Admiral Insurance - I Don't believe it - too good?

MarkMas

Chief pedant
Messages
8,795
Now I suppose I have to spend hours running round Admiral, AIB, Aviva, A-plan, Adrian Flux and Airect Aine, to get some quotes. Mind you, it had better improve when I do!

Woah! I had assumed AIB was Allied Irish Banks, but no; now I realise it is 'Airsports Insurance Bureau'.
 
Messages
1,117
I've just had such a surprise, that I'm not sure that I believe my eyes.

Up until last renewal of the GT, I'd used a broker that we'd used for years. Last August's renewal was astronomical, over £1,000.

Thanks to perceived recommendation on here, I gave Admiral a go, and they came in about £750.

When we moved (from a satellite village near Cirencester, to a sleepy hollow of 50 souls) in October, the premium went up on the remaining two cars with the broker. BMW due for a renewal, so I gave Admiral a multicar jobby.

So:-
FIAT 500, 4,500 miles run about Excess £200
BMW X1 9,000 miles wife's thing Excess £200
Maserati Granturismo 4.2 8,000 miles excess £350
.... all probably over egged, both retired, and the Maser I've included another 3,500 mile European as last year.
I've just bost 65, wife 75 in Autumn.

We're clean.

Total annual insurance last year for the three was £1,450

The quote that I have from Admiral (pro-ratered the part years for the two cars to full years) works out as an annual cost of £577.


I don't believe it.

The cost alone of the Maserati GT last year with them was £740 alone:

It breaks down:-

FIAT 500 £67.75 (pro-rata to 12 months = = £102, compared to £230 previous)
BMW X1 £187 for 12 months (cf £532 quoted with current insurer)
Maserait GT 4.2 £185 (pro-ratered to 12 months = = £288)

The quote for all three is less than the quote for the Maser alone last year.

I don't believe it.

From fellow's experience, where are the catches? I'd be happy with a much higher premium rather than get a 'Bu$$er off, you're not covered' in the remote event of a claim.

I'm off to AIB's site now, to see what our sponsors can offer.

Astonishing, or am I going to had as a mug?

I think the acid test is when you make a claim. On a parallel fo
I've just had such a surprise, that I'm not sure that I believe my eyes.

Up until last renewal of the GT, I'd used a broker that we'd used for years. Last August's renewal was astronomical, over £1,000.

Thanks to perceived recommendation on here, I gave Admiral a go, and they came in about £750.

When we moved (from a satellite village near Cirencester, to a sleepy hollow of 50 souls) in October, the premium went up on the remaining two cars with the broker. BMW due for a renewal, so I gave Admiral a multicar jobby.

So:-
FIAT 500, 4,500 miles run about Excess £200
BMW X1 9,000 miles wife's thing Excess £200
Maserati Granturismo 4.2 8,000 miles excess £350
.... all probably over egged, both retired, and the Maser I've included another 3,500 mile European as last year.
I've just bost 65, wife 75 in Autumn.

We're clean.

Total annual insurance last year for the three was £1,450

The quote that I have from Admiral (pro-ratered the part years for the two cars to full years) works out as an annual cost of £577.


I don't believe it.

The cost alone of the Maserati GT last year with them was £740 alone:

It breaks down:-

FIAT 500 £67.75 (pro-rata to 12 months = = £102, compared to £230 previous)
BMW X1 £187 for 12 months (cf £532 quoted with current insurer)
Maserait GT 4.2 £185 (pro-ratered to 12 months = = £288)

The quote for all three is less than the quote for the Maser alone last year.

I don't believe it.

From fellow's experience, where are the catches? I'd be happy with a much higher premium rather than get a 'Bu$$er off, you're not covered' in the remote event of a claim.

I'm off to AIB's site now, to see what our sponsors can offer.

Astonishing, or am I going to had as a mug?

