Comfort have done it again (1 Viewer)

Nov 6, 2012
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Hi, I insure my 2008 Bessacarr 765P with Caravan Guard at £372 including UK and European breakdown cover. Mileage quoted at 5,000 pa. Insured value £35k
 

GeriatricWanderer

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Very topical.
I had to renew my insurance this week. Previously with Aviva brokered by ......Facts.
I didn't like the renewal quote so did some shopping around and came up with a more suitable deal, slightly different cover, still with Aviva but brokered by Comfort.
I needed to give Comfort evidence of my NCD from ....Facts but couldn't lay my hands on my copies. "Not to worry" said the helpful lass at Comfort, "I'll just pop into the office next door and get copies" which she did. It was only then that I noticed that both ........Facts and Comfort share the same address.
Not a problem at all - just found it amusing,

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Jan 8, 2013
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Renewed today and Comfort were close with £346 but staying with Carole Nash at £348. Although they started of asking for £422. NFL!!!
I was surprised that they don't do NCB's on M/H policy's
 

RandallC

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2012, prior too, 17 years Folding Camper & Caravan
for a few years now have alternated between Comfort & AIB, none of the other contenders come anywhere near when you combine the price of the policy ++++++ the cost of breakdown / European recover.

The C&C (now C&MC) were cheaper for insurance last year (new business discount) but when you factor in recover well what can I say.

When you talk to other insurance companies and mention your insured effectively by Aviva on a zero rated policy they argue they cant compete as you don't qualify for NcD. WOW so your telling me you charge me more to later offer me a discount if I've been a good person!!!!!!

And so I'm insured currently with AIB "BUT" unlike many who just accept the renewal quote and get ripped off, I'll be looking around to see what's cheapest for similar cover. I Complain each time I swop companies that it must be cheaper to avoid the churn than to support it!!!
 

Lenny HB

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Just had a quote from ABI £837 because I am self importing or £354 if a dealer imports the van. I though we were still in the EU a free marketplace, obviously some insurance companies don't know that.

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cruiser

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We insure with a company called Campton . They are charging me £221.99. for a year but they will not cover EU because my van is over 20 years old. but I get it covered by SAGA for £160. And then cancel it when we get back. We get over £100 back when we cancel. Please try them @andy63
 

andy63

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We insure with a company called Campton . They are charging me £221.99. for a year but they will not cover EU because my van is over 20 years old. but I get it covered by SAGA for £160. And then cancel it when we get back. We get over £100 back when we cancel. Please try them @andy63
thanks mike... its coming up to that time so ill ring round .. like you currently with campton..
cheers again and love to rose...
andy
 
May 31, 2015
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I though we were still in the EU a free marketplace, obviously some insurance companies don't know that.

If that was the case Lenny you could have bought the van here at the same price..... rip off uk again...!:cool:

:)

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Mar 16, 2017
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Trying to get a quote for my van, A 2008 Autotrail Cheyenne 632, easy enough to get a quote.
I got a very good quote off "Comfort", all done online.
2 named drivers etc etc for less than £400
Then tried Safeguard, had to ring them via a 0800 number again with 2 named drivers and Euro cover etc etc, their quote was just shy of £1000

It seams like a no brainer to me but why am i reluctant to go with Comfort ?
I am not one for getting the cheapest but i do know that some companies think the punter thinks they are "better" if they are more expensive.

This is my first time ensuring a "Motorhome", Are comfort ok, is the policy wording going to be SO different.
 
May 8, 2016
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£70 cheaper for me at AIB, properly underwritten (not boiler plate Aviva) policy, the policy wording is inconsistent with their advertising

Keep shopping is my advice
 
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Melvin

Melvin

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£70 cheaper for me at AIB, properly underwritten (not boiler plate Aviva) policy, the policy wording is inconsistent with their advertising

Keep shopping is my advice
Could someone please explain what this quote means.

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Aug 26, 2008
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Could someone please explain what this quote means.

An interesting question, Melvin. I don't know what @pyro was getting at so hopefully he will post again on this thread.

