The broker contact info is very helpful.
It would be even more helpful if you (happen to) know, or could find
out, what is the UK underwriter for the policy that
the broker obtained.

Aviva. But when I had rung them directly (prior to finding StJohn) they only offered 30 days coverage in EU tops. It was StJohn who understood my circumstances, listened to my needs and negotiated the contract.

That seems to be a common insurance "scam" with the UK market; I can understand why it is done - basically loads of Brits take a couple of weeks holiday/vacation in mainland Europe once, or twice, per year.


Yep, I use ebike as a totally online broker (there is not even a phone number for getting quotes etc) because the policy covers me for 365 days per year riding in Europe.
When I first took out a policy with them it did not include this, but they offered another underwriter when renewal time came around and they wanted to get the annual payment from me - that is the time to insist that you get the exact policy you need (it is then that ebike have a phone number for negotiations ;-)

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Dave

We recently took a policy with MCE. We found out when the paperwork arrived that the recovery insurance was only for a 10 mile radius of our home. When we contacted them they said that this was our problem and we should have asked for more details when we were told the policy included breakdown cover, of course it would be no problem to upgrade for MORE money sir!

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www.adventuresidecar.co.uk

I'm also with MCE. I would be tempted to call them the most dishonest bunch of thieves around, but since that description could be applied to any insurance company I won't bother.

A few months ago I changed from one 2001 Transalp to another 2001 Transalp. Exactly the same model and age. The new one had better security (alarm) and I valued it at less than the old one. At the same time I moved to a (significantly) safer postcode. MCE increased my premium. A lot. And they charged me a £40 admin fee. I gave them £40 to allow them to charge me more money.

Before that I was with Bikesure. When my bike was stolen I ended up paying £700 out of my own pocket for recovery and repairs because the hit I would have taken when making a claim would have been greater (£350 excess, loss of no claims, increased premiums and having to declare the claim on every quote for the next 5 years). £700 for being a victim of crime. Bloody marvellous. I understand that insurance companies exist to make a profit, just like any other company, and that no company can make a profit by giving out lots of money. But when someone offers to take on the risk of something bad happening I expect them to do just that, not weasel out as soon as they are called upon to provide the service they have promised.

Frankly, the only reason I have insurance is because I am legally obliged to. No other reason. It is a complete waste of money. I have reduced my policy to the bare minimum and will always search out the cheapest premium because I know insurance is just throwing my money away. I am convinced that if I ever do cause damage to another persons property through my own wrong doing my insurers will not pay for the repairs.

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Don't go right

Morning Guys n Gals,

my experience with my own insurers has been the opposite to other posts here.

I've been covered through the Be Wiser brokers for the last 5 or so years.

They were quick to offer quotations on my imported bikes (Yamaha Serows), didn't have a problem with my annual mileage of 25,000 miles (OK they did charge extra for it) and have been prompt in emailing documents directly to me.

I've got protected NCB, an all sections X/S of £250 (without any other excess's) and breakdown cover included. I had to laugh when they said I'd got handbag and gadget cover of £200 (what sort of a bloke do they think I am?).

I've been involved in two claims with them, the first where I was hit whilst stationary at traffic lights (on red) and the repairs were quickly sorted out and they arranged the uninsured loss recovery. The second when I was hit by a white van driving t**t, who did a runner and left me out cold on the road. My bike was written off in this incident and they paid me a fair price, in good time.

OK the prices have gone up a bit over the last two years but I'm more than happy to use them.

Am I the odd one out here?

Regards

Reggie

oops error in posting

Possibly/probably!

There is a short thread here with yet another sad tale of utter incompetence by a broker (again, Carole Nash) who had to refer back to the actual insurance company to find out what is a basic condition of insurance (the whole business of minimum insurance cover within the EU).
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nsurance-69292

Their service appears to have degenerated, ever since Carole Nash "sold out" as a specialist motorcycle insurer and switched to becoming just one of dozens of intermediaries for any form of motor insurance.

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Dave