I think the acid test is what happens when you come to make a claim. Comparison site policies may drive you to using their approved repairer and if you want elsewhere they may require estimates and agree a contribution up to their approved repairer estimate only leaving you to pay the difference plus the excess. Glass replacement may not include origins manufacture glass and insist on using their approved glass guys with a cap in value if you don't. They will likely not offer Agreed Valuation in the event of a Total Loss and this 'market valuation' may result in a total loss decision than had it been on agreed valuation. Personally I have the Porsche and the GranSport on a specialist agreed valuation policy with mileage limitation for a small premium over comparison sites - with the difference that I can take cars to marque-approved repairers, have factory glass fitted, and get a rebate
in premium for laid-up cover over the winter months.
 

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
AIB sorted a huge saving with decent cover for me this year but I have changed insurer every year since I switched up to higher powered cars, the only insurer I renewed with was back when I had my Lexus IS 200 Sport and that was with Admiral/Elephant

Adimiral and Elephant are good enough, I particularly like their 10 month NCB builder policy helped me get up to 4 years a little quicker
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
AIB sorted a huge saving with decent cover for me this year but I have changed insurer every year since I switched up to higher powered cars, the only insurer I renewed with was back when I had my Lexus IS 200 Sport and that was with Admiral/Elephant

Adimiral and Elephant are good enough, I particularly like their 10 month NCB builder policy helped me get up to 4 years a little quicker

AIB for me too, saved over £100 with better cover too.
 

jasst

Member
Messages
2,313
I went with AIB too this year, not the cheapest, but did get me a policy with a sensible excess (£300) as opposed to the £850 everybody else wanted.
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,618
I think the acid test is when you make a claim. On a parallel fo


I think the acid test is what happens when you come to make a claim. Comparison site policies may drive you to using their approved repairer and if you want elsewhere they may require estimates and agree a contribution up to their approved repairer estimate only leaving you to pay the difference plus the excess. Glass replacement may not include origins manufacture glass and insist on using their approved glass guys with a cap in value if you don't. They will likely not offer Agreed Valuation in the event of a Total Loss and this 'market valuation' may result in a total loss decision than had it been on agreed valuation. Personally I have the Porsche and the GranSport on a specialist agreed valuation policy with mileage limitation for a small premium over comparison sites - with the difference that I can take cars to marque-approved repairers, have factory glass fitted, and get a rebate
in premium for laid-up cover over the winter months.
Yer right there. I'll stay now with Admiral and get the cars synched with renewal and consider moving on next year.

Too good to be true. Probably

Fingers crossed
 

MaserMatt

Junior Member
Messages
47
I've just had such a surprise, that I'm not sure that I believe my eyes.

Astonishing, or am I going to had as a mug?

I'm with Admiral multicar, have been for several years and though I've never had to claim (yet) I have always had premiums that were as good or better than others. Phone service is good too. However the renewal quote is always a higher percentage increase than I think is fair, so I call up and they drop it back down to keep the business. The lesson is to always do some comparison quotes! Had a slightly modified Alfa 156 + 147 with them, now 4200 + Prius. On speeding points, I remember a different insurer saying years ago that they understand people overdo it until they get caught, then they slow down, so they're not too bothered by one incident; obviously several would create a pattern...
 

Mr K

Member
Messages
321
I'm with Admiral multicar, have been for several years and though I've never had to claim (yet) I have always had premiums that were as good or better than others. Phone service is good too. However the renewal quote is always a higher percentage increase than I think is fair, so I call up and they drop it back down to keep the business. The lesson is to always do some comparison quotes!

Same experience here, and I didn't even need comparison quotes.
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
Yup, me too. Get the Admiral quote to renew in every year then do a quick "compare the meerkat" and call them and use them to reduce the price. We've always come to a value there or thereabouts. I don't want the hassle of moving and they don't want to lose me so it's a win/win. Just did it at the start of the month and the total was £1180 for the Stradale, volvo xc60 and 530d M Sport.

I've had two glass claims with them which are the only claims on 10 years or with Admiral. I have to argue for original glass as they only replace OEM for cars inside 3 years old. Once I suggested that they listen to their calls with me and find the point where they explained this, they quickly back down and agree to OEM. Currently waiting for that 2nd windscreen to arrive which Autoglass will fit as before.
 

