value and covered accessories Bar, winch,
snorkel, barrier, dual battery, radio etc.
Insured for $42,000 plus accessories.
Date of last insurance claim - 1972.
Oct 06, sold Patrol and bought new ST-X Navara 2.5td, acces.
snorkel, tow bar, radio and dual battery. Insured for $47,000 plus acces. Insurance premium renewal bill received this week $1269.74.
Rang GIO... why the increase of some 50% over the Patrol premium. "
Well you can do different things with a ute", she said. "Such as", I asked ............Silence was the stern reply. What am I going to do with the ute that I can't do with the Patrol?
You could use it to carry stuff for your work, she said. Couldn't I do that with the Patrol?, I countered.. again silence...
I then told her that I do not use my vehicles for work (I am a truck driver) and that
my car generally sits at
home and only comes out to play on the odd camping trip or holiday. She was not interested.
I said there was no way I am going to accept this premium increase unless you can justify it to me and that I shall be definitely be looking elsewhere.
At exactly the same time this is happening, my wife is already ringing around and was in fact following up on car insurance through our
membership with National Seniors Association. They have an arrangement that directs their
membership requirements to Allianz.
She rings thru to Allianz, explains fully the new vehicle particulars, accessories etc.
Result - 2 year full replacement value with accessories, full glass cover (non with GIO) can pay monthly with no additional admin. costs. Total premium bill $624.
I know you should definitely
shop around in any case but it certainly paid off big time in this instance.
In the meantime I still kicking myself because last year (Patrol renewal) we didn't
shop around. No fool like an old fool they say.
Cheers....Wayne (GU)