Currently waiting for a collection date for my new PVC, so I cancelled the Comfort policy having just sold my old Westy. They will waive the £25 refund admin fee if the balance of premium is used as a credit for the new policy.

My Comfort policy terms included 3 years / 15,000 mile new for old replacement. It used to be 2 years. That's hard to beat when buying a new MoHo. Saves the cost of separate GAP cover so that might swing it for me, as long as the rest of the Comfort package (and cost) is still OK.
 

Lenny HB

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An interesting question, Melvin. I don't know what @pyro was getting at so hopefully he will post again on this thread.

Currently waiting for a collection date for my new PVC, so I cancelled the Comfort policy having just sold my old Westy. They will waive the £25 refund admin fee if the balance of premium is used as a credit for the new policy.
.
Yes they do do that, they also said that for the new van price would be the same, just gone back to them (used someone else to import the van) they wanted £90 more they said the same price only applied for 30 days, didn't have that problem last time but they were still cheaper than anyone else so can't really complain and the van is quite a bit more expensive than the last one.
 
May 8, 2016
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Could someone please explain what this quote means.

It means that Comfort only offer an inflexible boiler plate policy for M/H's for a single insurer (I believe it is Aviva, but I stand to be corrected). In itself it is probably a fine policy, but has a number of limitations including certain restrictions on usage (e.g. despite advertising 365 days EU cover, it was not made clear that this cover only applied as long as the vehicle was never left unoccupied for more than 36 hours, whatever the circumstances).

I asked the question "what happens if you are hospitalised following an accident" and was told that insurance would be cancelled once one or both of us had been absent from your M/H for more than 36 hours. Same if we broke down. I then asked "what would happen if I decided to spend the occasional weekend in a hotel with the M/H locked up in a secured compound". I was told in (to my mind) rather rudely and certainly ridiculously that one of us would "have to remain in the M/H after the first 36 hours were up, as our annual insurance would otherwise be cancelled". Comfort explained that there were absolutely no exceptions, and they could not alter the terms of the single policy they were offering. In effect, they were not acting as independent brokers, but selling a single policy.

I then approached various other insurers, of which AIB was one. I explained what we wanted, they then checked with their underwriters and came back to us with a far better policy tailored to our specific requirements for £70 less in premiums. And this policy covers us for leaving the vehicle unoccupied at our second home for up to 6 months in any 12, so it is perfect.

My advice is to carefully review your needs, look at the details of the cover that is offered before parting with any money, and then shop around. What is not to understand?

(I will not be commenting further regarding Comfort, as I am contemplating issuing proceedings)

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Lenny HB

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It means that Comfort only offer an inflexible boiler plate policy for M/H's for a single insurer (I believe it is Aviva, but I stand to be corrected). In itself it is probably a fine policy, but has a number of limitations including certain restrictions on usage (e.g. despite advertising 365 days EU cover, it was not made clear that this cover only applied as long as the vehicle was never left unoccupied for more than 36 hours, whatever the circumstances).

I asked the question "what happens if you are hospitalised following an accident" and was told that insurance would be cancelled once one or both of us had been absent from your M/H for more than 36 hours. Same if we broke down. I then asked "what would happen if I decided to spend the occasional weekend in a hotel with the M/H locked up in a secured compound". I was told in (to my mind) rather rudely and certainly ridiculously that one of us would "have to remain in the M/H after the first 36 hours were up, as our annual insurance would otherwise be cancelled". Comfort explained that there were absolutely no exceptions, and they could not alter the terms of the single policy they were offering. In effect, they were not acting as independent brokers, but selling a single policy.

I then approached various other insurers, of which AIB was one. I explained what we wanted, they then checked with their underwriters and came back to us with a far better policy tailored to our specific requirements for £70 less in premiums. And this policy covers us for leaving the vehicle unoccupied at our second home for up to 6 months in any 12, so it is perfect.

My advice is to carefully review your needs, look at the details of the cover that is offered before parting with any money, and then shop around. What is not to understand?

