Insurance

[Toffeecat]

Hi folks, another question. Insurance. Trading in my car so Im going to use the VW when I pick it up in a few weeks. Starting online quotes and it appears theres a problem. My plan is to use the camper as a day to day run around like a car as Ill be doing a lot fewer miles as ill be retired (YES!!!!). The van will be parked almost on my front door on a short stretch of road which is private and owned by my neighbour. But it appears some insurance companies wont insure if its "parked on a road". I dont want to park it in storage although there is one about a mile from my house I want to use it when I want like my car. I know a lot of folk on here are full timers, and others use their vans daily from home so is there any advice or help anyone can advise on. I live in a quiet place surrounded by fields and its not a high crime area but knew the insurance wouldn't be cheap.

Thanks again everyone and its great to be back.

 

[Jo001]

I don't know who the insurer was, but tagging @marchie because I remember him saying it was cheaper to insure his van while it was on the street rather than in secure storage (because he was there, seeing it every day).

 

[marchie]

I don't know who the insurer was, but tagging @marchie because I remember him saying it was cheaper to insure his van while it was on the street rather than in secure storage (because he was there, seeing it every day).

Can't remember, Jo, but it was probably 2022 renewal, so perhaps Saga?

Steve

 

[TJBi]

Would you be parking on a road or is it a private drive? Terminology can sometimes make a difference.

 

[REC]

Would you be parking on a road or is it a private drive? Terminology can sometimes make a difference.

Just what I was going to say...if it is a private road with access only for you and your neighbour...I would class it as a private driveway. We ended up with Lexham brokers this year btw

 

[Toffeecat]

Thanks everyone. It is a private road only 50 metres long but it doesnt have gates so anyone could if they wished drive onto it. Theres only one way in as the end is a farmers field. Id class it as a private driveway but not sure if the insurers would. Ive just contacted Howdens and then Ill be calling others.

 

[colinm]

Thanks everyone. It is a private road only 50 metres long but it doesnt have gates so anyone could if they wished drive onto it. Theres only one way in as the end is a farmers field. Id class it as a private driveway but not sure if the insurers would. Ive just contacted Howdens and then Ill be calling others.

Do not try and say it's a private driveway to any insurance company as you will be uninsured if it's stolen, there around 40,000 private roads in England and Wales, that are still classed as public highways.

 

[Geek]

Thanks everyone. It is a private road only 50 metres long but it doesnt have gates so anyone could if they wished drive onto it. Theres only one way in as the end is a farmers field. Id class it as a private driveway but not sure if the insurers would. Ive just contacted Howdens and then Ill be calling others.

You need to find out the legal status. No only for insurance reasons. You may want to SORN it one day.
Not having gates does not make it a public road. Having gates does not make it a private driveway.
Being privately owned does not make it a private driveway. Being unadopted does not make it a private road. It just means that the council won't pay to maintain it.
The question is whether or not the general public has a legal right to drive vehicles along it.

 

[RSD7a]

I'm not parked on a road or a driveway. It doesn't fit either category and I guess nearer to 'private land'. Comfort insurance initially said it had to be classified as road for insurance purposes. I offered to send photos. They agreed to take it up with their underwriter and in a couple of days called me back having obtained agreement to class as driveway for insurance purposes. Quite typical of Comfort to go the extra mile. Worth an honest cards on the table chat with them while insisting it's not parked on the road.

Edit. I remember they had a question "Is it on the deeds of the house?" My answer was Yes-ish. Not clear cut because the land is shared with several dwellings. Anyway, they accepted it with photo evidence.

The difference in premium was massive. Private driveway about a third of the on the road price.

 

[Toffeecat]

Hi another quote from AIG and they class it as a public road. Next Adrian Flux then Comfort. Howdens to call back. So far £450 but no contents £750 with contents and lots of Euro cover.

 

[colinm]

Have you tried the compare websites?

 

[barryd]

You are right about a lot of insurance companies not insuring vehicles parked overnight on the road. My van spends most of its time on the drive or away but often this time of year I park it out front on the road so I can get the bikes in and out so I have to declare it as being parked on the road. I'm with AIB. I would talk to them. I think we maybe get a discount.

 

[Toffeecat]

You are right about a lot of insurance companies not insuring vehicles parked overnight on the road. My van spends most of its time on the drive or away but often this time of year I park it out front on the road so I can get the bikes in and out so I have to declare it as being parked on the road. I'm with AIB. I would talk to them. I think we maybe get a discount.

Funny you mention AIB as I just got of the phone to them. they are ok I park outside and the miles I quoted. Two prices cover for stuff inside and no cover for inside stuff. Tried loads of other companies and they look best.

 

[barryd]

Funny you mention AIB as I just got of the phone to them. they are ok I park outside and the miles I quoted. Two prices cover for stuff inside and no cover for inside stuff. Tried loads of other companies and they look best.

I've always found them pretty good to deal with. They will find a tailored solution for you and seem to understand the motorhome insurance market and whats possible quite well. Mine will be up soon come to think of it. All our bloody insurance, MOT's tax and services all come up between the end of Feb and end of April on two bikes, a car and the van.

 

[Geek]

Hi another quote from AIG and they class it as a public road. Next Adrian Flux then Comfort. Howdens to call back. So far £450 but no contents £750 with contents and lots of Euro cover.

I'm baffled by your approach. The status of the road is a legal fact, not an insurance broker's opinion.
Either it is a public road or it is not a public road. Establish which it is, then tell the insurer, not ask them.