Is it just me ?

[kc13661]

Originally Posted by another_clean_sheet

Because people who have got points on their licence or expired points are more likely to get points again. So insurance companies want to look at the biggest time window possible.

Is this an opinion, or is there actual evidence documented to support this claim?

[MSS]

Originally Posted by Nick Greg

An alternative point of view is someone who has acquired points may thereafter become a more careful and responsible driver and therefore less likely to acquire more points in the future. The insurance companies view on this and their practices are somewhat of a blunt instrument.

This is not what data and experience shows.

The insurance industry employs the finest analytical minds from our universities to model risk based on historical data and current variables. This is what determines your premiums.

I have some of the lowest possible insurance costs for my cars yet high cost for my property insurance. It is not at all difficult to rationalise why that is the case.

Car insurance is a highly competitive business in the UK.

Originally Posted by kc13661

Is this an opinion, or is there actual evidence documented to support this claim?

Fact.

[Nick Greg]

And they also employ the finest accountants to rip us off.
Are all you lot employed by insurance companies or what?
Hows about sticking up for the consumer rather than defend these pariahs of customer exploitation?

[MSS]

Originally Posted by Nick Greg

And they also employ the finest accountants to rip us off.
Are all you lot employed by insurance companies or what?
Hows about sticking up for the consumer rather than defend these pariahs of customer exploitation?

The simple fact that the insurance companies do not make huge profits is ample evidence that they do not exploit . Some even make losses!

The average consumer wants everything to be paid for by someone else - a bit like the people who come on here complaining about having to pay VED on their 4th V6 car despite being a low earner!

Don't forget that the profits of insurance companies and the like underpin many pension funds that affect the majority of the population.

[Nick Greg]

Yep. Definitely an insurance company employee....
I have no sympathy for this point of view whatsoever. Insurance companies are not charities and are modern day pirates.

[wraymond]

‘Fraid the market dictates Nick. And that’s the trouble with comparison sites. There can be nothing more beneficial for the money men than a mass movement to stir wallets.

Yes, some will take the trouble to schlep along the high street to a broker’s shop and sit there while he looks at those same sites too! A good professional will know the latest fluctuations and, more importantly, who has worthwhile policies on offer – it’s not always the cheapest that are the best - but you won’t know that merely by the crude trawl net of the comparison sites. They will always attract the bottom feeders. They do have a use but it is limited.

The trick is first to develop the broker relationship; try a home insurance to start. Then, at your motor renewal quote, see the same broker - by name if necessary. He will then know your renewal date and approach you first, direct. Not only can the broker ask questions, you can too and even if he cannot beat what you have found, at least you now have a new contact and friend!
Incidentally, I have never worked for a broker!

[Nick Greg]

I do tend to use a broker to be honest. They seem a bit more attentive to the small print which is the all important bit.

[wraymond]

Another 'incidental'; the traditional insurance companies, if there are any now, are far from being public benefactors in the normal sense. They do however underpin the service and banking sectors insofar as our home based industries go. Their contributions to the country's finances are by far the largest sector. BUT, they are entirely profit based and there is no room for sentiment. Even the smallest credit card debt is fully insured against any possible loss to the issuer.

Boards of Directors are always vulnerable to takeovers and share prices and their only objective is growth and profit. A metaphor? Vultures with clipped talons and on heroin. Still with beaks, to grab your wallet. Insurers lobby parliamentarians even more than PC fanatics.

[Split or Bust]

Struggling to see how someone can be “unfortunate to receive penalty points" in the first place.

https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-en...penalty-points

And before you ask yes I do have points on my licence but then I was exceeding the speed limit so it was fair cop and I have no issue with the insurance companies asking for 5 years. If anything that's actually an added good reason to not be "unfortunate" in the future knowing it will likely affect my insurance costs for even longer.

So I guess the best way to avoid this perceived insurance scam is not to be “unfortunate” in the first place.

[another_clean_sheet]

Originally Posted by kc13661

Is this an opinion, or is there actual evidence documented to support this claim?

That is what the insurance companies believe or have evidence for. I used to do Community Speed Watch in the village and it was always the same people that used to exceed the speed limit.
If you look at the number of people that accrue 9 points it is 80000+ and there are 10000+ with 12 points or more that have not been banned. It was only a few months ago that a driver had 60 points on his license and had not been banned. So points do not appear to be a deterrent.