Bit of a shock today when I contacted my insurance company ( Advance) to adjust the annual mileage estimate. As a newbie back in June, I had no idea as to what mileage would be racked up so I asked the person at Advance what an average consumption was and the figure quoted was 5000 miles so I settled for that. Here I am nearly 4 months on and it's clear my usage is going to be well in excess of that.
I was surprised to learn that not only would they not exceed a 10000 limit that the additional cost would be £140. This got me thinking as to what other MHers actual average mileage is and what has been their experience with their insurance companies if they needed to increase their endorsed limits. Hopefully, the other companies are more flexible ( and less mean) which will enable me to change when it comes to renewal.
We usually manage with 6000. There is a charge to increase but also the usual admin charge for changing mid policy.
I would hold out until your renewal date as you are a newby trying to find your usage and taking guidance from the insurers.
In any case our terms state that if we exceed the mileage quoted then in the event of a claim they are entitled to reclaim what we would have paid for the additional mileage, which doesn't seem too bad
I normally insure with a limit of 8K per annum. However, as I drove back in my van from Germany it clicked over to 8K and it is only 10 months old, rang the Caravan Club who said they would need to get back to the underwriter and confirm the additional cost. Policy changed to no miles limit and no extra charge, which is strange but good. I was also expecting an admin charge but nothing.
On the subject of insurance, I could not believe the premium the CC gave me. They quoted £298 with £500 excess and full no claims bonus which is incredible for a £180K van. I pay £71 a year for TF&T for a scooter valued at £900, makes no sense to me.
I've often wondered how insurers know what mileage you've done in say 12 months? As our MH is over three years old, 7 in fact, the only bit of paper or record we have of mileage is the tatty bit of paper that says "MOT". If we were under 3 years old, there wouldn't even be the need for an MOT and therefore no record of mileage.
Conversely to that of the OP, we declared 4k miles p/a but have only done 2k in the past 12 months - I wonder if our insurance company would give us a rebate for next year lol? I think not.
Short of the insurance man coming round to see the MH mileage every 12 months, how do they actually know?
I've often wondered how insurers know what mileage you've done in say 12 months? As our MH is over three years old, 7 in fact, the only bit of paper or record we have of mileage is the tatty bit of paper that says "MOT". If we were under 3 years old, there wouldn't even be the need for an MOT and therefore no record of mileage.
Conversely to that of the OP, we declared 4k miles p/a but have only done 2k in the past 12 months - I wonder if our insurance company would give us a rebate for next year lol? I think not.
Short of the insurance man coming round to see the MH mileage every 12 months, how do they actually know?
The reason I had to contact them was due to my odometer reading 8K miles as it had 0 on delivery so no brainer. I would have thought it fairly simple as the mileage is recorded on the MOT as you rightly say and it is also recorded when the vehicle is serviced and repaired (if at main dealer)
We all know insurers, if they can get a way out of paying back our hard earned cash they will. I never take anything to chance with them, always ensure I comply and have everything in writing. In short I do not trust them an inch.
All they can do is look back on your MOT mileage.................which presumably they can access on line somewhere.
Each year might show you exceeding the limit allowed..........................but unless already exceeded in the current year(from your last MOT) and depending on the date I don't know how they can prove you intend to exceed the limit in an insurance year.
It is probably why the penalty of reclaiming the difference in the event of a claim is so low..................what are the "penalties that other insurers are asking.
My insurance policy says, "If premium for your motor caravan has been based on a selected annual mileage as shown in your policy schedule, you will have to pay the first part of any claim for loss or damage, as indicated below, where this annual mileage limit is exceeded
Mileage exceeded by Up to 1000 miles £350
Mileage exceeded by More than 1000 miles £600."
By withholding material information, which arguably includes excess mileage, from your insurer, you are effectively transferring the risk, or part of the risk [your insurance policy will tell you] from the insurer to yourself which seems to defeat the purpose of taking out insurance. And never underestimate an insurer's ability to avoid paying out. Just because we can't see how they will prove something, doesn't mean they won't!
If evidence exists you exceeded the annual mileage in previous years, all the insurer would have to prove is that an excess mileage history is material information and had they possessed it, they would not have underwritten the renewal on the current terms.
They could be real picky and say that as the information given at starting contract was incorrect they declare the policy void.
Remember if in an accident the accessor will confirm the mileage when investigating.
We have a limit of 6K but have never been asked for an odometer reading. I know it is now recorded on the MOT, but surely unless that coincides with the insurance year that can't be used to prove anything. To complicate matters as it is an import the odometer reads klms rather than miles (although speedo reads miles). Last year I think I exceeded 6K by a couple of hundred. Should I be concerned?
With any insurer you're on a hiding to nothing if you want to contest anything. Think cumulatively year on year using your MOT mileage. Last year I exceeded my projected 4000 miles and 'fessed up to the insurer. It cost me £25. Peanuts for the peace of mind.
My experience has been that you are normally far better off by over-estimating your mileage when taking out a policy than trying to be be accurate. First there is often no increase in quoted premium anyway by going from say 5,000 miles pa to 7,000 miles pa whereas if you subsequently declare the same increase (5k to 7k) you will often have to pay a charge of some sort. Secondly if you over-estimate in one year then this can give you a cushion in the next year although you have to be mindful of what may have been recorded in any MOT or service history when trying to use this cushion. I think it unlikely that an insurer will dispute a claim because you are say 500 miles over in one year but had been 500 under in a previous year - however if it is obvious that you had been under-declaring year after year then expect no leniency!
I think that the bottom line is that in the event of a claim. that is when your stats need to be in order. Like many things in life, you may be lucky and get away with things, only to have huge regrets when reality catches up. I claim for 8000 miles and after an extended Spanish tour and visits around the UK I should still be well within that.
Exactly - you have an obligation to tell them everything they feel they need to know, but they have no obligation to tell you what it might be.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Motorhome Facts Forum
1.6M posts
111.8K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to campers and Motorhome owners and enthusiasts based in the UK. Come join the discussion about camping, RV models, gear, repairs, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!