MaserMatt

Junior Member
Messages
47
I've had two glass claims with them which are the only claims on 10 years or with Admiral. I have to argue for original glass as they only replace OEM for cars inside 3 years old. Once I suggested that they listen to their calls with me and find the point where they explained this, they quickly back down and agree to OEM. Currently waiting for that 2nd windscreen to arrive which Autoglass will fit as before.

I had a windscreen claim last year, no problems - I can't speak to OEM or not though they were surprised at how expensive the glass is(!) and they had to go offline to find one in the UK and arrange for it to get to me. I've replaced two screens over the years and the difference between actual cost and insurance excess more than covered that year's premium...
 
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Doohickey

Velociraptor
Messages
2,496
Currently waiting for that 2nd windscreen to arrive which Autoglass will fit as before.

I'm waiting for the same thing. Autoglass tell me they don't have any in stock but can't order any until I reach the top of the purchasing department's to deal with list and they can't tell me when that will be. Although I know there are at least 2 in the country, I'm worried both of these will have gone by the time the purchasing department get their act together and then the factory will have shut down for the summer so it will be October before it's replaced.:(
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
I'm waiting for the same thing. Autoglass tell me they don't have any in stock but can't order any until I reach the top of the purchasing department's to deal with list and they can't tell me when that will be. Although I know there are at least 2 in the country, I'm worried both of these will have gone by the time the purchasing department get their act together and then the factory will have shut down for the summer so it will be October before it's replaced.:(

Took 3 months last time but that was mainly because they showed up first with non-OEM, second time with a 4200 screen and it was third time lucky. I've been told that it has been ordered and they are awaiting delivery. I told them the damage is obstructing my view and is therefore a safety concern (it's not really!), hoping to make them prioritise me.
 

Doohickey

Velociraptor
Messages
2,496
Took 3 months last time but that was mainly because they showed up first with non-OEM, second time with a 4200 screen and it was third time lucky. I've been told that it has been ordered and they are awaiting delivery. I told them the damage is obstructing my view and is therefore a safety concern (it's not really!), hoping to make them prioritise me.
That doesn't sound good. I'll give them another chase and use the same line.
 

Silvercat

Member
Messages
1,166
I use Admiral all of the time because they are usually the cheapest if you haggle them down. I insured my 2009 QP fully comp for £572 back in December 17, which included roadside recovery and legal protection. So for such a powerful car I thought that wasn't bad at all. This was also for a single car policy but I had no points to declare so this clearly helped. When they give you an initial price just keep haggling it down. They always have plenty of negotiation room believe me.
 

Doohickey

Velociraptor
Messages
2,496
That doesn't sound good. I'll give them another chase and use the same line.
Got an email out of the blue a week past Friday confirming an appointment the following Wednesday. They duly turned up and fitted OEM glass so all good.
 

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
I use Admiral all of the time because they are usually the cheapest if you haggle them down. I insured my 2009 QP fully comp for £572 back in December 17, which included roadside recovery and legal protection. So for such a powerful car I thought that wasn't bad at all. This was also for a single car policy but I had no points to declare so this clearly helped. When they give you an initial price just keep haggling it down. They always have plenty of negotiation room believe me.

Just had my renewal from Admiral for my 3 cars, and it's cheaper than anywhere else £1,207.
However, I love a bargain and told them I had a quote from Direct Line which was £1,046 (random number plucked out of the air) and could they match it.
Ten minutes on the phone and they did.

Their original quote was £300 cheaper than anywhere else. So well happy with £1,046 for my GT, E Class AMG Diesel and the missus Merc ML.
Bargain!
Would have been cheaper still if I had added our home insurance to it apparently. But I'll wait until that renews in December and add it then.
 

MarkMas

Chief pedant
Messages
8,795
Have just insured my three cars (QP, Volvo V50 & Fiat Punto) with Admiral for £860.
(QP for a year, Comp but with a £1,300 excess / Volvo & Fiat 3rd party / just 6 months for the Volvo. One SP30 for me and one for MrsMarkMas.)
The QP was £400 with the 3 car discount compared with a renewal offer of around $600 from Churchill.