Car Insurance

[collareddove12]

I've received an email from General Accident to say that I no longer meet their criteria for insurance and it will cease on Dec 2. I am the policy holder with my husband as named additional driver. We are 77 and 81 both hold clean licences for over 55 years and have never claimed in that time. I haven't been in touch with them as only just received email. I wondered if this to do with age as obviously not to do with driving history? Anyone else had this?

[bhg481]

Does Dec 2nd coincide with your birthday or the renewal date for the policy or is it just random. I'd be surprised if they could cancel a policy in mid-term with no reason.

[Hopkirk]

My mother is an older driver and had this as well. Companies aim for different parts of the market, and older drivers is not for GA.

Just find a different company and you will probably save money. If you are not confident using comparison sites just use a broker such as Swinton.

It's General Accident's loss, not yours.

[collareddove12]

Yes bgh it is the renewal date. Thanks Hopkirk I do use comparison sites that's how I got them a few years ago. I will have a go later or try Swindon as you suggest.

[Hopkirk]

My mother felt a bit put out about it until I explained it is a simple business decision about which segment of the market they want to fight for.

My young daughter had similar. Last year was her first year and we arranged quite a competitive premium. That company obviously doesn't want young driver's trade any more as the renewal rocketed. Direct Line have gained her custom instead.

[davebro]

Sounds ageist to me - and weren't companies banned from accepting only female drivers (Sheila's Wheels)? Of course if it was ruled illegal I suppose they could make you move by bumping up the premium unaffordably.

[Buenchico]

As you suggest, General Accident won't insure drivers over 80 years of age:
https://www.generalaccident.com/our-cover/who-we-cover

Age Co, the trading arm of the charity Age UK, offers insurance to those over 80 the Ageas:
https://www.ageco.co.uk/insurance/car-insurance/over-80s/#

Browsing around the web suggests that RIAS is another firm worth trying:
https://www.rias.co.uk/over-80s-car-insurance/

[Zacs-Master]

Possibly because your husband is 81:
https://www.generalaccident.com/our-cover/who-we-cover

[Zacs-Master]

Ooops, Hadn't seen Chris's answer.