(I will not be commenting further regarding Comfort, as I am contemplating issuing proceedings)
When I spoke to Comfort on Thursday they said when away from home and you want to leave your Motorhome unattended for more than 48 hours you just need to inform us.
ABI just wanted silly money nearly £900, they added well over a 100% to the premium because it was self-import.
 
May 8, 2016
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When I spoke to Comfort on Thursday they said when away from home and you want to leave your Motorhome unattended for more than 48 hours you just need to inform us.
ABI just wanted silly money nearly £900, they added well over a 100% to the premium because it was self-import.
Of course the policy details may have changed, and/or it may well have been 48 and not 36 hours, but that doesn't fit in with the misleading claim that they offer "365 days EU cover".

It is interesting that they told you that you had to inform them when you left your M/H unattended you have to tell them. I asked what happened then, and they categorically told me that your insurance wouldn't cover you if it was unoccupied (conversation recorded) . A subtle but important distinction. I suggest that you clarify that little disparity with them before parting with any money

Same with the issue of what happens when you inform them? That doesn't mean that they will cover you, just that cover will either be suspended for that period or lapse altogether.

As my issues with Comfort will probably end up in court and aren't for armchair debate in a forum, I can't put in all the details here at the present time, but the devil is in the detail when it comes to engaging in any contract of insurance. And in my view, there should be no scope for uncertainty when it comes to insurance
 
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Feb 13, 2013
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I had a similar conversation with Comfort re. the 36 hours limitation, which for me was unacceptable and was given the same unequivable answer after 36 hours no cover. I went with C&C club and have had very competitive quotes and a policy that doesn't seem to want you to leave your motorhome in secure storage all the time! This is for a Rapido A class with tracker and alarm, last year's premium was circa £290 including the C&C subscription.

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Brimal

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I'm with them too at the moment but there is one thing to be aware of regardless of how cheap they are.

As I'm sure most people know their policies are underwritten by Aviva. No problem with that in itself.

The problem arises if you need to make a claim. The claim number Comfort publish to call is one that goes directly to the main Aviva call centre. Comfort themselves refuse to get involved with, or even speak to you about, a claim unless there's a third party involved whom they can charge some costs to.

For any other claim, in my case it was when my keys were stolen, you have to deal directly with the Aviva main call centre. You will more than likely find that you end up having to talk to some minimum wage semi coherent teenager who doesn't even know what a motorhome is never mind how to process an insurance claim on one.

In the end it was so painful trying to explain to them what they needed to do I cancelled the claim completely and sorted out, and paid for, the various jobs myself. I would have lost the will to live otherwise.

As with everything price isn't the be all and end all. When it's renewal time this year I'm going to be talking to the brokers about their claims procedures and underwriters before I make a decision.

Agree with you there all along, also had the same experience with Safeguard, a claim where the 'culprit' admitted fault, gave me all his details and also his his Insurance claim number but Safeguard denied all knowledge of claim and had to deal with Swinton (their underwriters) which then made it a different claim. A nightmare which took 10 months all for £650 worth of damage. Be aware of the so called specialist Motorhome insurers.
 

pappajohn

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I was with NFU for many years .. then they hiked the price to a point where I said enough was enough.. it almost doubled in one year.. great company.. but expensive..

we only know how good an insurance company is when we make a claim.. a bit like a fire extinguisher..

For balance.. some Comfort Insurance reviews..

http://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk.../Motorhome-Insurance-Comfort-Insurance/23747/

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/commun...ome-insurance-by-Comfort-Insurance/rt/959727/
I remember the year they hiked prices and stopped taking new rv business.
I had my RV and Vauxhall Corsa toad with them and that went up around 50% at renewal.
I told them i wouldnt insure the toad but would the rv.....
No you wont, its both or neither !...just the RV will be new business and we arent taking new business.
Went elsewhere...safeguard if i recall correctly for the Rexhall and around the same as the previous year with NFU.
 
D

Deleted member 29692

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£70 cheaper for me at AIB, properly underwritten (not boiler plate Aviva) policy, the policy wording is inconsistent with their advertising

Keep shopping is my advice

My problem with AIB has always been their well documented refusal to send a detailed written quotation, or indeed put anything in writing, before you buy the policy. That's enough for me to have never given them a chance to quote purely because I can't be bothered with faffing around cancelling the policy and starting again if/when it turns out that their cover isn't what they claimed it would be.

