The AA is calling for more ‘consumer clarity' for motor insurance
policies with insurers creating so called ‘essentials', ‘basics'
and ‘value' comprehensive insurance products without the most
desired elements that customers want and expect.
In a poll of 10,237 drivers, more than eight out of 10 (84%*) say
they expect windscreen cover to form part of a comprehensive
motor insurance policy, yet some insurers are removing glass
protection from their ‘essentials' and ‘basics' products without
giving consumers the opportunity to add it onto their policy.
When asked what drivers would be willing to lose out on if they
were to buy an ‘essentials' comprehensive policy, just 17% would
be willing to give up cover for their windscreen and glass. In
comparison, three fifths (61%) would prefer to opt out of cover
when driving in Europe, with half willing to forgo breakdown
assistance and more than two fifths (44%) willing to forgo
protection for audio and sat-nav equipment.
As part of The AA's campaign, it is recommending that policies
which remove windscreen cover cannot be called ‘comprehensive'
and are sold as enhanced third party, fire and theft policies.
In addition, The AA is warning drivers to be wary of ‘essentials'
and ‘basics' products and to ensure the policy they are buying
provides the cover they require. Many drivers only discover they
unable to make a claim following an incident, with one of the
most common claims made on motor insurance policies being
windscreen and glass related.
Replacing windscreens, side windows and panoramic roofs can run
into hundreds of pounds. Some drivers are finding out the hard
way that their car insurance was not what they perceived it to be
and are having to foot the bill.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said;
“Comprehensive car insurance suggests to drivers that whatever
happens, they will get the help they need. At the same time,
‘essentials', ‘basics' or ‘value' makes drivers think that some
of the broader benefits have been dropped from the policy,
leaving just the core protections in place.
“However, many are discovering that windscreen cover, a part of a
policy they believe is sacrosanct, has been stripped out to
create products consumers don't want and doesn't meet their
needs.
“We believe that a policy can't be called comprehensive if it's
missing fundamental elements that driver's want and expect.
Ripping out items such as windscreen, and at the same time
calling it ‘essential' feels misleading.
“As well as making sure the policy you buy matches the cover you
need, we want the industry to put the customer first and sell
these policies as an enhanced third party fire and theft product.
That would ensure consumers are clear about what they are getting
up front, rather than be shocked at the worst possible moment.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Yonder received 10,237 responses from AA members to its online
poll between the 15th to 23rd October 2024. Yonder is a member of
the British Polling Council and abides by its rules