It's always seemed to me to be a rather shoddy crude pressure selling tactic.

If someone can tell me that they've changed their business methods and will now quote properly in writing I might give them a try next time, if not I don't care how cheap they are they won't be getting my business.

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May 8, 2016
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My problem with AIB has always been their well documented refusal to send a detailed written quotation, or indeed put anything in writing, before you buy the policy. That's enough for me to have never given them a chance to quote purely because I can't be bothered with faffing around cancelling the policy and starting again if/when it turns out that their cover isn't what they claimed it would be.

It's always seemed to me to be a rather shoddy crude pressure selling tactic.

If someone can tell me that they've changed their business methods and will now quote properly in writing I might give them a try next time, if not I don't care how cheap they are they won't be getting my business.
Their email support wasn't good, and they made a mistake on the first policy document (quickly rectified). But always remember the statutory cancellation period

I suspect all the brokers are terrified that you'll take their quotes and circulate them to their competitors to get the prices lower.
 
D

Deleted member 29692

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Their email support wasn't good, and they made a mistake on the first policy document (quickly rectified). But always remember the statutory cancellation period

I suspect all the brokers are terrified that you'll take their quotes and circulate them to their competitors to get the prices lower.

I know there is a statutory cancellation period, I can't be doing with the faffing around though. I'd rather pay more and have it right first time.

I remember a thread on here a couple of years ago where AIB had allegedly matched somebody else's quote "like for like" only once the policy documents arrived several key elements of the cover had been significantly reduced. That suggests to me that they can't be trusted enough to deal with them solely over the phone.
 
Dec 23, 2009
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I spent the other day phoning round...7 different companies.
Comfort were the most expensive... In fact didn't even phone me back with the quote...When I phoned them to find out what it was I understood why they hadn't bothered... £862.81 :eek::confused:
The cheapest I got was £463.60.. Both include breakdown cover... Just busy checking to see if there are any nasty little surprises in their terms before making up my mind..
Andy

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Lenny HB

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Agree with you there all along, also had the same experience with Safeguard, a claim where the 'culprit' admitted fault, gave me all his details and also his his Insurance claim number but Safeguard denied all knowledge of claim and had to deal with Swinton (their underwriters) which then made it a different claim. A nightmare which took 10 months all for £650 worth of damage. Be aware of the so called specialist Motorhome insurers.
I am no fan of Safeguard after last weeks experience. I insured the new van with them, on the 21st April I had a call from them chasing me and they said you have until the 4th May to give us the registration number (waiting on DVLA) 24th for prove of your no claims. On 27th received a refund to our bank account of a partial refund from them when I phoned them they said the policy was canceled on the 24th as you hadn't provided proof of no claims. The phone call gave the impression it was the 24th May they wanted proof by, they had canceled the policy without informing and we had been uninsured for 3 days without knowing, we did receive a letter the following day. A company I will never do business with again and I will be making a formal complaint.
 
May 8, 2016
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I know there is a statutory cancellation period, I can't be doing with the faffing around though. I'd rather pay more and have it right first time.

I remember a thread on here a couple of years ago where AIB had allegedly matched somebody else's quote "like for like" only once the policy documents arrived several key elements of the cover had been significantly reduced. That suggests to me that they can't be trusted enough to deal with them solely over the phone.
I don't trust any of them, to be honest, brokers, insurance companies, the whole lot, they're all parasites.
 
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cruiser

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We had our van covered by prudential . They sent it to Tesco . Who did not send it away to Swansea . I got pulled by the police . We was almost home about halve a mile. They let me bring it home with a policeman sitting next to me. We showed them a copy of our insurance. So they said ok . I got in touch with the Pru. And they said they would sort it. It took them 3 weeks to get me a copy back to me. And then told me that my van was only covered as a car. So they was cancelling my ins and would refund my money . But I was with them for ten years . And we got it from a motorhome show.

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